It’s that time of year again. And it’s an event everyone in Bridgeport should consider taking some time out of their day to attend.

 

Opening day for the 16^th Season of the Challenger Division of Little League Baseball will be held Saturday at 5 p.m. at the Bridgeport Recreation Complex, according to league organizers Mike and Kim Martin.

 

“We have close to 90 youngsters from eight counties, primarily North Central West Virginia that are taking part,” said Mike Martin. “We have kids coming from New Martinsville, Parsons and Braxton County so they’re coming from all over for a chance to participate and they’re all welcome to be here.”

 

For those not aware, Challenger allows for children that face mental or physical challenges ages five and up to experience the joy of Little League baseball. Kim Martin said there are children in the Bridgeport league with cerebral palsy, issues with site impairment, autism and some with seizure issues among others.

 

Unlike other youth leagues, skill is not a determining factor on playing time – but having fun is. And unlike other youth baseball, you won’t hear anyone arguing with umpires or complaining about playing time.

 

“It’s a really unique and wonderful experience from start to finish,” said Mike Martin.

 

Both Mike and Kim Martin encourage the community to come to the event. It is open to the public and it’s free.

 

This year’s ceremony will have a local celebrity throwing out the first pitch. Bridgeport High School alum and West Virginia University football player and starting linebacker Dylan Tonkery will be in attendance.

 

“There was no hesitation to his response when I texted him Monday outside of probably two minutes,” said Mike Martin. “He said he would be more than happy to do it and then he’s going to stay and sign autographs for the kids.

 

“What’s special about Dylan is that it makes me happy to see a kid grow up in this community, experience success and then come back to be part of our opening day,” Martin continued. “It’s just an added bonus to what always turns out to be a great day.”

 

Along with the first pitch, each and every player will be introduced with their teammates. There are eight teams in three divisions. One division with two teams is for youngsters ages 5 to 11. Another division consists of four teams of kids 11 and above, while another 11 and above division of two teams is the lone division that keeps score.

 

“They actually enjoy that part of it,” Mike Martin said. “We’ve been doing that division for a few years and we still haven’t had any arguments.”

 

Mike Baher of Mountain State Pack & Ship will be recognized as well. Baher was responsible for a large fundraiser this year where he built a model train display of a “Field of Dreams.” He raffled off the display and donated the proceeds to Challenger League.

 

Kim Martin also said families and players will be given tickets for free to attend a West Virginia University baseball game. The contest they will attend will be in May.

 

Two other regular features will be part of the event. Tom Steele will once again handle the public address announcing duties and league participant and fan favorite Josh Rhine will sing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” which general ends in a rousing ovation.

 

While there are plenty of family and friends of the children on hand, Kim Martin said she thinks it’s a wise investment of time for anyone in the community to come out.

 

“It just makes your heart happy to see those children with smiles on their face playing with joy that is absolute. They love the game and start talking about next season at our season-ending pool party,” said Martin. “We really encourage everyone to come out and I’ve had a whole lot of people that have experienced tell me it’s the best thing going in Bridgeport.

 

“Those children deal with so much so it’s wonderful for them to just be able to forget about everything and play ball,” she continued. “It’s also special for the parents, many of who have told us before Challenger there was nothing for their children with needs. Now, you have our league and other sports that are in place and others that are being talked about, including tennis and soccer. The more things for these children the better.”