I’ve always wanted to be able to participate in team sports. To work together as a team, in order to pull off a victory, has always sounded fun and inviting to me. I’ll be totally honest with you; having the crowd behind you, cheering you onto victory, isn’t bad either!
Being physically disabled, I haven’t really had much opportunity to play competitive, team sports! That is until very recently! I want to tell you about an organization that has made it possible for me to play competitive sports!
It is called Buddy Ball. In my opinion, IT IS AN ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL ORGANIZATION! I can play right on my scooter. Every player on the team is partnered up with a buddy (is a light bulb going off in your head…”buddy” ball). Your buddy will do everything they can to help you! They’ll help you bat, run, push you in your wheelchair, and they’ll be your back-up in the field!
I remember when I met my first coach, he asked me if I had any nicknames. I was just kidding, I told him “Slugger”! Now every time I go up to bat, they announce me as Cate, “Slugger”! I’m afraid “Striker” would be more accurate!
I play in Grove City, Ohio. WE HAVE A TOTALLY AWESOME FIELD TO PLAY ON! IT IS ALL TOTALLY HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE! We have our own stadium complete with seats and lights! Here’s another really cool thing, they’ll let regular players sing the National Anthem! Now that I’m out of my depression, I might see if they’ll let me sing! YOU ALL KNOW I’M NOT SHY!
I would like to give a shout out to all those involved in @grovecitybuddyball and say thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your dedication, hard work and many hours of volunteering! Thank you for striving and achieving to make it so authentic and professional! Thanks again for making it possible for handicapped people to play and experience the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat in competition!
I have three more things to say in closing… “take me out to the ball game”, “buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack”, “play ball!”
Comments
18 responses to “Buddy Ball”
I love your stories Cate and plan to come watch you play! You rock dear friend!
No , Beth I don’t rock!!! YOU DO!!!! It would be fun to show you what Buddy Ball is all about!!!!
Cate, somehow you always make me realize the world is full of wonderful things, much more than I know about. That makes me praise God for His abundance and joy! Thanks for doing that for me.
PS. I had an idea, watching you run to first base: I think Bill could put a jet engine on your mobie! You could get a home run on a bunt (if you could hang on around the corners). Let’s do it!!!
Jan,
YOU ROCK!!!! Thanks for your sweet comments!!!! I love your idea of Bill putting a jet engine on my mobie!!!! Along with the jet engine, Bill could put a sidecar so you could ride with me!!!!
Slugger, we’d love to come watch you play! Thanks for sharing!
Jen,
Thanks for your lovely and sweet comment!!!! It would be fun having ya’ll at one of my games!!!!
Cate, really enjoyed post. I am looking forward to watching you at a few games this year!
Janet,
Thanks for your faithful encouragement and support on my blog!!!! Thanks for coming to watch my games!!!!
Hey Cateybug I didn’t know you played buddy ball that was awesome and looks like a lot of fun too. I heard they did that but I didn’t know they did it here. Well God bless you sister can’t wait till your next blog Love you.
Thanks for your comments!!!! I really appreciate you!!!!
Hey Slugger,
Back in the day we could have used you on our ball team! You rock Slugger!
Connie,
Thanks for your comments!!!! Let’s play on the same baseball team in Heaven!!!! Thanks for faithfully following my blog and commenting!!!!
Way to go “Slugger”!!! Sounds awesome.
Andy,
Thanks, for your nice comment!!!! It really has been totally fun!!!!
Go, Cate! I know Buddy Ball has been a highlight of the summer. Maybe I’ll be able to get to a game this year!
Kelly,
Thanks for the lovely comments!!!! It would be fun to show you how Buddy Ball works!!!!
Woo Hoo!!!! This is so awesome!
You go girl!🥰
Bonnie,
Do you know who’s really awesome? YOU!!!! Thanks for your sweet comment!!!!