Catching a dream
Minot State University baseball and the Minot Dream Catchers played the sixth annual Dream Catchers "Day at the Dome" Feb. 20 at the MSU Dome.
The event has grown each year to this season’s 125-player game. The Dream Catchers, a team comprised of special-needs children organized by MSU alumna Michelle Bliven, had 55 members present.
"This is annually one of the biggest nights of the year for our guys," said MSU head baseball coach Brock Weppler. "Both sides have a lot of fun - sometimes it’s tough to tell which group has the most fun."
Each batter, who is paired with a MSU student-athlete, is allowed two at-bats. In the field, each position was filled by a child and his or her MSU buddy. No score is taken, and at the end of the each inning, the final batter gets to run the bases.
The "Day at the Dome," originally a class project by former MSU baseball player Justin Beahm, embodies the spirit and camaraderie of team sports. There was no admission charge, and fans came to watch and cheer for both teams.
"We believe this is one of the most important events that Minot State baseball and Minot State University Athletics is involved with," Weppler said.
After each game, all four teams shared a traditional handshake, and finished the day with pizza.
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Published:02/22/12 |