Wonder League opening game April 15 at 10:30 a.m.
The Wonder League of Healdsburg is kicking off its 2017 season with registration on April 8 at 10:30 a.m. and the opening game on April 15 at the Wonder League Field, located at Foss Creek Healdsburg Community Center, 1557 Healdsburg Avenue.
The Wonder League provides an opportunity for children with special needs to play baseball. Games are scheduled on Saturdays, April 15 through June 3. Each session begins with warm-up and skills training at 10:30 a.m. The game starts at 11 with the singing of the Star Spangled Banner and lasts about an hour.
In the past, children from throughout Sonoma County have played in Wonder League.
In the opening game, players will take the field with the Healdsburg High School varsity baseball team for an hour of teamwork and fun. Each child is given an opportunity to hit the ball and score a run during each inning. Wonder League team members are assigned buddies who assist them in hitting the ball, running the bases, catching and throwing. Buddies can be anyone who wishes to volunteer their time to give a child the gift of baseball. Healdsburg High girls softball, the Prune Packers and the Cloverdale and Windsor High School baseball teams will also be buddies during season, and, of course, Sunrise Rotarians provide buddy and off-the-field support to participants and their families.
The Wonder League is a program of Rotary Cares and the Rotary Club of Healdsburg Sunrise. Major Wonder League sponsors include the Rotary Clubs of North Sonoma County, Big John’s Market, Exchange Bank, Eddinger Enterprises, Rochiolli Winery, Costeaux Bakery and the three local offices of Edward Jones.
According to a Rotary press release: “We cannot change or cure the medical issues life has dealt children with disabilities. What we can do is provide them with an opportunity to experience the joy and benefits that come from playing our national pastime — baseball. Come be a part of the wonder of Baseball.”
Preregistration is not required; parents can sign up for the program during pregame warm-up and batting practice. For more information about spring training or volunteering with the Healdsburg Wonder League, visit www.wonderleague.org, email HB************@gm***.com or call 849-7522.
– Submitted by Jake McKee
