Our Story

The story of The Exceptionals begins with a girl named Toni. Sterling Farber was coaching his daughter’s softball team in Blue Springs when he noticed her. Night after night, Toni sat in her wheelchair at the fence, watching closely and cheering enthusiastically for her sister’s team. That image stayed with him. He began to feel a growing burden for kids like Toni, kids who loved the game but did not have a way to step onto the field and be part of it.

Toni wanted to play just like her sister, but being in a wheelchair made that difficult. Sterling could not shake the feeling that something needed to change. He believed she, along with other kids facing similar challenges, deserved the chance to play softball like anyone else.

So he started a league. He called it The Exceptionals.

The name reflects the heart of the players who take the field every Monday night. These are exceptional kids who show up with energy, resilience, and joy, despite the challenges they face every day. What makes them exceptional is not just that they play, but how they play, with enthusiasm, courage, and a love for the game that is contagious!