New league started for mentally, physically disabled players
MORGAN HILL — Morgan Hill Pony Baseball welcomed a new division this year to round out their Shetland through Colt programs.
The Scout Division enables boys and girls, age 5 through postsecondary schooling, who are physically and mentally disabled, to enjoy the full benefits of participating in baseball that is adapted to their abilities.
Teri Larice, whose entire family has been active in Morgan Hill Baseball presented the concept to the Morgan Hill Pony Baseball board in the fall. Their hope was that a few players would sign up this spring and they would start to build a program that would grow to include enough players to field two teams. As of their first game, they were only a few players short of that goal — and they are now at 19 players!
At 9:30 a.m. on opening day the team received new uniforms, courtesy of their sponsor Uesugi Farms and lined up for the traditional Opening Day parade and ceremony. It was a very proud group of players that marched onto the field behind their black-and-gold Scouts banner for their introduction by the league president.
Volunteer coaches Paige and Kacy Shapton took the players through some warmups and drills before they took the field to the applause of family and friends. Pony baseball players and friends volunteered as player buddies and base coaches to assist the Shapton’s on the field.
While some players batted off the tee, others were ready for coach-pitch. Alex H. blasted a few out of the infield and shared the pitching duties with Justin L. Joe F. turned every one of his hits into home runs by ignoring his coach’s instruction and motoring around every base. If they had to give an award for biggest smile of the day, it would be a toss up between Andres and Cris. The teammates seemed to love every minute of the action and will likely be two of the first ones on the field every week.
If you want to join, there are still a few openings, and registration forms can be found at the Morgan Hill Pony Baseball Web site. If you want to cheer them on or volunteer, they play every Saturday at the Johnson Lumber field at 11:30 a.m.
