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EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville baseball team volunteered on Sunday with the Highland Baseball Club Challenger League.
 
In its second season, Evansville's Challenger League gives boys and girls with mental and/or physical disabilities a chance to play the game of baseball. According to the Little League website, "the Challenger Division encourages the use of 'buddies' for the Challenger players. The buddies assist the Challenger players on the field, but whenever possible, encourage the players to bat and make plays themselves. However, the buddy is always nearby to help when needed."
 
Nearly a dozen Purple Aces were on hand to assist their fellow friends from the Challenger League.  It was a powerful experience not only for the Challenger League players but also for the UE student-athletes.
 
"Overall, the experience was phenomenal," said senior infielder Jonathan Ramon. "As a team, we always try to find any way that we can give back to the community that always gives to us. The Challenger League was a great way to give back."
 
The Challenger League teams played a few innings of baseball, splitting time between the plate and the field. The Aces instantly formed new friendships with their Challenger League buddies.
 
"The children there welcomed us all with open arms," added Ramon. "They allowed us to be a part of their day, playing the game that they were so familiar with and that we love. It was a great experience not only for our players, but hopefully we impacted the day of the children we were with." 
 
For more information on the Little League Challenger Division, contact Sam Ranck, at: 570-326-1921, ext.2254; or email challenger@LittleLeague.org .