New Year, a new game in town

Steve Cordle
(with Taylor Duncan)
ECB Publishing, Inc.

Baseball is coming to North Florida! This isn't just any baseball; it is the Alternative Baseball Organization (ABO). The ABO is a 501c3 authentic baseball experience for teens and adults ages 15 years and older with autism and other disabilities. Participation in sports, such as ABO, helps players gain social and physical skills for success in life on and off the diamond. For Jefferson County, this will be a startup but will be well worth it. From humble origins of six players in Cobb County, Ga., about 45 minutes west of Atlanta, ABO has grown to have teams in over 30 states, including Florida, and now wants to expand into Jefferson, Madison, Leon and other North Florida areas.

According to Organization Commissioner Taylor Duncan, "It takes six months to fill a full team due to the lack of catered services available in most areas for teens and adults with disabilities." To help get the league off the ground, the ABO is looking for volunteer coaches/managers, players and volunteers to help start a new program serving those in Jefferson County and the surrounding area. The ABO has other programs in Florida that are set to either resume play or start play in the late spring or summer of 2021 in Panama City, Volusia/Seminole County, Orlando/Kissimmee, Naples and Greater Tampa Bay. The ABO provides equipment and resources to help such a program become successful.

"When I was much younger, I had speech issues, anxiety issues and more that came with having autism,” Duncan said “I wasn't able to participate in competitive sports due to developmental delays." For people like Duncan, the various personal issues make participating in sports difficult. Still, another issue that makes it even harder is the social stigma that accompanies preconceived ideas from those who think what one with autism can and cannot accomplish.

Duncan went on to say that "With the help of my mom, teachers, mentors and coaches who believed in me, I've gotten to where I am today in my life; that is to live to inspire, raise awareness, and acceptance for autism and special needs globally through the sport of baseball. "

People with disabilities can live independent lives; many times, they need a chance. Duncan noted that once many with autism graduate from high school, services plateau in many areas. In a lot of suburban and rural areas, there are no services for those [with disabilities] to continue their path toward independence.

The ABO's specifics include following Major League rules such as wood bats, base stealing, dropped third strike, etc. The baseline is set at a distance of 90 feet, which is high school regulation. The bats are made by various manufacturers, while the balls come from a particular manufacturer and are similar to a softball. All of the elements make for an authentic typical team experience for players on the autism spectrum and special needs to help develop social skills for later in life.

Alternative Baseball has clubs in over 30 states who are also preparing for late spring start dates. Players can be of all experience levels, as Duncan pointed out that the ABO takes them from where they start (whether they require to be pitched to slow overhand or hit off the tee) and builds game skills. At the same time, players develop their physical and social skills.

In 2019, the organization was commemorated as a Community Hero at an Atlanta Braves game and has been featured on ESPN's Baseball Tonight and NBC's TODAY Show. Players who participate in at least 70 percent of the games and practices have the opportunity to play in the ABO all-star game with Major League Baseball (MLB) players. Past MLB participants have included Johnny Estrada, catcher, who played for the Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, Arizona Diamondbacks, Milwaukee Brewers and Washington Nationals and Anthony Lerew, former pitcher for the Atlanta Braves and Kansas City Royals.

Alternative baseball will be a fun time for players, managers and spectators alike! Further information can be obtained by calling Taylor Duncan, Commissioner/CEO/Executive Director of the Alternative Baseball Organization at (770)313-1762 or visiting their website at www.alternativebaseball.org.
Now, let's play ball!