POWDER SPRINGS, Ga. - Taylor Duncan knows what's it like to be discouraged from his favorite game.
"I ran into perceptions of other coaches who thought I wasn't capable of much due to the developmental effects of having autism," Duncan told 11Alive.
So he's making sure others don't miss the chance to enjoy America's favorite pastime. In 2016, Duncan started the Alternative Baseball Organization, a developmental baseball program for teens and adults with autism and special needs. He's since expanded the nonprofit's work with two teams in metro Atlanta: the Cobb County Trailblazers and West Georgia Dynamos.
Like Duncan who is on the autism spectrum and had speech, sensory and anxiety issues growing up, players on the team have a variety of needs. But they also have passion for the sport.
With the motto "Hit, Run, Inspire & Succeed," Alternative baseball offers a competitive yet accepting environment in which to play. The organization continues to expand, planning teams in Chicago, Jersey City and Colorado Springs.
Former pros have known to volunteer and play in the games. The All Star game combining program participants and professional players is set to take place Nov. 10 at New Georgia Youth Athletic Association in Dallas, Georgia.
