Cassel Turner and Dustin Taylor are passionate about baseball – specifically, Franklin’s Little League program. They are on a quest to grow the current program, and bring awareness to an all-volunteer organization specializing in serving our youth through the long-lasting pastime of baseball. This program includes tee-ball and softball. In addition to the conventional sport, Franklin offers a Challenger League opportunity.
Turner is the information specialist for the Little League and has spent countless hours as a player, coach, father on the sidelines, and mentor for kids. He has had six of his own children involved in the program. Taylor is the Challenger division leader. His youngest daughter, Sophia, is currently involved in this special program for young people with physical or intellectual disabilities.
For many generations, the Little League program has been a summer activity for families. Travel sport leagues have infiltrated the sporting world, and athletes have gravitated toward participating in travel teams. Franklin Little League leaders want to get the word out that they are alive and well, and have much to offer young players of all types.
Organizers are pushing the boundary areas to expand interest in Franklin’s program. Turner and Taylor want residents not only in Franklin, but also Edinburgh, Whiteland, as well as the east and west portions of Johnson County, to invest in the program. The Little League has implemented social media this year and has Facebook and Instagram pages for additional information.
Little League has baseball and softball programs for youths of all ages. It is open to male and female athletes.
The Challenger League is an inclusive sports program designed specifically for children ages 5 to 21 with physical and intellectual disabilities. This league provides a fun and supportive environment where every player is encouraged to participate at their own pace. Each player is buddied up with a Senior League player who guides and protects the player during the game. The focus of this program is teamwork and sportsmanship. This program is a one-day program at zero cost. The one-day event will take place in June, with the date to be announced.
“We want families to come out, relax and watch their children participate in a positive environment of play for a few hours,” said Taylor. The organizers hope this program allows the kids to feel represented and seen outside of their normal restraints, and to experience success. Eventually Taylor hopes to see this program grow to the point where a league season is possible.
