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Game a hit with youths
Children, young adults with special needs start first season of a league all their own
| Sunday, Apr 29 2007 9:35 PM
Last Updated: Sunday, Apr 29 2007 9:41 PM
Two varieties of angels touched down at the Northwest Baseball fields at Sam Lynn Ball Park in Bakersfield Sunday afternoon to celebrate the beginning of a League of Dreams.
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An example of one type sported an Angels team uniform. Eight-year-old "Shoeless" Emma Bewley crossed first base -- sans tennis shoes -- in a wheelchair.
Her father, Andrew Bewley, was waiting for her with a big kiss.
"I've been looking forward to something like this for a long time," he said during Emma's game against the rookie Dodgers.
Her brother William, a Garces Memorial High School freshman, belonged to the second variety of "angel."
William helped Emma, who has cerebral palsy, at bat. He wheeled her to bases. Another brother helped on defense.
The League of Dreams was built for children with special needs, an idea conjured up by Tim Terrio of Terrio Therapy-Fitness Inc..
The 60-member league held opening ceremonies Sunday at the fields off Chester Avenue.
Terrio started the nonprofit league so physically and mentally challenged children could enjoy baseball and experience the fun of being on a team. The children have a variety of disabilities, such as autism and Down syndrome, and come from all over Bakersfield.
Some play T-ball and others receive pitches, depending on abilities, said Kelly Berry, care coordinator for TerrioKIDS.
Young adults also get to play, with the age range running from 5 to 22, she said.
The league will play the next four Sundays. Teams include "rookies" and go all the way to "majors," she said, based on players' ages and abilities.
Kayley Donovan, 11, enjoys being on the major league Dodgers team. But on Sunday she seemed more interested in her favorite hockey team.
"Let's go, Condors, let's go!" she shouted.
She likely spotted the Condors mascot, who wandered around the grounds giving the players high-fives.
Her mother, Jonna Donovan, said it's the girl's first time on a team. The youngster has speech delays and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
"They're no different from other kids," Jonna said. "They just want to have fun."