Rolling Twins Win International Wheelchair Softball World Series
A wheelchair baseball team that calls a Brooklyn Park field home has won the sport’s highest title.
The Rolling Twins won the International Wheelchair Softball World Series on Aug. 17.
“To help our team do it, and to see the young guys come through and really be a leading cog to why we had success this year just energizes the group as a whole,” said Brendan Downes, an outfielder with the Rolling Twins. “So it’s been an amazing year for us.”
They beat the Nebraska Barons in an 11-3 win.
“We came in as the four seed this year, so you’re always kind of stacked against the deck at that point, but at the same time we knew we could compete,” Downes said. “The poise that we played with at this tournament was something that I haven’t seen in this team for a long time. It was fantastic to see.”
More than 20 teams participated in the tournament, which was hosted in Omaha.
Manny Guerra, 57, plays first base for the Rolling Twins.
“I’m a kid at heart,” he said. “It just goes to show you that if you’re passionate for something, the longevity on it is limitless … I’m blessed to still be able to play the game and contribute.”
He charactered the team’s play during the World Series “unselfish.”
“I was feeling really happy for my teammates, especially the rookies,” Guerra said. “This one was very special.”
The Rolling Twins pose with a trophy after winning the International Wheelchair Softball World Series in Omaha.
Offseason Fundraising
Heading into the offseason, the team is focused on fundraising.
“We have expensive equipment that we use. We have to buy a sports chair — we can’t use our everyday chair for this,” Guerra said. “And obviously, you see me standing, which shows you that the program is open to all kinds of disabilities. So really, the work in the offseason is fundraising.”
The team’s home ballpark is Todd Anderson Field in Brooklyn Park.
Allina Health’s Courage Kenny sponsors the team.
