WEST PITTSTON — Victory Baseball, an athletic and social organization for adults with mental and/or physical challenges, opened its seventh season Thursday night at West Pittston Little League Field.
The organization gives challenged adults a chance to step on the diamond and play ball. Victory allows participants to continue playing baseball after they age out of Challenger Little League.
This year, the league expanded from two to four teams with 85 participants. In the first game, the Yankees took on the Phillies, and in the nightcap, the Cubs played the Giants. Victory has participants from throughout Luzerne County.
Victory Baseball is part of Victory Sports, a non-profit organization formed in 2011. The group also sponsors basketball in the winter and year-round dances. Plans are in place for yoga classes, movie nights and a night at a RailRiders game. Last year, participant Joey Hoffman sang the national anthem before a RailRiders game.
Opening ceremonies featured Victory President Fred DeSanto, who welcomed the crowd and thanked the parents and caregivers for their continued support of the program. All participants and their families and friends were treated to pizza, soda, water and ice cream after the games.
“We are very fortunate to have so many people who have helped grow this program,” DeSanto said. “Without their help, we wouldn’t be able to have such a quality program.”
With the expansion to four teams this year, Victory had to purchase all new uniforms. Businessman Bill Rinaldi donated the funds to pay for the uniforms and DeSanto acknowledged the gift during his remarks.
For more information on Victory Sports, call 570-655-8224.
