FSU PC, GCSC ‘ALTERNATIVE’ BASEBALL FEATURES DISABLED ATHLETES, CELEBS

Tony Simmons

 The baseball diamond at Gulf Coast State College’s Frazier Field will be the scene of a friendly game on April 14, featuring athletes with disabilities playing alongside local community leaders, celebrities and other volunteers.

“Playing for Disability Integration” is a project of the Alternative Baseball Organization (ABO), a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in Dallas, Texas, by Taylor Duncan, who is on the autism spectrum. Duncan, 28, always wanted to play traditional sports growing up, but was often denied opportunities because of what he termed “the commonly low perception of what one with autism can and cannot accomplish.”

ABO provides physical and social enrichment, excitement and personal empowerment for teens and adults with disabilities through an inclusive, authentic baseball experience that promotes community integration through fun competitions. The seven-inning game features players with disabilities who participate in a traditional-rules charity baseball exhibition alongside and against local community leaders, “celebrities” and others.

“(It’s) an exciting exhibition to further raise awareness for community integration and the positive benefits of athletics in the lives of individuals with disabilities,” Duncan said. “We will be using this event to find volunteers and athletes to continue building momentum for Alternative Baseball in the Panhandle.”

Focusing on physical and social skills growth through the hands-on authentic experience of practices and games, some of Duncan’s Alternative Baseball players have since taken their skills to apply into other areas in life off the diamond — including employment.

The first pitch will be at 2:05 p.m. on April 14, at GCSC’s Bill Frazier Field, 5230 W. U.S. 98, Panama City. The event is co-sponsored by Florida State University Panama City and Gulf Coast State College, and tickets are a “name your price” donation to ABO. For more information about Alternative Baseball, visit AlternativeBaseball.org.

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