The spring 2023 Buddy Ball registration is underway.  Visit the Grove City Parks and Recreation website for details to create your account and register for Buddy Ball.

Opening Day for all ages is Saturday, May 6 and Tuesday, May 9 for the Adult League.

The Grove City Buddy Ball program is more than just baseball.  It is about making new friends, building self-esteem and treating everyone equally.  Buddy Ball removes barriers that keep children and adults with mental and physical disabilities off the baseball field.  Our teams play on the Mirolo Dream Field, a custom-designed tiled rubberized surface that accommodates wheelchairs and other assistive devices.

What does the season look like?

All ages games are played on Saturday mornings and each game lasts approximately 60 minutes.  Each team will bat completely through their lineup with each player getting on base.  The last player in the lineup scores a homerun and brings everyone home, then the teams switch.  This may happen more than once depending on the team size and the flow of game.  All games end in a tie.

Adult League games are played Tuesday evenings and last approximately 75 minutes.  Regular baseball rules and offensive and defensive skills are taught.  Each team bats until either gets three outs or bats around the lineup, and the score is kept.

Be a Volunteer Buddy

We can’t do this without our amazing Buddies!

As a Buddy, you are taking on one of the most important roles in the entire league.  You will directly be making a difference in the lives of the players, their families and our community as a whole.

What does my role as a Buddy look like?

Your main priority as a buddy is making sure your player is safe. Safety is our number one concern.  In addition, your role may include, but is not limited to:

  • Helping your player bat, field the ball, run the bases, or simply being an encouraging voice. (Keep in mind that each player is different, as is their level of participation.  Please make sure your player is participating to the best of their ability.  If you are not sure of what their ability is, please consult with the parents/caregivers.)
  • Arriving 15-20 minutes prior to your game(s) to meet your athlete and get organized before the start of the game. Also, upon arrival, please check in with the Buddy Coordinator who will direct you to your assigned team.
  • Asking questions. We want to create a comfortable and welcoming environment for the players, buddies, volunteers and spectators.  In order to do this, we need to keep an open line of communication going.  Please don’t hesitate to ask questions about your athlete, their disability, topics/activities they enjoy etc.
  • Remember, your main priority is your athlete.  Make sure they are the center of attention for the time you are together.  Our goal is to have them shine and enjoy the game of baseball!

Please contact the Buddy Ball Board at buddyballgcdreamfield@gmail.com for more information.

Visit the Grove City Buddy Ball website for additional information

Follow Grove City Buddy Ball on Twitter and Facebook.