Baseball league for autistic, special needs teens, adults, looks to Demopolis

Alternative Baseball Organization, designed for teens and adults with autism and other disabilities, is looking for a volunteer coach/manager, players and volunteers to help start a new program serving Demopolis and the surrounding area.

Taylor Duncan, a 25-year-old resident of Dallas, Ga, is the founder, commissioner and director of ABO. As a youth with autistic he wasn’t able to take part in competitive sports.

“When I was much younger, I had speech issues, anxiety issues and more that came with having autism,” said Duncan. “I wasn’t able to participate in competitive sports due to the developmental delays, in addition to social stigma from those who think what one with autism can and cannot accomplish.”

Thanks to the help of his mother, teachers, mentors and coaches, “I’ve gotten to where I am today in my life: To live with the goal to inspire, raise awareness, and acceptance for autism and special needs globally through the sport of baseball.”

ABO is a 501(c)(3) program for adults and teens 15 years of age and older. It is designed to help them gain social and physical skills for success in life on and off the diamond.

Recruitment for the 2021 season has begun virtually because of the coronavirus pandemic. The organization not only is recruiting in Demopolis but in areas through the Southeast. The organization provides equipment and resources to help such a program become successful.

Duncan said he started ABO because services for older teens and adults with autism to help them continue their path toward independence are rare, especially in rural areas.

The program follows Major League rules (wood bats, base stealing, dropped third strike, etc.), and is a true typical team experience for those on the autism spectrum and those with special needs.

ABO has clubs in more than 30 states that are preparing for their late spring start dates.

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 Weekday TODAY Show.

Duncan said ABO is looking for players of all experience levels.

“We take them from where they start out at and help develop their physical and social skills,” he said.

Duncan can be contacted at (770)313-1762 or by logging onto the ABO website www.alternativebaseball.org.