Massachusetts

Opening Day for Martin Richard Challenger Baseball Program in Dorchester

Sunday was opening day for the Martin Richard Challenger Baseball Program in Dorchester, Massachusetts.

It’s not about winning or losing for kids in the challenger division of the Savin Hill Little League, it’s about just playing the game.

The league was set up for boys and girls with developmental and physical challenges.

“I’m a father of a child with Down Syndrome, so I know how exciting it is to see a kid who you didn’t think was going to hit a baseball, hit a baseball!” said Brendan McDonough, founder of the challenger league.

The program is named after Martin Richard, the youngest victim of the Boston Marathon Bombings.

Martin's older brother Henry is a volunteer.

“I just think that everyone should get a chance to be able to play,” Henry Richard said.

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh and Chief William Gross were on hand Sunday to help give these kids a chance to play.

Mayor Walsh was one of the guest pitchers.

“It’s an unbelievable experience for these young people that get a chance to play baseball. A lot times these kids wouldn’t have a chance to play in the traditional Little Leagues but this Challengers league opens up a whole new opportunity for kids to play baseball,” Mayor Walsh said.

The league is actively looking for “buddy" volunteers to help on game days.

Click here for more information.

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