It’s a picture perfect, sun-splashed late afternoon. Folks have made their way to White House Municipal Park’s Field 8 to watch a game tailor-made for days like this — baseball.

Before the first pitch is thrown, eager, full-throated youngsters clad in navy blue and white pinstripe uniforms start their rally cry from the dugout:

“Let’s go Wizards! Let’s go Wizards!”

This is the joy of sport. This is what the White House Challenger League is all about. 

The league is designed for boys and girls ages 4-18 who face a mental or physical challenge in their daily lives. The emphasis is on fun, and success on the field is measured by smiles, not the scoreboard.

“The Challenger League wouldn’t be possible without the hard work of our coaches, Christy and Darrell Suter,” White House Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Selena McCall emphasized. “They help make sure the players have a great learning experience every time they step on the field.”

Darrell said the hours he and Christy spend with these children to learn and grow through the game of baseball are “well worth it.” The Suters are in their second season, and White House Parks and Recreation Supervisor John Russell serves as an assistant coach.

“It’s all about providing a meaningful experience for these kids,” explained Darrell. “We want them to not just develop baseball skills, but also teamwork, social, and relationship- building skills.”

For this particular game, the Wizards were joined on the field by a special “opponent.” Members of the White House Police and Fire Departments graciously volunteered their time to take part in the action and provide encouragement. The “serve” in these officers’ and firefighters’ oath to “protect and serve” the community was on perfect display.

Judging by the number of high fives exchanged and 1,000-watt smiles lighting up Field 8, it’s (pardon the pun) safe to say friendships and memories were made.

“There was no way I was going to turn down an opportunity like this,” said White House Assistant Police Chief Jim Ring, who manned third base and ran the bases alongside his Wizards “buddy,” Kaden Box. “It was a lot of fun. Kaden was a hot rod on that field!”

Fire Chief Patrick McLaughlin said his department was happy to answer the call.

“We wanted to do this for these kids,” he explained. “Them having fun is what’s most important.”

At game’s end, everyone involved gathered for a celebratory group photo and a final round of high fives and handshakes. Each Wizards player was given keepsakes from both departments. 

Five-year-old team member Logan Kinkelaar of Ridgetop excitedly showed his father, Tyler, the police badge, toy fire hat, and other items from the gift bag. 

“Look, Dad!” a wide-eyed Logan exclaimed as he pulled out the fire hat.

This is Logan’s first season playing in the Challenger League, and his father assured it’s the start of an ongoing relationship.

“I love it,” Tyler said. “Logan really enjoys playing and has come a long way. Everyone is so kind and willing to help him build his skills.”

Another parent, Haley Pearson of Cottontown, said her son Bobby, 6, has also benefited from being on the team. This is Bobby’s second season with the Wizards.

“He enjoys the batting and running the most,” Haley said as fans clapped encouragement for Bobby at the plate. “Being an only child, this gives him that outside interaction with other kids. He’s always been an active kid, so this is a great fit for him.”

Each Challenger League season starts with practices in March followed by a six-game schedule beginning in April. Games are designed to last about one hour. Registration is free and includes a full uniform.

Local support is a vital component to this worthwhile cause. Individuals or businesses interested in becoming a Challenger League sponsor can contact White House Parks and Recreation at 615-672-4350, ext. 2114. This same number can be used by parents interested in registering a child for the league.

“We are blessed to have such a great community that’s willing to show up and support these kids,” said Selena. “It means everything.”

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White House Wizards Roster:

#2 Bentley Harris

#3 Jacob Sadler

#6 Dakota Pippin

#8 Hunter Mihajlov

#11 Kaden Box

#12 Logan Kinkelaar

#21 Wyatt Carcioine

#22 Bobby Pearson

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