A Community‑Built Ballpark
Every Thursday evening during the summer, the backside of the Scheels Complex in south Minot comes alive with the sound of bats cracking and cheers echoing across a field that was once just a vision. The Dream Catchers Baseball League, a volunteer‑run program, provides a safe and inclusive environment for athletes with special needs to experience the joy of baseball.
The league was founded in 2003 by Michelle Bliven after her son Aaron, who uses a wheelchair, was unable to advance in traditional t‑ball. Determined to create a space where her son and others like him could play, Bliven rallied community support and began a journey that would soon expand beyond her family.
Harvey Herslip, a key figure in the project, devoted countless hours to researching adaptive equipment and securing funding. Through grants and private donations, he helped raise $800,000 to construct an adaptive field that can accommodate a wide range of abilities. The field, opened in 2012, remains playable even after rain, ensuring that games can continue uninterrupted.
Today, the league boasts 50 athletes, including youngsters like Jaedyn Rust, who has been part of the program since first grade and loves the thrill of hitting the ball, and Bella Burckhard, Herslip’s granddaughter, who delights in playing on the adaptive surface. Each player is paired with a ‘buddy’ who offers guidance and support, fostering friendships and confidence on the diamond.
The success of the Dream Catchers League is a testament to the power of community collaboration. Volunteers manage every aspect of the program, from field maintenance to game organization, while local businesses and residents continue to contribute through donations and sponsorships. For Bliven, the league is more than a pastime — it is her happy place, a sanctuary where dreams become reality.