Ingersoll council approves free diamond use for unique kids baseball league

Jon and Amanda Ryan are seen with their three children, Harrison, Hayden and Sloane. (Contributed Photo)

Lee Griffi, Editor

An emotional presentation by two parents at Monday’s Ingersoll Town Council will allow a new baseball league for children with exceptional needs to enjoy the sport without paying diamond fees.

Jon and Amanda Ryan presented to council, asking them to waive the cost for the Iron Buddies league, which is operated through Ingersoll Minor Baseball. The idea for the program came from the couple following the tragic death of their son Hudson, who passed away from a seizure in his sleep on January 13, 2023, at the age of four. He was confined to a wheelchair from the age of two.

“Having a child like Hudson made us realize the world is set up for, I don’t want to say excluding these kids. Rather than helping Hudson walk, they fit him for a wheelchair. We are here to break down some barriers and let families know they don’t have to fight as hard as we had to in order to give Hudson a regular, accessible life,” said Amanda.

The couple has partnered with the Jays Care Foundation and has full support from the minor baseball board to go ahead with the program.

“It will be run separately and Jon and I will take care of fulfilling the needs of the foundation to make sure we give them the appropriate feedback,” she added.

Iron Buddies is an adaptive baseball league for children and youth living with physical, developmental, intellectual and cognitive disabilities. Players participate with the support of trained volunteer “Buddies.”

“Every athlete plays, every athlete bats, every athlete belongs. Our league exists because every child deserves the chance to wear a team jersey, hear the crowd cheering their name, and experience being part of a team,” Amanda said.

Hudson lived with a rare genetic condition called Sotos Syndrome. Some of its characteristics include hypotonia, global developmental delay, cognitive delay, scoliosis, and epilepsy.

“It’s an opportunity for children with exceptionalities to ensure they have a league of their own. Not all disabilities are visible. It could be anything from sensory to a fear of crowds. Our league exists because every child deserves a chance to wear a team jersey, hear the crowd cheering them on, and experience being part of a team,” said Jon.

The cost for each player currently sits at $60, a fee which covers the adaptable jerseys each player will wear. Iron Buddies will start Aug. 22 and run every Saturday until Oct. 24, with no sessions on Sept. 19 and Aug. 29.

One of the slides of the couple’s presentations certainly struck a chord with members of council and others in attendance.

“When Hudson was alive, we spent countless hours advocating for opportunities that many families take for granted. This league is our promise that other families won’t ever have to fight as hard for the chance to simply play baseball. By supporting Iron Buddies, you’re not just providing access to a diamond – you’re helping create memories, friendships, confidence, and belonging for children who deserve the same opportunities as every other child in Ingersoll,” it said.

“I feel like we have really healed by keeping his memory right at the forefront this whole time,” said Amanda.

Council unanimously approved the free diamond use, and Mayor Brian Petrie said the league is a perfect example of what comes from good people in a small town.

“You guys have put a lot of work into this, and it shows. I can’t imagine what you’ve been through, but you are honouring your son. That’s the thing with accessibility. Without that lived experience, we can’t all benefit from something in the future.”

He added the couple’s ask was pale in comparison to the work they have put in with minor ball in the town and the project.

“I know our staff is super supportive of this. It’s pretty amazing and I can imagine you are going to add a few more sponsors to that jersey, no problem.”

Coun. Kristy Van Kooten-Bossence echoed the mayor’s comments.

“What you are doing is an amazing thing for the community. I think this is absolutely amazing. It’s going to bring so much to our community and I want to know how we can get involved.”

Anyone interested in sponsoring the new league can contact Ingersoll Minor Baseball at fundrasing@ingersollminorbaseball.ca.