JOSHUA PEDERSEN AND THE GAME OF BASEBALL

Most everyone that has ever enjoyed playing the game of baseball will tell you that many of the happiest moments of their lives came while wearing a baseball uniform.  This is very true for 11 year old Joshua Pedersen.  The son of David and Mari Pedersen may not run as fast as most 11 year olds or hit the ball as far, but very few baseball players are able to find the amount of joy in the game that Joshua  has found as a member of the Challenger Baseball Program at WCWAA.  

 
Joshua began playing with the Challengers in the spring of 2009 while recovering from a significant surgery on his back.  Joshua has  Spina    Bifida  and scoliosis, and wears orthotics and uses crutches to walk.  However, these obstacles have not hampered the heart of Joshua.  Joshua, a fourth grader, took to the game immediately and displayed the heart of a lion on the field.  He quickly adapted his own style of fielding by stopping the ball with a crutch or foot and making a quick pick up to throw to the base.  He also adapted his situation to meet the need in his batting by using one of his crutches as the bat.  Think he can’t run…NOT…Joshua makes his way around the bases like a master.  The crutches will not slow him down.  His Spring Coach, Stuart Rimmer repeatedly praised Joshua for his can-do attitude and lion heart.  His Fall coach, Terry Utterback echoes the same amazement.

Joshua's mother Mari talks about the enjoyment he has found playing baseball.

"Joshua has been very enthusiastic and excited about the practices and the games. He loves playing with all his team mates and loves the buddies who help him."

Mari adds more about the Challenger experience.

"Joshua's disability keeps him from playing in other leagues and that has been very discouraging to him. So being able to play on a team where he is accepted and encouraged despite his disability has been a great boost to his confidence and self esteem. He has played many positions on the field and  has experienced different parts to baseball. Since he has been able to get out and participate, he can see how important it is to work on exercise to stay strong so he can play on the team. Joshua has improved in hitting, catching, throwing and running."
 
Joshua’s sister, Lydia also plays on the same team as Joshua.  Lydia has Sensory Integration, attention and processing issues which makes it difficult to form relationships and participate in a group setting. But Challenger Baseball with the great coaches and buddies has allowed her to participate with confidence too. Lydia enjoys being part of the team, following the coaches instructions and trying very hard to play her best.  

"I am so proud to see Joshua and Lydia playing so hard and doing such a great job learning the game rules, taking turns, and cooperating with their teammates, buddies and coaches."

 While the baseball experience has been so rewarding for the entire family, sadly, the time spend in the WCWAA Challenger program is going to come to an end.  David and Mari are missionaries that returned to The United States in 2004 to adopt Joshua and Lydia.   The entire family will be moving to Bonaire in the Netherlands Antilles on mission with Trans World Radio in early 2010.  This fall has likely been the last opportunity for Joshua to play baseball in the U.S.A. 

Mari is committed to helping the children continue to experience the game.

"We are planning to take their uniforms from both seasons and baseball gear with us and hopefully find some other kids to play with. We will also practice at home to improve their skills."

It's important to note that without volunteers and organizations to back these all-important programs, Joshua and Lydia may have never had the wonderful experience of baseball.

Mari asked us to thank a few people that have really helped to make this all possible.

"I would like to thank Gina Fisher for her encouragement and gracious help. Also, I want to thank Susan Little and the Cianciosa family for their friendship and encouragement of Joshua and Lydia."

The game of baseball is very special and hearing the story of Joshua and Lydia helps us all to understand that it is a sport that needs to be open to everyone.   The South Charlotte Sports Report salutes everyone that made this experience possible for Joshua and Lydia and we encourage others to find a way to give back to the game so that all children can find happiness on a baseball field.