One-on-one time with Duke University baseball players made a unique experience at the third annual Baseball Duke Bonanza even more extraordinary. Running the bases, catching a ball in the outfield, and trying out the batting cages in a college ballpark will be special memories for the children who participated.
The Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, in partnership with Duke Baseball, welcomed about 50 children and their families to Jack Coombs Field on Duke’s campus for the event.
The team would later go on to win the 2024 ACC championship, but many of the 51 players on the Duke Baseball roster were already superstars to this group of kids. Returning participants from last year’s Baseball Bonanza, and those who follow the team’s games, knew the names of their favorite players and rushed to meet them. The players focused on using the game to build relationships and making sure the kids were having fun.
“The individual bonds between the buddies and the kids over the course of the day was really special.” - senior pitcher Josh Allen
The kids rotated through stations set up for throwing, catching, batting, and running the bases, getting individual instruction from the student-athletes. “Seeing how they approached each thing, we found a way to make a game of each of them,” said Logan Bravo, a graduate student infielder, on how he adapted teaching baseball fundamentals to each child’s interests and abilities.
“I was completely in awe of how wonderful all of the baseball players were with the children. It was incredibly heartwarming to see all of the smiles and absolute joy radiating from not only the children, but from the baseball team, the parents and guardians, and the other volunteers.” - Kristen Stefureac, MSW, clinical social worker in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Some children were excited to train and practice baseball skills with elite NCAA athletes. Dad Greg Miklos says his son Mathias “really appreciated the one-on-one time, specifically with the players. He learned some new skills, and I think came away much more motivated to play baseball. He’s excited about the game.”
Mathias, who was paired with junior pitcher Fran Oschell, said “My favorite parts were hitting, catching, and throwing.”
For many, though, the opportunity to connect on the field with the team without judgement was as meaningful as practicing specific skills.
“Almost immediately, one of the participants in my group formed a connection with one of the players and they spent the whole event together,” said Stefureac. “When the participant decided not to take part in the batting station, the baseball player seamlessly helped engage him in another activity looking at the various vehicles the team uses to help transport equipment.”
“The event as a whole was incredible,” said Beth, a parent whose daughter participated, “All the kids got to be themselves out here on the field. The baseball team did a phenomenal job playing with the children and creating a wonderful atmosphere. Her favorite was just being with the players – [the player] was juggling balls and being a clown. They were awesome.”
"The baseball team did a phenomenal job playing with the children and creating a wonderful atmosphere." - Beth, a participant's parent
“This event is such a great opportunity for connecting with families who have been part of our research studies,” said Geraldine Dawson, PhD, founding director of the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development. “It’s a way of saying ‘thank you’ for their partnership.”
Participants received a custom-designed “May the Fourth be with you” t-shirt, soft baseball, and inflatable lightsaber, in honor of the Star Wars theme. To end the day, the players lined up at an autograph station to sign t-shirts and posters.
“Putting a smile on the kids’ faces, seeing them have fun makes us feel good,” said Kyle Johnson, a freshman outfielder and pitcher. Later in May, Johnson would bat in two runs in Duke’s 16-4 ACC championship win against Florida State.
Junior pitcher David Boisvert remarked that spending time with the children “put it in perspective how lucky we are to be out here. How happy the kids are to be here means a lot for us.”