The Harvey West Park baseball diamond is filled with hustle and excitement during Challenger Little League’s Opening Day festivities.

Roman Villar-Moore steps into the batter’s box with the support of dad Manni Moore.

Cameron Cox revels in a game of catch with a Velcro paddle and ball during warmups at Challenger Little League.

Kenna Free is greeted at home with the safe sign by umpire Joel Rockafellow, exultation from coach Mike Rockafellow and support from Kenna’s Little League “buddy” Sven Banyan as she crosses the plate earlier this month during the first Challenger Little League game of the 2025 season. Established in 1989, the Little League Challenger Division is an adaptive baseball program for individuals with physical and intellectual challenges. It includes both a Youth Division (ages 4–18) and a Senior Division (ages 15 and up), ensuring inclusive play for a wide range of participants. More than 31,000 children participate in over 900 Challenger Divisions worldwide. About 30 players are participating locally this season, where the effort is hosted by Santa Cruz Little League and sponsored, for a second year, by local nonprofit Shared Adventures. Asa Schaffer (with the support of his parents) started the Santa Cruz Little League Challenger Division in 2013. When Schaffer went to college, his family continued running the program until it was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After sports activities resumed Rachael Marion-Tsukamaki and Mike Rockafellow took over the reins of the program. “Beyond learning the fundamentals of baseball, the true value of the program lies in its proven benefits for socialization and personal growth, particularly in boosting participants’ self-esteem,” said Marion-Tsukamaki. She added that “players get to enjoy the excitement of being part of a team, building friendships with their Major League ‘Buddies,’ being cheered on by fans, and receiving recognition for their efforts and achievements.”

Joshie Parker watches the ball after making contact at the plate.