Hastings Police surprises special needs Bambino League

HASTINGS, Neb. (KSNB) - The Hastings Police Department made an appearance at Crosier Park Wednesday to surprise the Bambino League, a group of 55 special needs athletes ranging from six- to 77-years-old.

The League is run by commissioner Dick Urwin, who relishes providing opportunities to his athletes.

“You can see how much fun they have,” Urwin said. “And they know the game. They have fun. And we just let them. Nobody gets put out. Everybody gets to run. Everybody does the bases. And it’s a fun turn out.”

The athletes, themselves, were unaware they would be playing a game of whiffle ball against HPD. That is, until members of the department came out to greet them.

“One of the things that brings all of us together as humans is that we all like sports in one way or another,” HPD Patrol Division Sergeant Jason Haase said. “This is something that we can all participate in. This tiny little bit that I and my coworkers are able to give back to the community, to this group of individuals ... make them feel just like every other kid that gets to go out there and play baseball, or kickball or soccer or any of those things, it’s a huge, huge deal.”

For Carter Rodgers, one of the athletes with cerebral palsy, and his younger brother Landen, the league is a unique opportunity to participate in sports activities.

“It’s really cool seeing him be able to play baseball,” Landen Rodgers said. “Not being inside, having to sit on a chair. He actually gets to be out, play with his friends, play some baseball.”

The Bambinos beat HPD 41-0 in one inning, making for a great night for everyone involved.

“Everybody’s included, nobody’s left out,” Urwin said. “Nobody.”

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