This program was created by Babe Ruth League, Inc. in 2000 to allow athletes ages 5–20 to participate in baseball with the assistance of a buddy. It is a fun, non-competitive league with the goal of allowing children with physical and/or intellectual disabilities to experience the game of baseball and build friendships.

Each team has one manager and two coaches. Each athlete has the option of having an assigned buddy who will assist them as needed to participate in the game.

Here is how each game works:

• Each game lasts approximately one hour
• All games are three innings with an at-bat for each player
• Players get 6 tries to hit off a pitched ball — then the ball is teed up to keep the game moving
• Players advance one base at a time, except the cleanup batter who brings everyone home
• Players rotate positions each inning for a change of view in the field
• All games are played on Saturdays (except Opening Day)

The registration fee is $75.00. This fee covers the cost of the jersey, hat, bat, and balls. Payment can be made via Venmo, Credit Card, PayPal, or Google Wallet. If you need to use a different payment method, please contact us.

The league uniform includes a jersey and hat. Parents must provide their athlete's shoes and gloves. You may also bring your own batting helmet or bat, but it is not required — the league provides batting helmets, bats, and balls.

You will need to provide a glove for your child. Batting helmets, bats, and balls will be provided by the league. You may bring your own helmet or bat but it is not required.

Please contact us directly to inquire about late registration availability. We will do our best to accommodate your family. Reach out to Doyle at 801-910-6210 or Dunsworth182@gmail.com.

Practices Practice day and field location will be scheduled by the volunteer coach. Most teams practice 2 times a week before the season starts, then once a week after games begin. Coaches will contact players once they receive their roster from the final preseason coaches meeting. Games All games are played on Saturdays (except Opening Day). Specific dates and times will be announced each season. Contact us or watch for updates from your coach.

New family orientation dates are announced each season. Please contact us or check back on this page for updates closer to the start of registration.

No. You can choose to have your child participate in the program without an assigned buddy. You can indicate your preference on the registration form. In the event your child does not have an assigned buddy but requires or requests assistance, there will be volunteers available who are able to help them.

The two most important things buddies do is keep athletes safe and provide peer support. On the Field, a buddy will:

• Help the player get their hat and glove and hustle out to the field
• Keep the player's attention on the game
• Give direction on where to make the play if the ball comes their way
• Let the athlete make the play as often as possible and safely
• Not exit the field until the last batter has hit home plate
• Get between the buddy and the ball if the batter is a "hitter"

At Bat, a buddy will:

• Help the player get the right bat and helmet and be ready for the lineup
• Stand opposite the player at home plate
• Give direction on stance and bat positioning
• Assist with the swing as needed and safely
• Help them head to base when the ball is hit
• Advance one base at a time and never run past another player running ahead

A buddy does NOT:

• Take a player to the bathroom — alert the coach to get the parent if needed
• Make the play for the player unless instructed by the Buddy Coach
• Allow the player to pitch or catch (coaches only)

We will try our best to have buddies remain consistent throughout the program so that they can form friendships with their athletes.

Utah Bambino Buddy Baseball is run 100% by volunteers. There are opportunities for everyone, from the snack shed to the board. Available roles include:

• Coach — lead a team of athletes
• Assistant Coach — support the head coach
• Buddy — paired one-on-one with an athlete on the field
• Board Member — help with league operations and planning

If you are interested, contact us or select your preferred positions when registering as a volunteer.

Volunteers 18 and older require a background check and child abuse awareness training per the Safe Sport Act.

Volunteers under 18 require parental consent and child abuse awareness training per the Safe Sport Act.

The background check and abuse prevention training begin when you register. Membership profiles are created at that time.

Please do not hesitate to reach out! The goal of this program is to have fun, build friendships, and enjoy the game of baseball together. We understand that each child has their own unique needs and we will do our very best to accommodate them.

Doyle Unsworth — 801-910-6210 | Dunsworth182@gmail.com
Adrian Garlick — adriangarlick46@gmail.com

Parents — call or email Doyle or Adrian with any questions about signing your player up.
Coaches — contact Doyle or Adrian to schedule your team for their Buddy Ball Day. Teams are scheduled on a first come, first served basis.