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Thrill of a Lifetime for Challenger Team at LLWS

Thrill of a Lifetime for Challenger Team at LLWS - Saturday, August 29, 2009 at 11:05PM EST

Reported by: Mark Hiller
Saturday, Aug 29, 2009 @ 11:05pm EST
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, LYCOMING COUNTY- There was a first Saturday at the Little League World Series. The first team ever from Lackawanna County got to play in South Williamsport.

It's a 15-member challenger division team and while their disabilities may vary, they all share one thing in common -- a love for the game.

An awesome dream come true for 15-players of the Lackawanna County Little League Challenger Division. Player Michael Hales said, "It was unbelievable. There's such a great crowd cheering for great people like us."

It's equally thrilling for family and friends. Audrey Hales of Scranton said, "It was one of the best days of my life."

Hales is among the more than 200 fans from Lackawanna County cheering on the team. Her 15-year-old grandson was nearly killed in an accident as a young boy.

"And to see him now and to see him here and to see him at the little league field playing baseball and hitting the ball. It's just like, there aren't even words to describe it," added Hales.

Michael HalesÕ said, "My son traveled a long road. And just to even be here todayÉ something I never would have expected to happen."

Kelly Carey's daughter, Norah, is also here to play. ÒI can't say enough about these folks that I've gotten involved with in the past year with Challenger League. Just phenomenal."

For, Betty Bellantoni of Clarks Summit, it's a labor of love. She and her husband, Michael, are the program directors. "And it really is what baseball is all about: fun, camaraderie and team skills... and just the whole gamut of wonderful things," said Betty.

Bob Durkin manages the team that includes his 16-year-old son, Kevin. "This is a unique experience for everybody, so, we hope that they'll have memories that will last a lifetime," he said.

Memories for a team that doesn't know the word quit -- providing inspiration to everyone. "Pure joy. Pure joy," said Betty.

"Absolutely, absolutely. It doesn't get any better," added proud dad Michael Hales.

Challenger Little League baseball is open to players 5 to 18-years-old with various physical and developmental difficulties.
 


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