Former East Texas collegiate player introduces kids to team sports with ‘blitz-ball’ league

UPSHUR COUNTY, Texas (KLTV) - An East Texas game warden has spent his time, money and energy into getting kids outside for some fun and exercise.

And he’s doing it through a sport called blitz-ball.

On the mound at his Upshur County property, Game Warden Nathan Skeen built his own baseball diamond facility and started a blitz-ball league two years ago.

“If we can get them outside, away from a TV screen, away from an iPad, let them get out, run around, exercise, that’s our goal,” Nathan said.

Identical to baseball, but played with a plastic ball and plastic bat, and designed to let kids enjoy the fun of being part of the sport.

“I love it. Number one it’s something he gets to get out and do during the summertime, he’s not just staying at home. But he also gets to keep in touch with his friends from school,” said mother Crystal Burch, whose son plays in the league.

Blitz-ballers from several states turned out for the kids today.

“Blitz-ball is probably the best way kids can come out and play, and with baseball you need a lot more equipment,” said Chandler Sartain from Missouri.

Aside from getting fresh air and exercise, important character building lessons can be learned from participating.

“You teach life lessons in sports, and it’s cool that blitz-ball can be something to help with that,” said Chandler’s brother Cayden Sartain.

“I think it’s a great way for kids to learn skills and more than anything, help kids have fun,” Chandler said.

“Baseball’s kind of like life, you might have a bad day, might have a good day, but there’s always tomorrow. Can’t dwell on the past, there’s always another at bat, always another day,” the game warden said.

Skeen concluded the season Wednesday with an all-star game and a home run derby.