Every child no matter the challenge deserves to play baseball - Frontier baseball at Murphey Candler Park

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Welcome to Murphey Candler Baseball Frontier Baseball! This Spring will be our 7th season of Frontier Baseball! I still cannot believe how Frontier has grown so fast and now means so much to so many people. Parents, I have seen firsthand how Frontier changes these kids' lives. So many parents have commented to me that they never thought they would see their son or daughter on a baseball team. And then they found Frontier. And the unexpected benefits continue to amaze me, from the pride of being able to wear their own Team Jersey on their school's spirit day, or the increase in self confidence in these kids. It is truly a gift.

We look forward to having you and your family at Frontier Baseball at MCLL, and please email me at frontier.baseball@gmail.com with any questions you may have.
Adam J. Wickley

About
Frontier is a low stress, fun baseball program for kids with ADHD, ADD, Apraxia, Speech Delays, Dyslexia, Auditory Processing Disorder and other executive or sensory challenges. Frontier is exclusively a Murphey Candler Baseball program.

Basic Facts:

• When: Frontier plays each Spring, generally February through May, with time off for spring break.
• Where: Frontier is played at Murphey Candler Park in Brookhaven, Georgia, located just 1 mile off of I-285 at the Ashford Dunwoody Road (Perimeter Mall) exit.
• How Often: There is only 1 event (either a game or a practice) per week, either a Saturday or a Sunday. Sunday events are always after 12:00 noon
• Ages: Frontier has three age groups.
  • Frontier I is for 6 through 9 year olds
  • Frontier II is for 10 through 12 year olds.
  • Frontier III is for 13 through 16 year olds.
• League Size: There are typically 8 to 12 teams in the Frontier League. Approximately 100 kids play in Frontier each Spring Season.
• Who Can Play: All areas of Atlanta are welcome! Even if you do not live nearby, the 1 day a week program makes it easy to participate. We have families from Peachtree City to Gainesville that play.
• Experience: NO EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY!! Even if your son or daughter is older and has never played baseball, they are perfect for Frontier.
• League Structure: Games and Rules are adapted to the needs of the kids. For instance, we keep innings short to keep their attention, the teams small, and use machine pitch so they have a better chance to hit the ball (Frontier III is coach pitch). Also, all of the coaches are Dads with kids that play in Frontier. So they "get it".
• Fundamentals: Even with the adaptations, we also strive to make Frontier as close to real baseball as possible, implementing fundamental baseball but without the pressure and stress of competitive little league. Frontier also has the same uniforms as the rest of Murphey Candler Baseball.

Common Questions:

• My son has never played baseball. Is that ok? Absolutely. Frontier was started to give kids a chance to play baseball that have never been able to play before.
• I am not sure my son can do this, how do I know? It's a common question. Then you see him at the first practice with his friends from school and it all changes. Trust us.
• Is Frontier co-ed? YES! Frontier had several girls play last Spring.
• How do I know if Frontier is a good fit for my son or daughter? Generally, we do our best to fit everyone into Frontier unless there is a safety or significant behavioral concern. See our Eligibility Statement below for reference.

History:
Frontier Baseball is ground breaking and unique to anything else as far as we know. The idea was formed in 2011 when its founder, Adam Wickley, was trying to find a place for his son Jackson to play a sport. Like so many kids similar to him (he has ADHD and Auditory Processing Disorder), he wanted to play baseball, but the social component kept him from playing mainstream sports. But he also was not a fit for other "Special Needs" leagues. He was caught in the middle with no place to play. So after unsuccessfully finding a place for Jackson, Mr. Wickley and MCLL decided to create a new League for kids just like him, and an idea was born. Four years later it has taken on a life of its own, providing life changing experiences for both parents and kids.

Eligibility Statement:
Murphey Candler Baseball promotes special needs baseball opportunities through both the Challenger and Frontier Leagues. The Frontier League is specifically designed for certain disabilities such as ADHD, ADD, Apraxia, Dyslexia, Speech Delays, Auditory Processing Disorders and other challenges that would not require the use of a full time "buddy" on the baseball field as does The Challenger League. Frontier is a machine pitch and coach pitch league, and as such, safety on the field is of utmost importance. Therefore, participation in Frontier requires that a player be diagnosed with at least one of the above conditions, be able to play without the use of a full time "Buddy" and not be a threat to the safety of themselves or others. This determination shall be at the discretion of the Program Director, League Director and Murphey Candler Baseball.