Bridgeport is a city filled with sports tradition and a rich sports history, most of it associated with Bridgeport High School. This current school year is proof of that.

 

With the spring sports season for 2025 still in its earliest stages, Bridgeport High School already has a record-tying five team state championships to its credit. Each season special, and each team that did not win put in the hard work and dedication that made their seasons special as well.

 

Yet, what has transpired cannot top the single greatest annual sporting event that is set to take place Sunday (weather permitting), April 13, at The Bridge Sports and Recreation Complex. The best part? If you ask the student athletes who won those state titles, they will almost certainly agree that nothing can top what is taking place today.

 

In fact, it is so big of a deal, the "From the Bench" blog is going Saturday instead of Sunday this week to hopefully get a few folks out for the festivities involving the undisputed champion of Bridgeport sports.

 

Once again, and for the 22nd year, the facility will play host to the opening day of Challenger League. The opening day ceremonies will kick off at 1 p.m. Even if inclement weather forces cancellation, it does not cancel my school of thought.

 

I will die on that hill. And I am sure I will have company.

 

For those not familiar, Challenger League is the division of Little League Baseball that League Co-founders Mike Martin and wife Kim said is for individuals with physical, mental, or emotional conditions that prevent them from playing in basic Little League. Those participating have autism, are blind or vision-impaired, have cerebral palsy, spina bifida or any number of conditions that prevent them from being able to take part in the other division of Little League. Martin said the majority of those participating in the Bridgeport division are autistic.

 

That, however, is not what makes the league special.

 

What makes it special is the league is joyful. Actually, the league is pure, unfiltered joy. There is no booing, there are no sad faces, there is no yelling at the umpires or parents arguing or trying to position themselves to get their child on some elite travel team. Add to it that if you want to attend it is free, and you may have a perfect sporting event.

 

“We’ve had no ejections, and every team is undefeated now for more than 20 years,” said Mike Martin. “You think of that with a smile, but it’s part of makes it work and part of what makes Kim and I keep coming back. It’s a lot of work, but it’s a labor of love and we are the recipients of a lot of love and a lot of hugs.

 

“Those kids are just so appreciative to just have a chance to be a kid,” Mike continued. “Other than wanting to have fun, they are simply happy to be there just for a chance to play. You will see zero sense of entitlement not just from the kids, but the parents.”

 

The number of children involved this year is at an all-time high. Martin said last year Challenger had 100 kids on the nose. This year, the league has 112 kids that are ages four and up that make up eight teams.

 

Those 112 kids have a majority from right here in Harrison County. But no one is turned away. In fact, Martin said Challenger League draws from seven or eight counties and sees some children and their families drive from two hours away to take part.

 

Martin heaped praise on officials with the City of Bridgeport as well as those at The Bridge. In particular, he praised the new artificial surfaces on the baseball fields.

 

“It’s unbelievable how nice it is for the kids. The wheelchairs maneuver so much easier, it’s easier to walk on, and if you fall down, you don’t get dirty,” said Martin. “We’re grateful this project has helped our league and accommodated are players.”

 

There are more than just 100-plus players this year. Martin is expecting to have “300 buddies or more” for the 2025 season.

 

For those unaware, the “buddies” are youngsters – primarily other Little League players as well as Bridgeport Middle and High School students – who team up with one of the Challenger League players and not only help them out but become their friends. Mike and Kim Martin have said many times it is one of the biggest bonuses of the entire league.

 

“You know, we had 275 buddy t-shirts printed last year and ran out. This year, we printed 300 and some shirts,” he said.

 

An entire generation of buddies are now adults. And some of those adults still help out. Martin talked about Tristan Knapp, an employee at The Bridge, who helped way back when he was 10 years old as a buddy.

 

“He’s now an expectant father and he’s going out into the community and getting swim team members, volleyball team members, and all kinds of kids to come and help out,” said Mike. “He wants to do it, and the kids he approaches want to be part of this.

 

“Honestly, children love to help other children, particularly when they know they’re helping others out that don’t always have a lot of opportunities,” Mike continued. “The buddies allow for our players to hang out and socialize and with the numbers we have you may see a player with four or even five buddies. It’s just wonderful to see the interaction.”

 

It is wonderful enough for Mike and Kim, well into their retirement years, to keep going full throttle. Kim said there is a reason to keep going.

 

“Seeing the kids that wouldn’t have another opportunity to participate fuels us,” she said. “To see the buddies and see some of them enjoying it more than our players at times is just that added motivation you need when you’ve worked hard to get things ready. Even if you’re worn out, those smiles, the high fives, and the laughter is all you need to see from the kids participating to keep going.”

 

The Martins have enlisted Morgantown native and WVU wide receiver Preston Fox to throw out the first pitch. And, as has become a tradition, Josh Rhine will get things going with his own rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”

 

Seeing Rhine work his vocal magic is another reason to show up among a long, lengthy list of reasons. If you cannot make it to opening day, then make it a priority to learn when these children play their games and just show up.

 

You will see what you can only see at these games – pure joy. You will be provided with a dose of perspective whether you need one or not. And you will walk away enriched and feeling good about what you have seen.

 

Do not be surprised, or even ashamed about a salty discharge from your eyes. Instead embrace them. I can assure you any tears shed will be of the happy variety.

 

After all, it is what makes the action at the Bridgeport Challenger League the single greatest sporting event in Bridgeport.

 

Editor's Note: Photos are from many past years of Challenger League baseball.