Lou Harris Challenger Division
Lou Harris was an integral part of Bergenfield Little League, serving our organization for 35 years from 1981-2015, having been a board member or division administrator for 33 of those years, 4 of which serving as league president. During his presidency in 1991, Lou established the Challenger Division within Bergenfield Little League. Lou ran the Challenger division since establishment for 25 years, welcoming many players from other towns in which a Challenger Division did not exist, a practice which continues today. Lou exhibited the highest standard of sportsmanship and served as a role model for everyone involved with Bergenfield Little League during his tenure, having coached or managed hundreds (if not thousands) of players both on and off the field. In 2015, Lou was presented both a Lifetime Achievement Award from Bergenfield Little League and a Proclamation In Appreciation from the Borough of Bergenfield for his hard work, dedication, and leadership to the community and our organization.
Lou Harris passed away in 2026. In honor of Lou Harris, the Bergenfield Little League Challenger Division was named after it's creator as the "Lou Harris Challenger Division" to ensure that his efforts and dedication to our organization, and the Challenger Division specifically, will forever be recognized.
Players learn much more than just baseball skills... it's a time for smiling and having fun!
The Challenger Division was founded by Little League International in 1989 and established in Bergenfield by Lou Harris in 1991, as a separate division of Little League Baseball to enable children with special needs to participate in America's national pastime - baseball.
It is our goal to teach the children teamwork, fair play, discipline, and to strengthen their self-esteem in a structured environment. This program allows the children the same chance to participate and enjoy the full benefits of little league baseball as their siblings and friends. We are committed to giving these challenged children a chance to develop and learn baseball in a safe environment.
Any individual with a physical or intellectual challenge may participate. If an individual can participate in the traditional Little League Baseball or Softball program with reasonable accommodations they should do so. The Lou Harris Challenger Division, in accordance to Little League International guidelines, accommodates players of baseball league ages 4 to 18; or up to league age 22 if still enrolled in school.
If you have children interested in signing up for the Lou Harris Challenger Division baseball program or would like to volunteer your time to our program, please contact our Player Agent at [email protected] for more information.