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Signups begin for Buddy Ball League

Buddy Ball registration for players and buddies begins Feb. 16, 4 to 6 p.m. at First State Bank in Fredericktown.

All kids can play ball. The new Madison County Buddy Ball League is coming to town to make sure of it.

The new, non-competitive league will start in May. It will give children ages 6 and up–with any type of disability–the opportunity to be a part of a team.

The league will have two age divisions, 6-18 and 18 and up.

League coordinator Missy Bowman said everyone will get to play the whole game and no score will be kept.

“Regardless of their needs we will adapt the game to make sure they can play,” Bowman said.

Each player will be paired with a buddy to help him or her throughout the game.

Bowman said they will try to match each player with a buddy similar in age and they will stay with them the whole season so friendships can form.

Buddies will be between the ages of 10 to adult and will stay with the players helping them with everything from batting to being in the field.

It will be a 6-to-8-week season with games on Saturday mornings.

There will be no cost to players due to donations made by several area businesses.

Organizers are currently looking for gently used baseball equipment. They are in need of extra batting tees, bats, gloves and helmets in all sizes. Donations can be dropped off at signups or pick ups can be arranged. 

“Thank you to everyone for the support they have shown and the donations that have been made so far,” Bowman, said. “We believe this is a great way for our community to come together to show support for individuals with disabilities.”

If you are interested in being a buddy, a sponsor, donating or know someone who would like to be a player, contact Missy Bowman at 573-561-6293. 

Buddy Ball signups begin Feb. 16 at from 4 to 6 p.m. at First State Bank in Fredericktown. 

Buddy Ball signups begin Feb. 16 at from 4 to 6 p.m. at First State Bank in Fredericktown. 

Victoria Kemper is a reporter for the Democrat News. She can be reached at 573-783-3366 or at vkemper@democratnewsonline.com

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