The League of Yes is a home run for kids with special needs

The League of Yes is a baseball league for kids who have special needs. They can play until they are in high school. They play in the fall and spring for nine games.

Each child is assigned a buddy. The buddies are volunteers, and they come from all over to work with the kids. The buddy walks with the child up to home plate and helps them swing the bat (they play T-ball).  After the child hits the ball, they run around the bases together. When they round third base, they run through a tunnel. The tunnel is made up of buddies on both sides. Each kid gets a hit and gets to run around the bases. Everyone is a winner. Once the game is over, each kid gets a hot dog and soda.

The League of Yes was founded in 2006 by Kristine Fitzpatrick. She wanted to create a league for kids with disabilities who wanted to play baseball. Since she founded the league, there are now more than 1,000 volunteers and more than 150 players as of the 2014 season, according to its website. The coaches of both teams work together to help the kids get ready at home plate. They show the kids how to hold the bat and swing it, and cheer them on when they are running the bases. Kids enjoy participating in this because they feel they are a part of the community and are having fun.

My cousin, Nick, plays for Yes and my Uncle Bobby is his coach. I interviewed my uncle about Yes. My cousin’s team name is the Blue Jays. My uncle said, “The league is very rewarding.” He also said it feels good helping the kids and he gets a lot out of it. My uncle and cousin both like doing it. They have been involved with the league for five years. He says it’s a fun thing to do and he recommends this activity.

Any kid with special needs can do this activity. If you are interested in participating with the League of Yes, you can go to the website, leagueofyes.org. You can register online or make a donation. It has a list of upcoming events; you can also read news about the league and you can see their photo and video library.

Lara McNally’s Girl Scout Troop 730, Centereach