Playing Ball and Building Connections in the Challenger League
Members of the Challengers league team, The Pirates, arrived for a game in Dix Hills on a bright spring morning, ready to support one another and play a game they all love: baseball.
“It’s really fun,” said Ross Perlow, who is supported by Citizens Options Unlimited. “I like pitching.”
Ross played a strong game, confidently taking the pitcher’s mound, stepping up to bat, and making his way to home base. Ross has been playing with the Challengers league comprised of teams with players who have intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) since he was a child. Now 35, he is celebrated as one of the league’s original members.
“He’s incredible,” said Rich Donoghue, one of the coaches.
Even outside the spring season, Ross’ social calendar is full of parties with teammates who have become close friends.
“They get a lot of friendship, a lot of camaraderie, and a lot of fun just being in the sport and being a part of the team,” Rich said.
For Ross’ birthday, his father, Dr. Edward Perlow treated Ross and his teammates to a New York Mets game, where Ross’ name was displayed on the scoreboard.
“This is so important to him,” said Dr. Perlow, who is a member of the Citizens Options Unlimited Board of Directors.
Ross’ older brother, David, was deeply involved in sports, and his family wanted Ross to have the same opportunity to play, compete, and be a part of a team.
At one game, with his family sitting in the stands, David captured on camera Ross hitting a home run over the fence. But if you ask Ross what his favorite part of the game is, it would have to be pitching.
“He likes pitching because for years he watched his brother as the pitcher,” Dr. Perlow said. “He wants to be that person because his brother is an important part of his life.”
Outside of the Challengers league, Ross served as equipment manager on his brother’s teams during middle and high school.
“If they got angry if they struck out and threw their helmet, Ross would pick up the helmet and pat them on the shoulder because he knew they were upset,” Dr. Perlow said.
Ross’ support for his teammates and love of the game continue to this day. The Challengers league remains an important part of his life.
“Instead of being the observer on the side watching,” said Dr. Perlow. “Ross was now in the middle.”