The sport of baseball is deeply woven into the fabric of America. For more than 150 years, baseball has brought together millions of people to enjoy and participate in the exciting sport.
That’s why we’re eager to share how the Baseball Miracles organization created an unforgettable baseball experience for more than 300 individuals with special needs this summer.
Baseball Miracles partnered with Pathfinder Village, a planned housing community for individuals with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities, to host a dedicated baseball clinic at the historic Doubleday Field in Cooperstown, New York.
Playing near the Baseball Hall of Fame, the young adults from Pathfinder Village were treated to a wonderful day of baseball activities, photo opportunities, and plenty of support from the baseball community.
One of the leaders of the camp was former MLB player and manager Clint Hurdle, who is on the Board of Advisors for Baseball Miracles along with AM Technical Solutions COO Dan Codi. The Baseball Miracles team worked hard with several other key individuals to create a memorable experience for the players from Pathfinder Village.
How the Baseball Miracles Clinic Came Together
The baseball clinic at Doubleday Field was the product of great organizations and great people getting together to create the event.
To set up the event, Baseball Miracles contacted the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum looking to initiate a clinic in Cooperstown. The Hall of Fame then connected Clint Hurdle and Baseball Miracles with Pathfinder Village, which is located in nearby Edmeston, N.Y.
The conversation also brought in Dr. Joseph Dutkowsky, a Cooperstown surgeon who specializes in procedures for young adults with Down syndrome and other health complications, as well as several former professional baseball players from the MLB Alumni Association to help run the clinic.
The advanced planning was seamless making sure that every player had a t-shirt, glove, and other equipment to live out the opportunity to play the sport of baseball in an historic setting.
“It was unbelievable seeing multiple organizations coming together to serve these wonderful people,” said Dan Codi.
“Everybody on the field was a winner,” said Clint Hurdle. “Great participation. There were so many great smiles and laughs from the young adults. It was a very special day.”
– Learn more about how Baseball Miracles serves youth across the globe through the game of baseball at BaseballMiracles.org. Find out how you can get involved!