For those who have ever gripped a bat and dug their cleats into a batter’s box, there’s no greater feeling than the sensation generated by a baseball connecting with the sweet spot, the ball zipping into the gap in left-center.

Entering its seventh season, the ExCEL program (Exceptional Children Enjoying Life) has provided special needs athletes the opportunity to suit up and hit the diamond, experiencing the full range of tangible sensations and raw emotions associated with the American pastime. It’s a great cause, one that benefits not only those who take the field, but the volunteers, parents and community as well.

“It’s been very rewarding because I feel like I’ve gained a lot,” said organizer Allen Pittman. “The smiles on the kids faces is just so rewarding and touches everybody’s hearts. I basically call all of them my kids because I’ve seen them grown up over the years, seen them out there enjoying interacting with one another and playing ball.”

Pittman created the six-game, six-week season back in 2009 to provide a safe, enjoyable setting for his son Jacob, who began the league at age 8 and is now 14, to play the game he loved. The interaction the special needs children receive with teammates, coaches and volunteers offers a breathe of fresh air, helping each grow as individuals.

The six-week league also gives parents of special needs children the opportunity to relax and watch their child enjoy the afternoon.

“My son has really, really benefitted over the years. He’s really grown and matured a lot since we first started the program,” Pittman said.

“Being a parent of a special needs child is a 24-7 job. It’s very taxing on the person both financially and physically. Being able to relax and watch their child out there having fun means a lot. It’s a great joy in my life to be able to participate in this and let the kids have the opportunity to have fun and be a child.”

Along with Pittman, Allison Crisp has helped in the organization of the league, while Glenn Crisp assists in the game itself — the pitcher who, Pittman said, gives every child a fair chance to make contact.

Volunteers throughout the years have ranged from the Washington Police and Fire Services to the Washington Pam Pack football team. The football players, Pittman said, sometimes get more out of the program than the special needs players.

“Our guys are blessed to be able to run, lift weights and play the sports they love,” said Sports Sawyer, head coach of the Pam Pack. “The ExCEL kids really do their best at this event and all events. It’s helped our guys mature and be appreciative of their own athletic gifts.”

The six-week league kicks off on Sept. 13 at 2 p.m. and will continue each Sunday at the same time. Games normally last and hour to two hours, depending on the weather, and the league is free for every player.

To register your child or volunteer for the ExCEL Special Needs Baseball Game, contact Allen Pittman at 252-412-5400.