“Let’s go out and play ball.” How many times did we say this when we were younger? How often, even these days?
But there, embedded in that simple question, is a world of magic. Running with friends, arguing about balls and strikes, great throws, monster hits.
But for kids with unique challenges, that magic can be elusive.
Who do you play with if you have trouble making friends? How do you argue pitches if speaking is difficult? How do you run the bases if you are in a wheelchair? It can take another type of baseball magic to overcome these barriers. And that’s where the “Buddy Baseball” program steps to the plate and knocks it out of the park!
Buddy Baseball, spearheaded by Dean Klassman and his wife Leslie, was one of the newest programs added to Friendship Circle of Central Jerusalem’s array of activities this year and it did not disappoint. From the first All Star Game back in April, until the Grand Finale last month, all of FC’s children showed their team spirit with each home run that was hit.
It all began when FC Illinois, directed by Rabbi Zelig and Bassie Moscowitz, contacted FC Jeru’ with an offer that didn’t seem real. Dean Klassman, a Chicago businessman who coaches children with special needs for baseball in his spare time, told the Moscowitz’s he was planning his first ever, trip to Israel, and would like very much to open a Buddy baseball program in Jerusalem.
Dean kept his word, down to the 150 clappers, T shirts, balls and caps he brought with him for the unforgettable All Star game, which he led personally and enthusiastically.
Knesset Member Michael Oren and Jerusalem’s supermarket mogul Rami Levy pitched the first ball to hit off the FC baseball season.
Peanuts, crackerjacks and Wheelchairs hit the diamond at Kraft Stadium and there was no child who didn’t get an “At Bat”. The FC children, families, staff and fabulous Volunteers joined together for 6 more consecutive baseball games. The volunteers together with Avrom Gestetner, the incredible announcer and ‘coach’ , kept the weekly games alive through the summer as Avrom pitched and rallied the FC children all the way to home plate.
“My son doesn’t ever want to run,” said an astonished mother, “and somehow you spun him around the bases countless times!”
Each game had its own, unique energy due to all the special people who joined in, whether to play, cheer, or help out in other ways.
The last game, which was held on July 28, felt bittersweet, as FC Jerusalem’s children rounded the bases for the final game of the season. The game ended off with lots of cheering, warm smiles and well wishes of ‘until next year’.
Ina, an FC parent cannot wait until the winter is over. “Buddy Baseball is Friendship Circle’s way of saying that every child deserves to do what any other child can do!”
The Inaugural game in the Holy Land is now the start of a full-fledged FC Jeru’ Buddy Baseball program that will run for 7 exciting weeks commencing after Pesach and ending with the final “All Star” game after Shavuot.
They are an extraordinary family who began buddy baseball in conjunction with Keshet more than 10 years ago. They only recently connected with Friendship Circle. Dean wanted to “give back” as he has been blessed with success in parnussa
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