Buddy Baseball 2026

 To Have a Buddy, You Need To Be a Buddy!

Dates:  Sundays May 31-July 12 and Sept 13-Oct 4  

Time:  1:00 pm (12:30 for Volunteers) 

Location: West Park in Wilmette, 3555 Lake Ave. 

Registration: Open in mid-March for Summer and end of July for Fall

About WBA Buddy Baseball

Wilmette Baseball Association Buddy Baseball is a program designed for children ages 7 to 22 (older-past players are “grandfathered” in) with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. This program began in September 2016 and is completely supported, financially, by the Wilmette Baseball Association, a 501(c)(3) organization. The program is open to all residents in Wilmette and throughout New Trier Township. There is no cost to the players, a jersey and hat is provided.  Each player will be paired with one or more Buddy volunteers to play the great game of baseball in a fun and safe environment. Buddy volunteers will be comprised of teens and young adults. Players should be registered at www.wilmettebaseball.org

Buddy Volunteers aged 13 to young adult are sought to guide our Buddy players on and off the field during the game.  All volunteers should register on the website at www.wilmettebaseball.org

All games will take place at West Park in Wilmette. The park features a turf infield and outfield, making it Wilmette’s most accessible park. Games will be 2-3 innings, approximately 60-90 minutes, depending on how many children are playing. Each child will bat in an inning. All children hit the ball either after it is pitched to them or with the help of a tee. We use an 11’ soft-stitched baseball. No strikes are called, no outs maintained, and no score is kept. On and off the field, the Buddy volunteers will help assist the Buddy players.

If you have any questions or to get on the Buddy Baseball mailing list, please contact Jeff Kost at jkost@wilmettebaseball.org

PLAY BALL!!!