Wheelchair Softball Tournament Brings Athletes to Brooklyn Park
The third annual Jerry Anderson Memorial Softball Tournament drew players from across the Midwest. There was plenty of action on wheels at Todd Anderson Field in Brooklyn Park on Saturday, July 20 as the tournament was underway.
A swing and a hit isn’t an uncommon sight in this game of wheelchair softball. Jason Miller can attest — he’s a catcher for the Rolling Twins. They played the Minnesota Flamethrowers, along with other teams from Wisconsin and Michigan.
“It can get pretty physical,” Miller said. “You’re going to see guys who can smack the ball, field the ball, catch it, throw it. It’s just like regular softball, except we play it on concrete and wheelchairs.”
They played on concrete provided by Brooklyn Park and in wheelchairs designed for the sport.
A Rolling Twins player takes a swing at a softball.
“It’s pretty amazing, the capability of our athletes,” said Romaus Mesa, a program specialist for Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute.
Mesa said these chairs allow those with disabilities to play at a high level.
“You’re thinking in two facets, and it just comes extremely natural to them, which is awesome,” Mesa said.
Courage Kenny sponsors the Rolling Twins. Mesa said adaptive recreation programs like this one are an important step in the rehab process. In this step, they can get back into a new sport or try something they’ve always loved.
“Our main goal is to get people out doing things they love,” Mesa said.
Strength in Numbers
These athletes play in tournaments across the country. Using this unique adapted field in Brooklyn Park gives them a chance to show off their skills. On the field, it’s something Miller and his teammates are proud of.
“I would say we are pretty strong from top-to-bottom. So I think it’s going to be a great year as far as batting goes — should be good,” Miller said.
It proves one thing: if you want to go far, go together.
“I just love being with the guys. The camaraderie is great, it’s a great outlet,” Miller said.
This is one of many wheelchair softball tournaments held across the United States. The Wheelchair Softball World Series will be in Omaha in mid-August.
A pitch heads towards home plate during the Jerry Anderson Memorial Softball Tournament.
