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Children with disabilities can take the field in Simi Valley's Challenger Baseball League
Batter up! (with buddy)
Cara Ullery, 15, left, and Joel Mueller, 12, sit in the bleachers at Santa Susana Park before the start of their game. They play for the Cubs in the Challenger Baseball League, part of the Simi Valley Little League.
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Standing on the field getting ready for the game, 12-year-old Joel Mueller smiled.
His dad, Tom Mueller, had just tossed him the ball and it landed in his glove. He would have smiled if it had missed, too.
Joel is happy to be playing.
Baseball teams are plentiful around the county, but for Joel, there is only one league that will get him out on grass. The Simi Valley youth was born with hydrocephalus, a genetic brain disorder, and has been legally blind since he was 8 months old.
He plays for the Cubs in the Challenger Baseball League, part of the Simi Valley Little League. The team is open to children with any sort of disability.
"I can hear when they swing and hit the ball and I have a buddy that helps me and tells me where to throw the ball," said Joel, a seven-year veteran of the league.
Bonnie Schaefer started the league 11 years ago for her best friend's son. This year about 60 kids participate.
"During the first year, a parent in the stands said to me when her child came to bat, My son is playing baseball.' She was moved to tears when he came to the plate and hit the ball for the first time," Schaefer said.
At bat, Joel hit from a tee, and his buddy, 14-year-old Arlyn Garcia, guided him to first base. He made it to third on the next batter and finally rounded home with a big smile on his face.
Soccer available in the fall
To participate in the Challenger Baseball League or to volunteer, call Bonnie Schaefer at 512-2422.
The American Youth Soccer Organization operates a similar soccer league for children with disabilities. That season starts in September, and information is available at aysoregion121.org or by contacting Graham Rice at 527-5811 or graham@coastindex.com.
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