What is WMLL’s Challenger League?

The Challenger League is WMLL’s baseball league for boys & girls with physical & mental disabilities. Launched in 2009, our Challenger League offers an authentic Little League experience in an athletic environment structured to the ability of each player.

• Games run for 1.5 hours & usually allow for three complete innings of play.
• No score is kept.
• Each player takes a position on the field & bats every inning.
• A half-inning is over when all the players on a team have batted.
• Batters can choose to be pitched to by a coach or hit off a tee. There are no strikeouts.
• Players in the field attempt to make outs, but even if they do, the batter stays on base as a baserunner.

What do Challenger League buddies do?

Every Challenger League player is paired with an able-bodied “buddy”.  Each buddy provides encouragement & assistance to their player as needed on the field, at bat & in the dugout.  The use of volunteer buddies allows the parents of Challenger League players to sit in the stands, watch the game and cheer on the players.

When are Challenger League games?

The 2024 season begins Saturday September 7th & runs for five weeks.  All games are for 1.5 hours on Saturday mornings at the WMLL Battista Field – except for a special game under the lights.  There also is a practice game in August , before which buddies, players & coaches will meet one another & review league essentials.

Who can be a buddy?

Challenger League buddies must be at least 11-years-old.  Most are WMLL baseball & softball players, but this is not a requirement.  Buddies who can be available for ALL Challenger League games are preferred, as players really count on having their buddy present.  If you can’t make every game, you can still be involved as a substitute buddy.

How do I apply to be a buddy?

To apply to be a Buddy simply fill out this Google Form Link. If you have questions, please email Challenger League Coordinator Randy Norton at randaln@charter.net.

Challenger League in the News!

Click HERE for a WISC-TV News 3 feature on the Challenger League
Click HERE for an Isthmus feature on Jaden Weiss, a former Challenger League buddy