POWDER SPRINGS, Ga. — It’s not just the pros who had to put down their bats and step back from home plate. A Georgia baseball league for adults with autism also felt the effect of the coronavirus, but it’s not stopping them from planning for a winning season.
“Baseball is the perfect place for everyone,” said Alternative Baseball Founder Taylor Duncan. “We are not just a baseball league. We’re not just a baseball team.”
Duncan started the competitive baseball league for people living with autism in 2016. “Growing up I faced a lot of preconceived notions of what one with autism can or cannot accomplish.”
The nonprofit started with seven players at a small church in Powder Springs and has grown to 40 teams in 17 communities.
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Duncan believes in addition to the health benefits the league provides life lessons and social skills. “You have to have those social skills built. You have to have those critical thinking skills, turn taking skills to bat in order, being able to take your own place on the field and being able to work as a team. You have to have those skills to be successful in employment.”
The nonprofit is now seeking out grants to expand even further in 2021. They hope to add new coaches, players and volunteers across the state and make sure everyone has the chance to get up to bat.
“It only takes one chance to show what we can do to be able to help you the best we possibly can,” said Duncan. “We’re teachable and we want the opportunities.”
You can sign up to volunteer, coach or play with Alternative Baseball here.
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