The Los Angeles Dodgers hosted an inclusive youth baseball clinic at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday, welcoming students with autism from the Oxnard School District for a morning of play, learning and connection through baseball.
Teoscar Hernández, Andy Pages, Santiago Espinal and Holly Robinson Peete were among those who participated in the event. Hernández and Peete also participated in an autism awareness workshop the Dodgers hosted last season. Hernández and Peete are both parents of children on the spectrum and advocates for raising autism awareness.
“To be here and be part of the lives of these kids and their families, for them to learn something, for them to do something different, that’s what this is all about,” Hernández said. “And for me, seeing my teammates here giving their support to this cause and being here for the kids and families, it makes me happy. Because I see the way they’re into this and helping others feel better and feel supported.”
The clinic was led by Dodgers Training Academy in partnership with The Miracle League. The event was for students with moderate to severe autism from Driffill Middle School and Dr. Manuel M. Lopez Academy, along with their dedicated aides and support staff.
It was designed to create a supportive and engaging environment, and combined adaptive baseball instruction with sensory-friendly activities that allowed the students to participate at their own pace. Students also were treated to lunch and received gifts from the Dodgers.
“We’re doing all sorts of clinical baseball setups for them, and it’s so cool. This is one of many autism events I’ve been able to be a part of with the Dodgers,” Peete said. “It means so much to me to be here. It’s so important to have events like this because it’s all about inclusivity. It’s all about inclusion.”
The Hollyrod Foundation was founded in 1999 by Peete and her husband, Rodney. The foundation focuses on raising autism awareness and providing resources for families who have a loved one who has received an autism or Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis.
The Peetes are particularly active in raising awareness for autism as their son, RJ, was diagnosed when he was 3 years old.
RJ Peete is a Dodgers clubhouse attendant who is beloved by players and throughout the organization. Peete has worked in the Dodgers clubhouse since the 2016 season.
Teoscar Hernández raising autism awareness
Hernández is wearing protective padding on his left elbow, left hand and left shin while at the plate that features a colorful puzzle pieces design associated with autism awareness.
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