James Jackson/MDN Aaron Bliven, the namesake for Aaron’s Field and Michelle Bliven’s son, enters the batter’s box with some help from his Minotauros “buddy” at the annual end-of-the-season game for the Dream Catchers league.

Finding themselves in the bottom of the ninth of another stellar season, the only thing beaming brighter than the late-afternoon sun on the second Sunday in September were the smiles on the faces of players, coaches, parents, and “buddies” as the Dream Catchers league and the Minot Minotauros teamed up for one last game this year at Aaron’s Field.

Since 2003, Dream Catchers has provided local baseball lovers with physical or intellectual challenges the opportunity to safely make life-long memories and connections on the diamond as a full-blown participant in America’s pastime.

Founded nearly 20 years ago, the Dream Catchers origin story was imagined and written with love by distinguished Minot Public Schools educator Michelle Bliven.

Spending nearly four decades focused on ensuring MPS students facing diverse learning challenges receive the best education possible, Bliven’s dedication and devotion are reflected in the many honors bestowed upon her throughout her prestigious career.

The recipient of the Minot Education Association Teacher of the Year, North Dakota Alternative Educator of the Year, and the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science, Bliven boasts a resume that serves as a testament to her lifelong desire to help those often overlooked in the ever-changing public education landscape.

Yet, when asked what awards she holds closest to her heart, Bliven didn’t hesitate when responding, “Of all my awards, the ones associated with Dream Catchers will always mean the most. I received the Council for Exceptional Children Humanitarian of the Year and the Hometown Hero recognitions for my work with Dream Catchers.”

For her, the inception for Dream Catchers was rooted heavily in creating a means for her son, Aaron Bliven, to play the game that sits near to his heart.

Born with a condition called Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy, Aaron is affected by a group of disorders that hinder his ability to move and maintain balance and posture.

Though Bliven could help her son play during his time in T-ball, recreation officials felt as if the safety of the other players, as well as his own safety, could be at risk if Aaron were to move up to the next level of recreational baseball.

Sitting in the stands and watching his siblings’ games for a year, Aaron’s continued desire to play the game he loves motivated Bliven to sit down with her family to come up with a way to enable her son, and others with limitations like him, to safely experience the unforgettable joys associated with being part of a baseball team.

Eventually, after much deliberation and logistical planning, what Minot locals know today as Dream Catchers was born.

When asked how the name originated, Bliven explained, “It came very easy to be honest. It was our ‘Dream’ for Aaron to be part of a team again, and ‘Catchers’ came about because these kids would be catching not only the baseball, but also catching their dreams.”

Putting it bluntly, Bliven proclaimed that “Dream Catchers” was in fact “the perfect name for our new team.”

After a winter spent getting players to join the league, finding a location for games, and securing sponsors to help purchase a litany of necessary items, the summer of 2003 would finally play host to the inaugural game for the Dream Catchers.

Thirteen players would take to the diamond for the first-ever game, playing two innings of baseball where every player would have the chance to bat, round the bases, and cross home plate with the aid of volunteers.

Now, nearly 20 years later but still grounded in the same game play that has sustained its remarkable success, Dream Catchers has grown to a roster of 73 players on four unique teams.

Yet, unlike their early years of play, the Dream Catchers league now lays claim to their own Miracle Field, courtesy of the contributions of Harvey Herslip in 2011.

The grandfather to four Dream Catchers players, Herslip was responsible for raising all of the funds, gathering contractors, and supervising the building of the field. Constructed from recycled tires, the field is completely flat with the bases painted on the surface to prevent players from tripping.

On Aug. 15, 2013, a dedication ceremony was held at the field to unveil its new name, Aaron’s Field, in honor of Bliven’s son.

Nowadays, in spite of the many changes for the better that Dream Catchers has embraced, one of the most integral components of the league since day one continues to consistently bring the most joy for all involved in the weekly games: the “buddies.”

A term coined by Bliven, “buddies” are the many volunteers that assist players in the batter’s box, running the bases, and playing defense out in the field.

Partnering with Dream Catchers on a yearly basis has been the Minot Minotauros, Minot’s own North American Hockey League (NAHL) team.

When asked about the partnership between Dream Catchers and the Minotauros, head coach Cody Campbell said, “We are always thrilled to participate in the Dream Catchers baseball game. It is something that our organization looks forward to every year.”

Elaborating even further, Campbell would say, “This event is something I think is so special for our players to be a part of annually. It gives our players such a great perspective on how lucky they are to be able to play hockey in a wonderful community and chase their dreams athletically.”

Ironically, as ecstatic as the Dream Catchers players are about teaming up with their Minotauros “buddies”, Coach Campbell believes that at the end of the day, it might mean even more to his guys.

“I know the Dream Catchers athletes enjoyed spending some time with our players, but I can tell you for sure that our players had just as much fun playing and interacting with all the Dream Catchers athletes,” stated Campbell.

Bliven encourages any individual or organization interested in donating to the league or serving as a “buddy” in a Dream Catchers game to contact her through Facebook via the Dream Catchers Baseball page.