Have you ever sat and watched other kids or adults play baseball or softball and wondered what it would be like? Has your disability or your child’s disability gotten in the way of having fun? It doesn’t have to be that way. The spring season is coming soon, and everybody will be out on the ball fields. You can be too. No Limits Recreation League has two teams for adults and children with disabilities. No one is turned away. Wheelchairs and walkers are no problem. No matter what the challenge there’s a place for you in this league.

No Limits Recreation actually has two leagues. The first is the “Fun League.” This team is just what the name implies. It’s for fun. This league is not competitive. We do not keep score and the only rule is to “have fun.” We normally have about 20 or so people on this team. Different groups from the community come play us. In the past, we have played the fire department, LaFayette Middle School teachers, LaFayette High School baseball team and a few church groups. We try to keep the game as safe as possible by using plastic bats and plastic balls. If you’re concerned you may not be able to make it around the bases, we can have someone run for you. If you need help and you’re in a wheelchair, we have volunteers who will push you around the bases. We try to meet every need.

We also have an “Advanced League.” This league is for people with a little more motor control and an understanding of the game of baseball. We try to play by the rules as much as possible, but we do play with softer, larger balls rather than baseballs. We typically have about a dozen players on this team and play other teams or groups in the community. This league is a little competitive and not for everyone. Wheelchairs are welcome here, also. If you want to play in both leagues, that is fine, too. We have a few players who do just that. In either advanced or fun league, we invite you to bring a friend or a sibling to play on the team as well. They don’t have to have a disability to play with us.

New players are always welcome. Registration is minimal, usually $15 to cover the cost of a shirt and trophy, and everyone receives a trophy. Don’t sit on the sidelines wishing you or your child could play ball. Join in the fun. It’s a great opportunity to meet some new friends while having fun.

If you think you may be interested in playing, please call me at 706-638-0337 or call Michal Jones at 423-883-1377. Even if you don’t want to play, then come out and watch a game. If you think you would like to volunteer for this worthwhile cause or have a team who may want to play against us, please call or e-mail. You may just change your mind about how you look at disabilities.

Pam Rasmussen is a LaFayette resident. She is a mother of a child with Spina Bifida and an advocate of special needs children and adults. She can be contacted at jraz1230@comcast.net.