4th Challenger Baseball season opens with a blast

Carl Jeering connects with a pitch that will sail over the right-center field fence for the first-ever over-the-fence home run in Challenger Baseball history.

The sports program gives children and young people ages 5 to 21 with special needs a chance to play ball. It's a joint effort of the YMCA, Genesee ARC and a group of dedicated volunteers.

More than 60 athletes are in the league, which now has six teams. Games are played at the Batavia Minor League fields at MacArthur Park.

After the game, Batavia Minor League manager Paul Sputore was honored for his support of Challenger Baseball. Shelley Falitico, director of development for Genesee ARC, said "Challenger Baseball wouldn't be possible without Paul."

Jeering, above, is 18 and graduates from Batavia High School this week.