A Rewarding Experience For Extraordinary Athletes

Buddy Baseball, formerly known as Challenger Baseball, is a program that enables children with special needs to play the wonderful game of baseball. Founded in 1992, the Buddy Program at Buckhead Baseball is now directed by Manager Walt Deriso. 

The program serves children of all abilities with a diverse range of special needs, including cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorders and Down syndrome as well as children who are verbal and non-verbal just to name a few.  Buddy League players are assisted by selected 12 year olds from the Majors Program.  Players are children ages 5-18 who, while learning to enjoy America’s favorite pastime, develop their athletic skills, hitting, catching and running (or driving their wheelchair).

Our Buddy Baseball program is so important, which rewards the entire Buckhead Baseball community.

If you are a player in our Buddy Baseball program - please contact Anna Patton at [email protected] - Anna will be able to forward you the link to sign up.  

If you have questions about our Buddy Baseball program - please contact Jimbo Haneklau at [email protected]

Buddies for this program are selected from the 12 year old  Buckhead Baseball players.  Walt Deriso, manager of the buddy program sent an email to all eligible 12 year old  players.  To sign up for the program, you must have replied indicating your interest as spaces are filled on a first come, first served basis.  After buddies are selected, they will be paired with a player.  Some players may have more than one buddy due to their specific needs. 

Once we have a better idea on the number of players we will have in the program - we will be in touch as to whether your 12 year old will be able to participate. 

Buddy Baseball at Buckhead - A Rewarding Experience For Extraordinary Athletes Buddy Baseball, formerly known as Challenger Baseball, is a program that enables children with special needs to play the wonderful game of baseball. The Buddy Program at Buckhead Baseball is directed by Coach Walt Deriso.

The program was founded by Janis Pease for her son Kyle in 1992 in conjunction with Beth Salzman, her counterpart at NYO. Buddy League players are assisted by selected 12 year olds from the Majors Program. Players are children ages 5-18 who, while learning to enjoy America’s favorite pastime, develop their athletic skills, hitting, catching and running (or driving their wheelchair). Games are Saturday mornings; home field is Frankie Allen Park – Majors Field. Away games are played at NYO, Murphy Candler Park and Sandy Springs (Morgan Falls). Uniforms are provided. The program serves children of all abilities with a diverse range of special needs, including cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorders and Down syndrome as well as children who are verbal and non-verbal, just to name a few.

Players and buddies develop a strong bond both on and off the field. The season begins with a kickoff party where players and buddy families are introduced to one another. Buddies are expected to attend each game with their player to facilitate their participation. To many of our players, this program is a highlight of their year. First pitch of Opening Day at Buckhead is thrown by a Buddy Player. The season is usually 6 or 7 games, the last of which is followed by awards and a trophy ceremony. The season is capped off by Challenger Day at an Atlanta Braves game, which includes a parade on the field, ball game and an evening of fun. How to become a Buddy - All 12 year old major players will receive an email invitation from Coach Walt Deriso. Nominations from Major’s coaches are considered. Those who respond are included on a first come, first serve basis. Buddies are typically assigned to players 1:1 however some of our players benefit from having 2 buddies. These remarkable young ballplayers get so much out of the program, and many lasting friendships are formed from this learning experience.