Special Athletes Meet the Challenge on Sunday

An MIT athlete prepares to hit a pitch coming toward him during the Challenger Division Game last year. Photo by Alexander Svirsky.

Baseball Tourney Challenger Division Game in 3rd Year

– Allison Goldsberry

The two week-plus Medford Invitational Tournament is wrapping up this weekend, and for the third year in a row, the all-star baseball players will take a break from the action for a special game on Sunday.

MIT athletes and volunteers will help children with physical and mental disabilities play some ball in a Challenger Division game planned for Sunday afternoon from 12PM to 5PM.

There is no score, no strike count, and no outs. Everyone has a chance at bat, to run the bases, and to come home. Both athletes and volunteers alike have a great time and have come together for the sole purpose of having fun while enjoying America’s favorite pastime.

Click here to watch a photo slideshow from last year’s Challenger Division game.

The tournament is also wrapping up its competition soon. The twelve local teams will finish up their round-robin style play Saturday and will compete in playoffs on Sunday night at 6PM. The Evening of Champions is scheduled for Monday at 6:30PM. All games are at Columbus Park.

On Saturday, the schedule is as follows: Wakefield vs East Boston at 2PM; Somerville vs Billerica at 4PM; Charlestown vs Medford at 6PM; and Saugus vs Malden at 8PM. Currently, Tewksbury leads the American League with a 4-1 record, while Newton leads the National League at 4-0. According to the MIT website, Medford is 3-0.