Sunset Little League, Challenger Program registration now open

RIO RANCHO — It’s a new year and that means sports fans are starting to think about spring baseball. In Rio Rancho, longtime local institution Sunset Little League (SLL) is expanding its offerings with an eye toward bringing the American Pastime to as many kiddos as possible.

“Our spring season offers a mixture of dedicated development, age-appropriate competition, end-of-season divisional tournaments, and an opportunity for players to represent our league and our community in the Little League International All-Star Tournament,” reads the SLL mission statement.

In addition to the usual spring baseball and softball seasons, SLL is launching its newest season of the Challenger Program. Designed to introduce children with special needs to the game of baseball, the Challenger Program is part of Sunset’s most recent efforts to expand interest in the sport.

“Our community has a long-standing tradition of inclusiveness through increasing awareness regarding children with disabilities and fostering community partnerships. The key to a successful Challenger Program is the careful selection of managers and coaches as well as our buddies to support our players throughout the season. Qualified leadership must reflect positive and constructive direction, patience and understanding, and the ability to adapt instructions to a dynamic and diverse collection of players,” reads the SLL website.

The Challenger Program isn’t set up like traditional baseball leagues or teams. SLL Challenger Program participants are teamed up based on range of ability rather than age. In fact, players as old as 22 can play for the Little League teams as long as they are registered for school. Additionally, SLL says there is not an age limit on the Senior Division.

One of the most unique elements to SLL’s Challenger Program is the institution of the Buddy System.

“Our players will be paired with dedicated buddies to assist them with their skills and ensure player safety at all times. Our buddy system is a proven benefit in programs across the country in establishing good relationships between players with disabilities and passionate volunteers that support them throughout life,” says SLL.

Just as players are grouped based on ability, rather than the traditional metric of age, so to the teams’ success is not determined by traditional score. Instead, SLL says “the program is measured by the growth and success of [the] players, not the score or outcome of a single game.”

Also new to SLL in 2025 is the elimination of boundary lines for some players.

According to the SLL website, “League boundaries have been eliminated for any players ... age 7 or below. ...[Like] our Challenger Program, boundaries no longer apply, and older siblings are eligible for a waiver under the qualifying sibling clause.”

Registration for SLL baseball, softball and the Challenger Program is open now. The registration window closes at midnight Feb. 14. The season runs from March 1 through May 31. The cost for baseball and softball is $160, and the Challenger Program is $55.

For more information, visit tshq.bluesombrero.com/sunsetbaseball.

As the SLL website states, “It doesn’t matter if you have a first-time player or a highly-skill player, Sunset Little League has great opportunities for everyone. Come join in the fun and be a part of something truly special.”