Bambino Buddy Ball

Bambino Buddy Ball

The Bambino Buddy-Ball Division
Mail to us: 800 N Hamilton St. Ste 201 Spokane WA 99202
Contact Leslie for more information at 251-2588 or email: bambinobballmom1@yahoo.com

Spokane Indians Youth Baseball & Softball believes that every child has the right to participate in the games of baseball and softball. We have always encouraged our member leagues to accept all players regardless of their physical or mental ability. The Bambino Buddy-Ball Division was established for organizations who wish to charter a league that encompasses players ages 5-20 who are either physically and/or mentally challenged. This division makes allowance for a “buddy” to help the player swing a bat, round the bases, catch a ball, etc. There are no restrictions to the age of the “buddy”. A Bambino Buddy-Ball team may be comprised of players ages 5-20 and sometimes older. The Bambino Buddy-Ball division is designed so that everyone has the opportunity to have fun.

The Bambino Buddy-Ball Division allows our challenged or special needs athletes to develop confidence and positive self-esteem. It allows them to be part of organized sports and assists with physical fitness as well as their social skills. The joy and emotion you experience when you watch a child round third and head for home with a grin from ear to ear never gets old! When one experiences this program for the first time the impact is lasting and rewarding. Bambino Buddy-Ball Division is an emotionally rewarding experience for everyone. It also allows the “buddies” to gain life experiences they will carry into their interaction with their peers in a whole new light, while at the same time making it a fun and memorable time for all.

Bambino Buddy-Ball Division allows our special needs athletes to enjoy the game of baseball alongside their peer buddies.  Given the buddy and his/her assistance and encouragement, they are able to enjoy the same thrills of batting, hitting and throwing just like the other kids. The Bambino Buddy-Ball Division opens up a whole new world to our amazing athletes – not only do they experience the thrill of participating, they also get to experience team play and camaraderie.

Advancing the personal development of any child through team participation and kinship is an important step along the road to success and happiness.

What does my buddy do?

The two most important things our buddies do for us is keep us safe and provide peer support.

On the field you will:

• Help the player get his/her hat and glove and hustle out to the field
• Keep the player’s attention on the game
• Give direction as to where to make the play if the ball comes to your buddy
• Let the buddy ball athlete make the play as often as possible and safe
• Not exit the field until the last batter has hit home plate
• Get between the buddy and the ball if the batter is a “hitter”

At bat you will:

• Help the player get the right bat and helmet and be ready for the lineup
• Stand opposite of the player at home plate
• Give direction on stance and bat positioning
• Assist with swing as needed and safe
• Help them head to base when the ball is hit
• One base advance at a time and never run past another player running in front of you

You don’t:

• Take a player to the bathroom…alert the coach to get the parent if this is needed
• Make the play for the player unless instructed to by the Buddy Coach
• Be afraid to direct your buddy to be sure they are safe
• Allow the player to pitch or catch (coaches only)

Other Buddy Notes:

• Each game lasts approximately one hour
• In order to keep the games moving we will give the players 6 tries to hit off a pitched ball and then tee them up
• All of the games are three innings with an at bat for each player
• Players advance one base at a time unless it is the cleanup batter who brings everyone home
• Players rotate positions each inning for a change of view in the field