To address the challenge of playing on a traditional field, we built in 2014 a baseball field for individuals with physical or intellectual disabilities. This new field provides a rubber safety surface that helps those who use crutches, a cane, a walker, a wheelchair or have an unsteady gait, to play baseball safely. There are no raised bases, uneven surfaces, raised mounds…the field is one smooth, continuous rubber playing surface.

Read Senator Hastings' letter Read Mayor Zabrocki's letter

A very special homer

The smile on Josh Catoire’s face couldn’t have been more profound. Or magical.

The “J-Man,” as he’s known around the Tinley Park Bobcats Challenger Baseball League, explained in great detail how he homered at Bettenhausen Park earlier in the season. In the Bobcats organization, a home run gets your name on the “Homerun Club” sign located
next to the Challengers Field.

Approximately 95 players, suffering from cerebral palsy to learning disabilities,
compete at Bettenhausen Park in Tinley Park every week for 3 months of summer ball.
A fall league is also available of players who need a little more baseball to get their fill for the year.

Watch the video