Buddies
Venice Challenger Baseball encourages every player to bat and play in the field every inning. Siblings, friends and local organizations, such as Venice High School sports teams and service clubs serve as “Buddies.”
“Buddies” help players when they bat, run the bases, play in the field and push wheelchairs. The entire family and the community gets involved.
Kayleigh
This is Kayleigh – “They’re athletes, just like me.”
Kayleigh, a softball player, is the President of Venice High School's Challenger Baseball Club. The club supports VCB with fundraising and Buddy volunteering.
"It's very heartwarming to these players get to play. I'm blessed to play high school and travel softball, so giving back means more to me than you can imagine!"
Orion
This is Orion – “We laugh and have fun.”
Orion Kerkering is a pitcher at Venice High School. He has been a Buddy with the Challengers for more than four years. He has experience playing Little League baseball and currently plays on the Venice High School Baseball Team. He loves playing in the field and running base with Challenger kids.
“Volunteering for the Challengers helps us gain leadership skills and give back to the community. It makes me happy to make them happy!”
Mac
This is Mac – “We're teammates and friends.”
Mac Guscette is a baseball player who started playing in Little League. He currently plays for Venice High and on a travel ball team. Mac volunteers as a Buddy whenever he gets the chance. He helps players bat, run the bases, and pitches to them.
“It makes me realize how fortunate I am. The Challenger players don’t get to play in a regular league and VCB gives them the chance to play.”
