"It'll just level the playing field:" Baseball league raises money for adaptive field
MASON, Ohio (WKRC) - Fundraising efforts are underway to build an adaptive ball field in Mason.
Local 12 reported on the stars of the Mason Challenger League, as the team recently played in an exhibition game at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. The team’s hard work continues as they raise a huge chunk of change to build an adaptive ball field.
The league features kids, teens and even some young adults who have different physical or developmental challenges. That’s why an adaptive ball field would mean everything.
“It'll just level the playing field for our kids,” said Susan Murdock, commissioner for the Mason Challenger League. “They want to be like their typical siblings or their typical friends who get to be on a team and have a uniform and show up every week. And that's what we do. We adapt the game of baseball for them so that they can do that.”
Fundraising efforts to build the team's field of dreams at Makino Park in Mason are going strong.
“The overall project is $2.1 million, and, right now, we're a little over $1.8 million,” Murdock said.
The two adaptive baseball fields are being constructed by the City of Mason with input from the Mason Challenger League on what would work best for its athletes. The new field designs will provide the right environment for safety and adaptability including:
- The infield, outfield and dugout areas are made with synthetic turf material. The baselines, bases, pitcher’s mound and home plate will be painted on to eliminate tripping hazards. Even the grass and dirt will be painted to look like a real field.
- Extra large dugouts will allow coaches, buddies and athletes with mobility devices to easily navigate in and out as well as provide enough space for everyone to sit together.
- Accessible bleachers so all family members can enjoy the game, including an extra large shade to keep them cool.
- And Makino Park already incorporates many accessible amenities, including walkways, parking, a shelter area and restrooms. The all-inclusive Common Ground Playground and FC Mini Pitch soccer field are also a part of the park and open for families to enjoy.
“I think this property ... it's kind of a hub for that inclusiveness portion of our culture,” said Chrissy Avery, Parks and Recreation director for the City of Mason. “Looking at the sizes of the fields and looking at the amenities that are already here at this park, it seemed like a natural fit.”
Some players are getting creative to help raise the funds.
“Jason has been waving at cars since he was 5 years old, and he's been playing baseball since he was 5 years old,” Pete White said.
Jason White and his father, Pete White, started "Howdy, Neighbors," an organization that strives to build community togetherness through identifying and sharing the spirit of joy and compassion that each of us has within us.
Howdy, Neighbors was inspired by Jason, a young adult with cerebral palsy who shares his enthusiasm for life by greeting people and cars that pass by his location. That’s how “Honks for Jason” was born.
Jason and his companions with disabilities have been waving on street corners since 2021 and have helped to raise over $100,000 for programs assisting those with disabilities. This year, he hopes to beat that number, and the money raised will be split and donated to St. Joseph Home and the Adaptive Ball Fields project.
There are a number of “Honks for Jason” events happening in the community this fall. You can also sponsor a honk online.