TAYLOR CLARK DUNCAN

Taylor Duncan: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities

Taylor Duncan's journey from a young boy facing exclusion to an international advocate for inclusion exemplifies the power of perseverance and vision. Diagnosed with autism at age 4, Taylor experienced speech difficulties, sensory issues, and social stigma throughout his childhood. Despite being often denied the chance to play baseball due to misconceptions about his capabilities, Taylor's passion for the sport remained undiminished. With support from family, teachers, and mentors, Taylor continued to pursue his love for baseball. After facing exclusion in both youth baseball and adult softball leagues, he took matters into his own hands; forming his own team and leading them to a league championship game in 2013.

In 2016, inspired by his experiences, Taylor founded Alternative Baseball. What began as a developmental baseball program for individuals on the autism spectrum has evolved into a nationwide movement promoting inclusion and empowerment for teens and adults with autism and other disabilities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Taylor steered Alternative Baseball towards a greater emphasis on advocacy for community integration through America’s Pastime. He launched the "Playing for Integration Tour," featuring games with athletes with disabilities alongside community leaders and former professional players.

Under Taylor's leadership, Alternative Baseball has:

  • Expanded to over a dozen states across the U.S.

  • Become an associated member of the World Baseball Softball Confederation

  • Garnered national media attention and broken attendance records

Committed to professional growth, Taylor enrolled at Toccoa Falls College in 2020, majoring in Nonprofit Business Administration. He has also become a sought-after speaker, sharing his story at events including TEDxAtlanta, Clemson University, Collins Aerospace, and Toastmasters International District Conferences. As CEO, President, and self-styled "Chief Fun Officer" of Alternative Baseball, Taylor continues to challenge perceptions, break down barriers, and create opportunities for individuals with autism and other disabilities. His ongoing work proves that personal challenges can be transformed into a movement that changes lives and communities.

HONORS:

Georgia House of Representatives - Commemorated, House Resolution 1420 (March 8, 2018)

Georgia Sports Hall of Fame - J.B. Hawkins Humanitarian Award

Atlanta Braves - Commemorated as a “Community Hero” on April 18, 2019.

Charter Spectrum News (North Carolina) - Showcased as an “Everyday Hero” during a news segment on Spectrum News Charlotte.

Toastmasters International (Toastmasters of West Georgia)

- Competent Communicator, July 18, 2017

- Competent Leader and Advanced Leader Bronze, April 14, 2018

- Advanced Communicator Bronze, June 28, 2018

- Triple Crown (for receiving 3 or more awards during a fiscal year

- Elected the local club’s Vice President of Public Relations (2017-2018)