Alternative Baseball Returns to Macon a Year Later for the Second ABO Baseball Game in Middle Georgia

The Alternative Baseball Organization and founder Taylor Clark Duncan will be making a stop in Macon during their country-wide tour to spread awareness about autism and people with special needs, for their second baseball game at Historic Luther Williams Field

MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – Alternative Baseball, led by Taylor Clark Duncan, is a traditional baseball program for those dealing with autism and other special needs.

Duncan is part of that disability group, and back in 2016, he decided to take action.  Duncan started Alternative Baseball to spread awareness to communities around the country about being inclusive and helping create a better world for those who need it most through America’s pastime.

Now, the ABO has a few more stops on its tour of the country before heading to legendary Rickwood Field, where Braves Hall of Fame Pitcher Tim Hudson will be the honorary guest.  With the help of the Macon Bacon, Duncan’s next stop on the tour is back here in Middle Georgia for the second ABO baseball game at the home of the Bacon, historic Luther Williams Field.

Along with the special needs players involved in the game, Bacon mascot Kevin the Bacon, bacon players, staff, and many other Macon personalities, including Macon Mayhem players, are joining in on the fun Saturday afternoon for a seven-inning exhibition game.

Duncan spoke on his past as someone on the spectrum, and what this means to him to be able to help others in his shoes that don’t have a voice, become more inclusive in society to benefit the greater good, and help those in need ‘live the American dream’.

“I’m on the autism spectrum myself, so I’ve dealt with sensory speech and anxiety growing up that often kept me out of the game, either due to the developmental delays or the coaches perception of what one with autism can, and cannot accomplish” said Duncan Wednesday afternoon.  “But, with the help of those who have helped me throughout my life, my mother, teachers, mentors, coaches, people who have believed in me throughout the years, along with the lord up above,  I’ve been able to get to where I am today to be able to provide this experience for our athletes as well as to show the community everything that we are capable of when we are just given one chance, and one opportunity to showcase what we can do.”

Macon Bacon Team President Brandon Raphael was excited to get on board with helping with this idea when he first met Duncan years ago.  “When Taylor brought this idea to us several years ago, it was a no-brainer” said Raphael.  “How awesome would it be to have a baseball game here, and to be giving back, and for those that are autistic or have special needs to play a real game of baseball here at such an historic field?  It doesn’t get any better than that and we love that.  We love that we are able to do that and host it here.”

Duncan hopes that Alternative Baseball can help get the word out about helping those with special needs live their best life.  “We need to move towards fostering a inclusive society to where we are encouraged to be the best we can be instilled with the confidence needed to fulfill any and all of our dreams in life on and off the baseball diamond.  Being accepted for who we are and encouraged of our strengths, that’s the American dream.  Not only in our pastime, but also throughout and beyond as well.”

First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.  Admission is donation based, but due to Hurricane Milton, Duncan said they will welcome any evacuees to attend regardless of donation.

Here is the RSVP form if you would like to attend the game – RSVP Form Alternative Baseball