WAYNE COUNTY (WXYZ) — This weekend we are celebrating America’s birthday and what’s more American than baseball?
A national organization called Alternative Baseball is making sure everyone can participate in the sport, specifically those with special needs.
Taylor Duncan is the founder of Alternative Baseball. The 24-year-old was diagnosed with autism as a child.Even though he was able to overcome several obstacles, he was striking out when it came to playing sports.
“I still faced a lot of the social stigmas and perceptions of what one with autism can and cannot accomplish,” Duncan said.
That’s why he started up the organization in his home state of Georgia four years ago. It has since grown from coast to coast.
Now, the organization has its eyes set in Wayne County next year.
Alternative Baseball uses MLB rules and regulations minus the baseball. The one they use is a bigger and softer.
Anyone 15 years and older with special needs can join.
“Pushing them beyond their boundaries so they can realize there is so much more capable than what peers and what maybe themselves can ever realize," Duncan said.
Because of the pandemic, this season had to be canceled.
For now, they are focused picking a spot in Wayne County to start up next spring.
“We need volunteers and players to help support our new program coming spring of 2021, sign up today," Duncan said.
If you would like to learn more about Alternative Baseball or if you want to volunteer, go to: https://www.alternativebaseball.org/
