OUR STORY
Alternative Baseball: From Personal Journey to Social Movement
Alternative Baseball® began as one young man's dream and has grown into a nationwide movement for inclusion and empowerment. This is the story of Taylor Duncan, and how his personal journey led to the creation of an organization that's changing lives and communities across America.
Taylor's Story: Overcoming Barriers
Growing up with autism, Taylor Duncan faced numerous challenges. He was often excluded from traditional sports due to misconceptions about his capabilities. But Taylor had a passion for baseball that couldn't be extinguished. Through perseverance and the support of his family, he found opportunities to play and develop his skills. As Taylor played in various baseball and softball leagues across the Southeast region of the United States, he gained more than just athletic prowess. He learned vital life skills:
Teamwork: Working with diverse groups of people towards a common goal
Communication: Expressing needs, ideas, and strategies both on and off the field
Sportsmanship: Winning graciously and losing with dignity
Leadership: Taking initiative and inspiring others to do their best
These experiences were transformative for Taylor, boosting his confidence and opening doors in other areas of his life.
The Birth of Alternative Baseball
In 2016, reflecting on his journey, Taylor realized that many others with autism and other disabilities were still being denied the opportunities he had fought so hard to access. He decided to change that. Taylor founded Alternative Baseball with a simple yet powerful mission: to provide an authentic baseball experience for teens and adults (ages 15+) with autism and other disabilities. The initial focus was on creating a traditional league structure where players could develop their baseball skills in a supportive environment.
From League to Movement
As Alternative Baseball grew, Taylor and his team realized that their impact extended far beyond the baseball diamond. A need existed for more programs to emphasize the need for continued personal growth during life after high school graduation. ABO saw players gaining confidence, forming friendships, and achieving personal goals they never thought possible. Parents reported positive changes in their children's social skills and independence.
This realization sparked a transition. Alternative Baseball evolved from a traditional sports league into a community movement for social change that utilizes the fun of America’s Pastime. The organization began to focus more intentionally on:
Personal Development: Using baseball as a vehicle for building self-esteem, social skills, and life skills
Community Education: Raising awareness about the capabilities of individuals with disabilities
Advocacy: Working to create more inclusive communities and opportunities for individuals with disabilities
Social Connection: Fostering a sense of belonging and community among players, families, and volunteers
The Alternative Baseball Experience Today
Today, Alternative Baseball programs operate in over a dozen states, with new chapters constantly emerging. The organization's approach blends the structure of baseball with a focus on individual growth and community impact:
Inclusive Environment: Welcoming players of all experience levels
Skill Development: Focusing on both baseball skills and life skills
Community Engagement: Hosting events that bring together players, families, and community members
Empowerment: Encouraging players to become advocates for themselves and others
Join the Movement
Taylor's journey from a young man facing exclusion to the leader of a national organization is a testament to the power of perseverance and community support. Alternative Baseball continues to grow, driven by the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to discover their potential. Whether you're a potential player, a parent, a volunteer, or someone interested in starting an Alternative Baseball program in your community, there's a place for you in the Alternative Baseball family. Join us in building a more inclusive world—one game, one player, one community at a time.