FAQ

What is Junior Grizzlies?
Junior Grizzlies is a baseball league for special needs children. Junior Grizzlies was originally called Buddy Ball. Buddy Ball has been in the Central Valley for over 15 years. During the fall of 2006 the Fresno Grizzlies approached the players and parents of Buddy Ball about the possibility of taking over the league, thus formed Junior Grizzlies.

Where are the games played?
Games are currently being played at Woods Elementary School in Clovis. For directions to the field click here.

How is the Fresno Grizzlies involved?
The Grizzlies Community Fund (the non-profit entity of the baseball team) finances and coordinates the league. They are responsible for the day to day operations of Junior Grizzlies.

What kind of child qualifies to play?
Simply put, any child that cannot play in standard recreational baseball that has been diagnosed with a physical or mental disability can play Junior Grizzlies.

How many games are played?
The Junior Grizzlies season consists of eight games that are played on Sundays at 1 PM. The season starts on March 25th and ends on May 20th.

Will there be practices?
Each coach sets a practice schedule. Practices are not mandatory, but are encouraged. It allows for the players to improve their skills and meet new friends.

Is it required to attend all games?
One of the important aspects of Junior Grizzlies is for the kids to feel a part of a team. For this reason, it is important to attend as many games as possible.

How are the games played?
All games are non-competitive, with each player batting, running the bases and scoring each inning. Games will last 1 hour which typically allows for 2-4 innings.

How are Buddies involved?
The Buddy is there to protect the player from balls, assist the player in batting and running the bases and to be a friend on and off the field.