When Mike Martin started the Challenger Division of Little League baseball a dozen years ago, he knew he would need plenty of help and community support. He knew he would need financial assistance, community assistance and the aid of the youth in the Bridgeport community and beyond.

 

Twelve years later, Martin has received all of that in spades. And because of that, nearly 100 youth from seven counties will be in Bridgeport tomorrow for the opening day of the 12^th season of Challenger baseball, which is a division of Little League for physically or mentally challenged youth to enjoy the baseball experience.

 

The ceremonies are scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. at the Bridgeport Recreation Complex. Incredibly, 97 youngsters will be part of eight teams and there will be four games Saturday. Martin said he thought it would be a good time to pay special tribute to those involved.

 

“Those we’ve asked to throw out first pitches tomorrow have been supporters of the league in a big way and in special ways,” said Martin. “At the same time, we know there have been so many that have contributed and those involved tomorrow will represent everyone.”

 

One of the special guests will be 22-year-old Bridgeport resident Jerome Axton who will be on the field with his friend Robert Hill. Axton and Hill are the two individuals who are depicted in the Bridgeport Little League Challenger Division’s official logo.

 

Axton served as a buddy the first year to Hill. The Challenger buddies are paired up with players in the league – usually players from Bridgeport’s Little League as well as other youths – to make everyone feel included. Axton and Hill, who has spina bifida and is no longer in the league, are still friends to this day.

 

“In dealing with handicapped children, they’re more socially accepted by other students when they’re in grade school, but it’s been shown that as kids become teens and start noticing the opposite sex sometimes they worry about how cool they look and who they hang out with and often handicapped children get left out,” said Martin. “What we hoped the buddy system would do was develop relationships off the field and into the schools and that’s happened and 12 years later Jerome and Robert are friends. If all of this ended today, to know that took place among just one of our kids this would have been worth it.”

 

Having Axton on hand will also have another special meaning. Axton was recently diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a bone cancer commonly associated with teenagers and rapid growth. He’s just started undergoing treatments and Martin said it’s time to show how much youngsters like Axton are appreciated and that his Challenger friends support him.

 

“With Jerome, it takes on a different type of meaning. He served as a buddy for a long time, even after he was out of Little League. He’s the epitome of a good buddy and an excellent young man,” said Martin. “We hope he knows we’re all behind him as he battles this.”

 

Also throwing out the first pitch as a group will be the GFWC Bridgeport Juniorettes. Along with serving as buddies for the last few years, this group of what Martin said is primarily Bridgeport Middle School students, did something else special.

 

“They actually went out and raised enough money to sponsor a team. They raised $400 to provide the funds needed for a team sponsorship,” said Martin. “That’s truly wonderful.”

 

The money was mostly raised through a group project. The Juniorettes held a rose sale for the purpose of sponsoring a team.

 

Martin also will be mentioning Bridgeport residents Andy and Lisa Lang. Martin was hoping to have them out for the first pitch honors as well, but the couple is out of town.

 

“I can’t begin to explain how important Andy and Lisa are to what we do and they want no credit or recognition for it,” said Martin. “It’s hard, though, for me not to mention them because they’ve always been there for these children with so much support though the years.”

 

Tomorrow, look forward to seeing Chelcie’s Angels, Thomas’ Red Sox, The Braves, The Indians, Bonn’s Pirates, the Cardinals, Shawn’s Astros and Corey’s Orioles battle it out in Bridgeport to see who can do the best in the field and, most important, have the most fun. The teams with names in front of the team names, with the exception of Bonn’s Pirates (named in honor of the late Bonn Kehrer whose father Albert is heavily involved in the league), are named in honor of former league players that have passed away.

 

Unlike years past, Martin said there is no rain location. He said, “It’s there or it’s nowhere because we’ve now got too many kids for an indoor event.” Although there is a chance for rain Saturday, it’s sporadic. Martin said officials will do everything they can so that at a minimum the opening day ceremonies can be held.

Editor's Note: Top picture is from last year's opening day ceremonies, while the second photo shows the logo depicting Jerome Axton and Robert Hill. Bottom photo is of  the Juniorettes with Mike Martin.