Alternative Baseball Organization looks to reach into the Desert Southwest
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - One organization is taking a swing for the fences and looking to take the next step in expanding opportunities and breaking from the negative stigmas surrounding autism.
The Alternative Baseball Organization is a baseball league formed in 2016 for people ages 15 and up with autism and other disorders. The goal is for the participants to gain social and physical skills for success in life on and off the diamond.
The organization had 20 teams across 12 states in the first several years. In 2021, it has reached over 30 different states and built 70 teams.
Commissioner Taylor Duncan says they are aiming to grow even more to spread the message that each individual has a place in society to succeed despite common stereotypes and field an inclusive environment where everyone can be a part of something.
"We’re going to keep on expanding because there’s always somebody in every community in the states, as well as abroad throughout the globe who needs the opportunity to participate in something that’s going to encourage them to be better," said Duncan. "That’s going to break those negative stigmas and break those perceptions."
A month removed from Autism Awareness Month, Duncan wants to continue to spread the message that people with autism are just like everyone else and we need to make them feel more included throughout the entire year and that's where baseball all-year round can help that.
"People sort of know what autism is based off the blurbs you hear through the years but now we're ready to take the next step," Duncan said. "Now let's focus on integration into society so everyone can be successful together."
The organization plays by Major League Baseball rules and uses wooden bats to create the most authentic experience possible.
While the organization has grown significantly, they still want to expand even more and they are continuing to look for coach/managers, volunteers and players.
Duncan says that Yuma and the Imperial Valley are on the list of recruiting and he gave a pitch to try and recruit people of the Desert Southwest to join:
"“Guess what Yuma? Guess what Imperial Valley? We want to come to you next. We’ve gotta find the coach/manager. We’ve gotta find volunteers and players to make this successful. Come on, it’s time to rally up. Rally up for our league #ourpastime as we continue our movement to #powerthroughperceptions.”
For more information, you can head over to www.alternativebaseball.org to be a part of the cause.
