League looks for players

Baseball adds special program

By: Stephanie Brown
   MONROE — The Monroe Township Baseball Association and Monroe Township Special Education Parents Association want you to step up to the plate.
   Both organizations have worked together to implement a new division this upcoming season for players with mental and physical disabilities between the ages of 4 to 21. Now they are looking for residents who would like to participate in the new program as either a player or a buddy.
   "We know that there’s definitely a need here in Monroe, and we hope to have the program running by April," said MTBA President Mike Peto. "Right now we’re very excited about it."
   The new division, called Buddy Ball, will allow a "buddy" to help each player perform all of the skills associated with baseball, from rounding the bases to catching a pop up.
   The MTBA will try to pair buddies with players based on age and gender. Buddies will remain with the same player throughout the season and will receive guidance from special needs professionals.
   MTSEPA President Maria Dabroski said the players would have much to gain from the Buddy Ball program, which is the only special needs programs offered by the township.
   "They’d be learning the skills of the sport, learning social skills — they’d just be having fun, basically," Ms. Dabroski said.
   The Buddy Ball program would offer an opportunity for special needs children to participate in a recreational program where perhaps there was none before.
   While the township’s recreational programs are open to every child, many parents of special needs children would prefer a program specially geared toward their children, Ms. Dabroski said.
   "The parents are looking for something that’s less competitive and more structured," Ms. Dabroski said. "Sometimes children need a buddy."
   Games will be held every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at James Monroe Park. Parents will be required to stay at the baseball fields during games and practices. A picnic area will be set up for parents, who will receive a brunch each Sunday.
   Registration has been extended through March 1. The standard registration fee per player has been lowered from $85 to $25 for the Buddy Ball division, and no work bond will be required. Registration forms can be obtained at the Monroe Township Community Center.
   For more information, contact Mr. Peto at [email protected] or (732) 261-7409, or Ms. Dabroski at [email protected] or (732)656-1770.