Baseball season is just about here, and in my book, it couldn’t have come any sooner. In just a matter of weeks, if not already, the local parks will be filled with kids of all ages throwing balls, hitting pop flies, and having fun. In the Valley, there are programs for all players, no matter the ability or disability.

While there are some differences between programs – Little League, PONY baseball, travel baseball, or the Boys and Girls Club – no matter which league you choose, it’s all a learning process and there is no right or wrong way to go.

The Temecula Valley American Little League association started implementing the Challengers Division last year and it was tremendously successful. Created in 1989, the Challenger Division gives everyone a chance to play with standard equipment on regular fields, regardless of limitations.

"We knew there was a need for this type of division and we ran with it," said TVALL’s Challenger Division Director Phil Brown, who also said, "The community has been very supportive and this year with the help of other local leagues, like TYB and our school affiliates, we know it’s going to be another successful year for our players and their families."

In order to get in shape for the season, just like the pros, this past weekend Morgan Hill Park in Temecula played host to dozens of special needs children and volunteers for a baseball camp that was truly like none other.

"The objective of the camp was to give these players, which range in ages from 4 to 19, the chance to hit, throw and catch the baseball with the help of watchful guardians. At the same time it was a way to give the parents of special needs kids the chance to see what the practice regimen will look like during the season.

The event was held as a part of Temecula Valley American Little League’s goal to engage kids of every age, stage and ability in the game of baseball. Of course running a camp of this magnitude takes lots of help, which included local residents, student volunteers, Little League board members, coaches from the Temecula Youth Baseball League, the SoCal 12U Hitmen, who are a Temecula-based travel team, local Marines from Marine Aircraft Group 39 (MAG-39) and 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW) out of Camp Pendleton, and players from Great Oak High School’s junior varsity baseball team.

"We are hoping that the community will continue to join us in helping these kids learn to love baseball and we can certainly use the help of any local businesses that would like to step up to the plate with sponsorship support," added Brown.

The season will be underway in a few short weeks and games will take place on Saturdays from 8 to 11 a.m. at Temeku Hills Park in Temecula. To find out more information about the Temecula Valley American Little League’s Challenger Division, visit www.tvall.org or contact Phil Brown at challenger@tvall.org.