PaddleHeads Host Annual Challenger Baseball Game Saturday

The Missoula PaddleHeads are preparing for a Saturday night battle with the Idaho Falls Chukars continuing what is a 6-game series. Before they do, however, the team will also take a step away from the grind that is the Pioneer League Baseball season to be a part of what has become a special tradition in the realm of baseball that impacts a part of the Missoula community in a very unique way. 

Prior to the game on Saturday evening, the PaddleHeads will continue the tradition hosting the Missoula Little League's Challenger Division for their final game of the season at Allegiance Field. PaddleHeads players, coaches, and front office members will all participate. Founded in 1989, The Challenger Division is Little League Baseball's adaptive baseball program for individuals with physical and intellectual challenges. This contest may not have an impact on the league standings or be linked to Missoula's playoff push, but it surely will touch a portion of this community in a way that goes beyond the world of baseball. 

This longstanding tradition gives this group of young athletes the opportunity to experience the game they love in a way that they otherwise would not be able to. PaddleHeads President Member Matt Ellis has witnessed this program grow over the years and has seen how rewarding it is for everyone involved. Whether it's a Challenger athlete or PaddleHeads player, this ballgame brings these two worlds of baseball together. 

"This is a program that our organization has been a part of for over 10 years," Ellis said. "When we first got involved this program was hosted over at the Little League fields here in Missoula. But we have since moved it to our ballpark to better accommodate the athletes. Now our Owner Peter Davis buys jerseys for these athletes every year and it is free for these kids to participate in this program. It's been an incredible experience seeing as many as 60 sign ups this year for the program. It's one of the top things we are proud of that we participate in with the community." 

The PaddleHeads have been more than successful on the field over recent years. The 2025 iteration of the team is no different as it pursues a new franchise record for wins in a single season. Missoula will also be a part of the postseason for the 5th consecutive season in pursuit of a Pioneer League Championship. Saturday's Challenger Game however illustrates how the PaddleHeads also have made an impact off the field in a way that goes well beyond the foul lines. 

"This event is all about giving, and promoting the game of baseball," Ellis said. "These kids do not get the opportunity to play this game anywhere else. This gives them an outlet to be able to experience this amazing game of baseball. It also brings this community of people together. Families, and loved ones of players come out to the ballpark every year to watch these kids play or participate in the game itself. Members of our front office are also involved as coaches in the league. This is the ultimate moment tonight with the Challenger players having the chance to take the field with our players for their last game of the season." 

The dog days of summer are a challenge for any professional baseball team. The PaddleHeads have their eyes set on their end season goals that are fixated on putting themselves in the best position to have success in the Pioneer League Playoffs. While doing so, they have to fight through fatigue and other challenges that present themselves in the midst of a 96 game season. The Challenger game allows the players a chance to take a step back and remember why the game of baseball is special in its purest form while also connecting with a part of the Missoula community. 

"One of the special parts of this program is having the opportunity to see these kids grow up over the years," Ellis added. "We've had kids that were wheelchair bound when they started with us in the program and have advanced to running within 4 years. We also have met special people like Tyler who now works for us. When he started in the Challenger program he had a hard time communicating with people. But with the help of the Challenger program and other things he has had in his life he has flourished. He is now a part of our full time day of game staff. It's so fulfilling to see the impact that this program makes on lives." 

Michael Schlact is in his 5th season in the dugout as Manager. He has been a part of a championship, and been recognized as the Pioneer League Manager of the Year in 2021 to highlight some of his on-field successes. Schlact has also played a role in the promotion of over 20 players to affiliated clubs dating back to his first season with the club in 2021. While this event may not impact Missoula's season on the field, it is clear that the Challenger Game is also a special experience for him and his players. 

"I think the number one thing that people should remember is that baseball should be for everyone," Schlact said. "To see the smiles on these kids' faces when they get the opportunity to play this game is so special. It also allows our players who have played this game at a high level see the challenges these kids face that they did not. These kids are out here giving everything they have despite having some adversity to fight through. It helps them prioritize what is really important and give back to the community. It also is an opportunity for them to be around some of the best people in the world."

The Challenger Game highlights the players themselves enjoying the game they love. They also have the opportunity to take the field with professional ball players who are with them every step of the way. There is no obligation for any of these players to do so. But you would not know that seeing these players take the field for this special event.

"I have never made participation in this event mandatory for my players," Schlact said. "But it has always been fully attended by our players over the years. I think it shows how our clubhouse culture is linked to acceptance and love for others. That's obvious to see. We bring in good people that care about everyone. It also allows our guys to get out of their little bubble of professional baseball. It allows guys the opportunity to experience Challenger Baseball and think about what is really important. I think that's why it's so well attended and guys don't want to miss it."

September 11 and the beginning of the Pioneer League Playoffs will be upon us in short order. Players in the clubhouse have goals fixated on winning a championship and etching their names in the Pioneer League Record books. But sometimes sports are important for reasons that have nothing to do with winning. The Missoula PaddleHeads have won plenty of ballgames in recent years. I have had the pleasure of being a part of many of these. But traditions like the Challenger Game is what truly sets this organization apart. 

Being a part of this event shows how winning is not all that important at all in sports. Why do we love baseball?  Joy can be found in success on the field undoubtedly. But why did you start playing the game or following the game in the first place? These answers are most likely not surrounded by the thoughts of a pennant chase, win loss record, or magic number.  Baseball in its purest form is played for the fun of the game. It's about coming together with your teammate that then becomes your friends or even extended family. 

Challenger Baseball gives these kids the opportunity to enjoy the game in the way that everyone should be able to. Having the chance to connect with the game of baseball is a special privilege regardless of what level it's played on. 

The 2025 season for the Missoula PaddleHeads will play out. They may win a title, or they will fall short. However, an empty trophy case at the end of this season would tell the story of how special this organization is in every way. Tonight is a night to remember. A time to share the game of baseball and play the game the way it's meant to be played. With joy for all. That's what being a Missoula PaddleHead is all about. 

The PaddleHeads (58-24) continue a 6-game set with the Chukars (46-35) on Saturday evening at Allegiance Field following the Challenger Game. First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. Head to the ballpark for a night of fun for all or listen to the call on ESPN Missoula 102.9 F.M.