Northwestern Hosts Second-Annual Buddy Ball Event :: Wildcats welcome special needs children

May 2, 2008

EVANSTON, Ill. - Northwestern's baseball program took time out Sunday, April 27 for the second consecutive year to host the popular Buddy Ball game at Rocky Miller Park. The outing followed the Wildcats' 14-8 victory over Ohio State.

Approximately 25 special needs children in eighth grade and under from throughout the Chicagoland area took the field for the festivities. The group is organized through Glenview Youth Baseball.

Buddy Ball provides individuals with special needs the opportunity to play sports, regardless of their limitations. The program helps individuals learn teamwork and promotes self-esteem, one of the tools needed to help overcome the stigma often associated with a disability.

Since the first `Buddy Ball' game was established in Edison, N.J., back in 1995, individual games and leagues have popped up all over the country. Sunday's game in Evanston was no exception. It provided local children the ability to take the field, some for the very first time in their lives, and play baseball.