Buddy T-Ball is a sports program for players aged 4 years old and up with any special need that makes for a better option than the standard leagues. Each athlete is paired with a volunteer “buddy” who assists as needed throughout games. Buddies may help with hitting, throwing, running bases, or simply offer encouragement and companionship on the field.

The primary goals of Buddy Basketball are to: 

• Promote Inclusion: Provide opportunities for individuals with physical or developmental challenges to enjoy the game of basketball alongside peers and mentors. 

• Build Confidence: Encourage players to reach personal milestones and celebrate every achievement. 

•  Develop Skills: Introduce and reinforce basic basketball fundamentals in a way that is flexible and tailored to each participant’s needs. 

• Encourage Teamwork: Emphasize cooperation, friendship, and fun over competition and scoring. 

• Foster Community: Connect families, volunteers, and players in an environment that celebrates diversity and shared experiences. 

 Key characteristics of Buddy T-Ball:

 Objective: To teach sportsmanship, cooperation, and optimism in an athletic environment of encouragement and achievement. 

 Schedule: We play a six-game spring and four-game fall baseball schedule at Chisenhall Park in Burleson. Games last two innings, which works out to around 45 minutes and we bat both lineups completely each inning. There are no practices, but parents are strongly encouraged to work on basic skills with their children at home.

 Uniform/Equipment: Players receive a uniform shirt with no registration or other cost to parents. Players, however, should bring their own fielding gloves and batting helmets if possible. An inexpensive helmet can be purchased for around $25 at local athletic and department stores. We use an eleven-inch Incredi-ball and a tee for the batters who need it. 

 Each player has a buddy (usually a parent, sibling, or friend) to accompany him or her while at bat and in the field.

Buddy Ball is for special needs children and is completely free. 

If you are looking for a T-ball program for very young boys or girls, please see the BYA baseball or softball Blastball leagues.