Hello Buddy Baseball Fans,
Our season is off to a great start. Don't forget the deadline for our Buddy Scholarship for High School seniors who have played at least three seasons is Saturday, March 18th, at 6:00 pm.
We will take team pictures after the games on March 25th. That same day we will have a Hot Dog Cookout sponsored by The Tampa North Rotary Club. They will serve food from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm. If you have the later game, please come a little early for lunch.
We have two important events coming up. A special needs legal presentation by attorney, Elizabeth Allen on Monday, March 27th and the Best Buddies Friendship Walk on Saturday, April 22nd. Additional details below.
If you have any parade beads that you would like to donate to Buddy Baseball. Bring them to the games and we will collect them and use them in the 4th of July parade.
Russ Oberbroeckling
Executive Director
|
|
This is our biggest season to date. We have 16 teams with 101 players with special needs and 100 buddies. 30% of our participants are brand new to the league. We have 97 schools represented this season.
|
|
Player Spotlight - Nia Claflin
|
Nia Claflin
Nia is 10 years old and this is her fourth season in Buddy Baseball. She attends Morning Star School. Her favorite restaurant is
Koizi Endless Hibachi & Sushi Eatery. If she was famous, it would be for dancing. Nia would like to meet Katy Perry.
|
|
Buddy Spotlight - Adell Davis
|
Adell Davis
Adell is 14 years old and is a long time buddy. She attends Orange Grove Middle Magnet School. Adell is quite the musician. She can play the trombone and the guitar. If she had a $1000, she would buy a new trombone. Her favorite subject in school is U.S. History.
|
|
Rookie Spotlight - Dylan Bartles
|
Dylan Bartles
This is Dylan's first season of Buddy Baseball. He is 8 years old and attends Folsom Elementary. His favorite food is peanut butter and fluff. His favorite thing about summer is that you get to play games and play with your friends. Dylan is quite the hitter!
|
|
Coach Spotlight
Tracey
Schatzberg
|
Tracey Schatzberg
Tracey has been a long time coach for the Bobcats. She has a beautiful daughter at Florida State and her favorite thing to do is listen to live outdoor music. Tracey likes anything to do in the outdoors, especially hiking the Appalachian Trail.
|
|
Volunteer Spotlight
Evan Sizesmore
|
Evan Sizemore
This is Evan's second season as a Buddy Baseball announcer. Evan is 13 years old and attends Terrace Community Middle School. He loves technology and performing arts. He enjoys public speaking and is especially enthusiastic about announcing for Buddy Baseball. Evan likes to watch Survivor and learn about computer hardware on YouTube.
|
Our Buddy Scholarship is available to graduating seniors who have played at least three seasons of Buddy Baseball. An independent panel of judges will select our two winners. Each winner will receive a $750 scholarship.
Application deadline: Saturday, March 18th at 6:00 pm.
Click on the link to apply. Good Luck!
|
On Monday, March 27th at 6:30 pm at the Lightfoot Center in Temple Terrace, attorney Elizabeth Allen will give a presentation on Special Needs Trusts, Social Security basics and ABLE accounts. Feel free to invite anyone you know that may benefit from this information. Doors open at 6:00 pm.
When:
Monday, March 27th, 6:30 pm
Where:
Lightfoot Center - (where we have the Meet and Greet)
10901 N. 56th St
.
Temple Terrace
, FL 33617
.
|
It's hard to believe that plans are well underway for our end of season party. Our party will feature bowling, pizza, salad, desserts, balloon artists, a face painter, raffle prizes, music and fun!
When:
Sunday April 9th, 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm
Where:
Pin Chasers
4847 N. Armenia Ave
Tampa
, FL 33603
There is no cost for the party, but donations are appreciated.
Please register on-line by Sunday April 2nd via the link below.
|
Holly Jackson
Holly Jackson was a player on the Hit Squad for 4 years and she loved every moment! Holly played in the our very first season. She has made life long friends from that experience!
Holly was known as "The first lady of Buddy Baseball."
She graduated High School in 2015 and she continues her love of learning with post high school math and communication studies.
Holly's passion is ballroom dancing! Keep your eyes open for her as she often performs in various ballroom shows and competitions!
Holly's mom wanted to t
hank everyone connected with Buddy Baseball for the opportunities it opened up for Holly and her family!
|
The Tampa Bay Hearing & Balance Center has been a proud sponsor for the past five years. We thank them for their commitment to Buddy Baseball!
|
Best Buddies Friendship Walk
|
The Best Buddies Friendship Walk is the number one walk in the country raising awareness and funds to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. (IDD) The walk plays a key role in funding Best Buddies programs dedicated to one-to-one friendships, leadership development, and integrated job opportunities for individuals with IDD.
Proceeds from the Best Buddies Friendship Walk provide the necessary tools for people with IDD to become more independent and valued members of our society.
The walk is on Saturday morning in downtown Tampa on April 22nd. If you would like to be a part of team from Buddy Baseball to walk, please contact me.
Here is the link with all of the information.
|
|
That one of our parents, Julie Ames hosts a radio program called the "Special Needs Family Hour" every Sunday from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm on 860AM. The program provides a place where special needs families can find the answers they need to be successful.
|
Amazon Smile
When shopping on line. Consider using Amazon Smile. A portion of the the sale will be donated back to Buddy Baseball, no extra cost to you. Just use
https://smile.amazon.com/
selecting Buddy Baseball as the organization that you are supporting the next time you are shopping on Amazon. Thanks.
|
Until next time... PLAY BALL!!
Russ Oberbroeckling
Executive Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
Grandparent Spotlight
Buddy Scholarship Winner
End of Season Party
Give Day Tampa Bay
|
|
|
|
|
