High Desert Little League provides the Little League Challenger Program during its Spring Season. 

What is the Little League Challenger Program? 

The Little League Challenger Program is Little League’s adaptive baseball program for individuals with physical and intellectual challenges. Little League introduced the Challenger Division in 1989 to provide opportunities for children with physical and intellectual challenges to participate in the Little League program. The Challenger Division utilizes a "buddy system" in which Little Leaguers assist Challenger participants in the areas of batting, running and fielding. Challenger Division games are typically non-competitive in nature.

Who can participate in the Little League Challenger Program?

Any individual with a physical or intellectual challenge may participate. If an individual can participate in the traditional Little League Baseball or Softball program with reasonable accommodations they should do so. The Little League Challenger Division accommodates players ages 4-18, or up to age 22 if still enrolled in school. The Senior League Challenger Division accommodates players ages 15 and above (no maximum age).

Is there a cost to participate in the Challenger Program? 

No, High Desert Little League does not require a registration fee to enroll. As a Board of Directors for the League, we strongly support Little League in that no player may be denied the opportunity to participate based on the inability to pay a registration fee. Therefore, the Challenger Program at High Desert Little League is free to participate in.

What rules are followed during a Challenger game?

Flexibility and adaptability are key during Challenger games. Little League provides all chartered teams with a rulebook that includes a best practices guide to operating a Challenger Game. Typically games are 1-2 innings long and last about an hour. All players play defensively and bat every inning.

What are “buddies” and what role do they have in the Challenger Division?

Buddies are individuals who assist Challenger athletes in the areas of batting, base running and defense, but only as needed. Often buddies are peer athletes who are participating in the Little League Baseball or Softball program. Buddies provide assistance as needed, including serving as guides for base running, helping with fielding, batting and more. The buddies are there to encourage and support as a friend and mentor.

To register for the coming season create an account and click on the Challengers program under your participant.  Returning families just click register in your account page and follow the process. 

HDLL Challenger Division contacts:
Alison Ryan - Vice President
[email protected]

Since its inception, Challenger baseball has become Little League’s fastest growing division. To learn more about the program and upcoming worldwide events, visit Little League’s website at www.littleleague.org/media/challenger.htm