Every year, Mike and Kim Martin have the date circled. The date, which fluctuates annually, is one they know is going to bring joy to not only themselves, but everyone involved and everyone who happens to be watching on that date.

 

This year, in 2020, the date was April 18. The location was the Bridgeport Recreation Complex. The event was the 18^th Annual Opening Day for the Bridgeport division of Challenger League Baseball.

 

For those not sure about Challenger League, it is a division of Little League Baseball for children and young adults with special needs. The issues facing those involved range from autism, down syndrome, paralysis, and numerous others.

 

The opening day is the first day of a season of games that, for many, is a highlight of the year. Mike Martin was reminded about that this week as he is aware the news that opening day was scrapped and the chance of the season taking place during 2020 becomes less likely as the days move forward

 

“It’s just been so disappointing. Kim got a text message from one of the mom’s whose daughter plays with a photo showing her little girl batting. They just wanted to let us know how much they miss the league and the chance to play,” said Martin. “We just wish the situation is what it is right now. We’ve never had to deal with something like this.”

 

Weather has been an issue in the past. An occasional scheduling conflict and, in the early days of the league, sometimes finding a place to hold an opening day ceremony was easier said than done. Dealing with a pandemic not only has officially put an end to the first-ever opening day ceremonies where the players are treated like rock stars but may halt everything.

 

“When we started there were always issues, but you never dreamed a pandemic would be the thing to stop us from celebrating opening day,” said Martin. “We’re holding out with a little bit of hope and if we’re allowed to play and find a way to safely do it, we well. It’s just not looking very good right now.”

 

Unlike some youth sports that could play if the virus goes on a steady downtrend or even if done with no fans in attendance, Challenger League does not have that luxury. Due to the physical challenges, most of the players require buddies – often Little League players and even high school students – to assist them. Parents and guardians also must be with many of those involved due to the advanced nature of what their child is dealing with.

 

There is another issue with starting back up if the green light is given for youth sports.

 

“So many of these kids have underlying health issues that starting back up without everything being safe is a real big worry. We have some kids that don’t have the strength and mobility to recover like healthier kids,” said Martin. “If the time comes where a green light is given, that’s something we’ll have to consider in a very serious manner.”

 

The loss of the program means 90 kids that pre-registered (and likely a few more just prior to opening day), nearly 100 buddies and 100 parents and guardians won’t get to take part in what some describe as the best day of sports annually in Bridgeport. Martin said everyone expected the cancellation, but it did not make it any easier

 

“Kim runs our Facebook page to let people know and we have an automated phone system that reaches 286 people from players, buddies and family,” said Martin. “We know there was a lot of disappointment.”

 

Martin, who along with Kim, started the league and have built it into the beautiful spectacle it is, said the disappointment is shared by everyone, including the Martins and others involved in organizing the league.

 

“We all love those kids and to be able to bring them joy and them on the field with us in the middle of it means the world to all of us,” said Martin. “Those that have been involved, us included, have developed lifelong friendships with so many people. We know we’re not alone with this because the whole world has taken a step back, but it doesn’t make it any less disheartening.”

 

Martin said his biggest worry is the kids having other things to look forward to during the pandemic. He said, for many, Challenger League Baseball – along with Jeff Wetzel Challenger League Basketball that did get their season in – is among the few big social outlets that they can participate in.

 

“That makes this feeling for all of us a lot emptier,” said Martin. “It all comes back to us really missing those kids.”

 

Editor's Note: Photos from past opening days of Challenger League by Ben Queen Photography.