For The Love Of The Game: Buddy Ball Brings Players Together

GLENVIEW, IL — Baseball is a game where being a great teammate can make all the difference. Glenview Blaze Baseball teaches this concept, along with other baseball and life lessons, to its players. The travel baseball organization also makes sure its players learn the importance of being a good buddy.

For more than 20 years, children and young adults with physical and mental disabilities have also been part of the organization through the Blaze Buddy Team. According to league officials, roster sizes vary from year to year, but there have been rosters as high as 20 participants.

Currently, Blaze Buddy Ball plays around five to seven games per season on Sunday afternoons in May and June. All Blaze travel teams ages 10-14 participate on a weekly basis and team up as a "buddy" with each player on the Blaze Buddy Ball team, working on hitting, running the bases, fielding and throwing.

"Buddy Ball was really fun because all the participants loved playing baseball," Glenview Blaze player Mark Atwood said. "The Buddy Ball team did not let their challenges prevent them from enjoying the game. Playing with the Buddy Ball team made me feel fortunate to play baseball."

Each Buddy Ball game consists of two innings where all players bat with coach pitch or using a batting tee. The league said Blaze travel team players "get as much out of this special experience as do the Buddy Ball players including creating friendships which have been formed through these games."

The concept for Buddy Ball has become an important component of the league's travel program and gives players a chance to give back to the community.

"To me, this was one of the most important things I’ve ever done," player Sam Christos said. "I don’t know where I would be if I didn’t have baseball so to give these kids an opportunity to play was great and to me that’s what it’s about – making a difference in their lives.”

Blaze Buddy Ball jerseys and hats are provided free of charge to all players. Greg Neppl, a former standout Blaze player, is coaching the Buddy Ballers along with help from longtime assistant, John Ruddy.

To learn more about Blaze Buddy Ball and the Glenview Blaze, visit https://www.glenviewblazebaseb...