Cary, N.C.– It was a picture-perfect Saturday at Coleman Field at the USA Baseball National Training Complex (NTC), where BaseAble athletes took the field with pride and purpose. While the game was a major highlight, the athletes enjoyed a memorable weekend that included a trip to the Durham Bulls, practices at the NTC, and a surprise visit from the Collegiate National Team.
“Everybody had such a great time, and I’ve made so many new friends, and I’m just really super grateful to everybody,” said Heather Schwam, BaseAble athlete.
BaseAble is an organization dedicated to creating an inclusive environment that enables individuals with mental or physical disabilities to participate in baseball. This marks the second consecutive year that BaseAble has partnered with USA Baseball to host the event at the NTC, following a previous event in 2022, which took place around the 18U World Cup in Bradenton, Florida. With three events in the books, the experience continues to grow in both size and impact.
“The experience of coming down is incredible. It’s incredible for our athletes; this is like a Major League experience for them. This year, we have North Carolina athletes, and we have more women athletes this year. Overall, it’s just a great experience,” said Coach Tony Vlahovic.
For Tyler Collins, USA Baseball’s Senior Director of Youth Programs and Education, hosting the event for a second consecutive year brought immense joy.
“It’s about giving those the opportunity to play here at our facility – a place where aspiring national team-level players typically compete. Giving them that memorable experience to play on a field that so many great athletes play on, that gives me the most joy,” said Collins.
The weekend began with a visit to Durham Bulls Athletic Park, where the Bulls took on the Memphis Redbirds Thursday night. After celebrating a Bulls win, the athletes traveled to the NTC on Friday to receive their new gear and get in some practice ahead of Saturday’s game.
“It was amazing, absolutely amazing, to see programs come from four states,” said Schwam. “Playing outside, making new friends, learning some skills in the practices, it was just a very rewarding experience.”
In the game, Team Red faced off against Team Blue on Coleman Field, and it was Red that walked away with the victory. Even though Red won the game, there wasn’t a person without a smile on their face by the end of it.
“My favorite part is watching both men and women get out here and hit a baseball and play the game they have such a passion for,” said Gary Chropuvka. “Just giving them an opportunity and seeing their eyes light up when the bat hits the ball, it’s just been wonderful.”
Before wrapping up the weekend, the athletes received one final surprise: batting practice with the Collegiate National Team.
“Being able to see the character of the people who represent USA Baseball on the national stage and watching them interact with our BaseAble athletes was special,” said Collins.
Saturday night’s practice with the Collegiate National Team capped off an unforgettable experience for all the athletes and coaches. Although everyone will head back to their own communities, they’ve built bonds that will last a lifetime.
“I just love being with the athletes, their extended family. Watching them play, interacting with them, watching them have friends from other states now, and teammates that they didn’t have before. That whole relationship, the bonding, is incredible,” said Vlahovic.
