North Andover Youth Baseball, as part of our League Charter with Babe Ruth League, Inc., offers an amazing baseball program called Bambino Buddy-Ball for developmentally and/or physically challenged athletes in the area (not just residents or students of North Andover). The program is free, thanks to our many sponsors and Babe Ruth League, Inc.!
More than the skills of baseball learned through the experience, the value of the Bambino program is found in the therapeutic and socialization benefits of participating in sports; strengthening of participants’ self-esteem; the opportunities to mainstream into other divisions of play and the discipline of teamwork, sportsmanship and fair play. The Bambino program provides the framework so Babe Ruth programs may offer a structured, athletic activity for all youth in their communities. Playing with the same equipment on the same fields, the Bambino participants have the opportunity to experience the joys of pulling together as a team, being cheered, and earning awards for their achievements.
The program would be not possible without volunteers who ‘buddy’ with Bambino players. The main goal of the ‘buddies’ is to make sure players stay safe while assisting them as needed. Whether it be helping swing a bat, pushing a wheelchair, or simply playing catch, ‘buddies’ are crucial to the program’s success. And many who volunteered last year provided feedback on how rewarding it was for them to be involved. Anyone interested in becoming a 'Buddy' for the Bambino Buddy-Ball Division may register as a volunteer using the link below.
NAYB does not charge a registration fee to participate in the Bambino Program. In 2015, a donation from the Lowell Five Cent Savings Bank (498 Chickering Road) allowed NAYB to provide participants with uniforms (shirts, hats, socks, belts), equipment, end of season trophies, a pizza party and an ice cream party. With the continued support of Lowell Five, NAYB has been able to offer the Challenger and now Bambino Program with no registration fees for participants.
If you have a child or young adult, aged 5-20, who would like to participate in this incredible program, please register using the links below, or reach out to us if you have any questions or need assistance in the registration process.
For more information on the Bambino Buddy-Ball Program, visit the Babe Ruth League, Inc., page found HERE