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People

How it started​

Crusaders Baseball was born out of a mother’s deep love for her son, Jack, and his zeal for the game. Jack has Down syndrome. While his words were few when he was a toddler, he told his mom “baseball” every morning. Some children carry a teddy bear or a blanket, but Jack carried a small plastic baseball bat everywhere he went. Like most children, Jack wanted to hit the ball and be part of a team.

 

Though his mom saw a greater opportunity. She knew baseball was therapy for kids like Jack—therapy they would love! Jack played in a few local leagues for kids with special needs as the family moved. This offered the family a lot of learning opportunities.

 

When the Challenger League in Bryan-College Station began to dwindle because many players were aging out or disengaged, Jack’s mom knew if he was going to be a baseball player, she had to do something. After praying and gathering support from her community in her living room, she took a leap of faith and stepped up to lead.

 

Through prayer and with a supportive community, the Heaton family has been able to create a league that serves players of all ages and ability levels—and they are hitting home runs!

What sets us apart

What sets Crusaders Baseball apart from other organizations is its belief that the game should be available to players regardless of physical or mental capabilities—and no matter how old they may be. In fact, as our players age, they often face further health risks. Keeping them active and involved is of utmost importance.

 

We have also had some wonderful opportunities, like playing with teams from Australia, partnering with our local high schools, scrimmaging a wrestling team, and joining games with local select teams. These experiences offer our players unique opportunities that benefit both our team and the people we get to meet along the way.

 

It is our hope that Crusaders fosters an “I can” attitude, builds friendships, and brings joy to our families and the community supporting us.

Baseball players
Family2

Acknowledgements

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Special thanks to Will and Heather Simmen for answering the call of a stranger who knew little about baseball but had a dream. They said yes and have helped so much along the way. Their son, Dane, even named us the Crusaders! Heather, who is also our Young Men’s Service League coordinator, often runs the bases with our players and helps in the dugout. Will designed our uniforms and teaches us all things baseball. And Dane has played a major part in developing Jack’s swing. The Simmen family does so much more behind the scenes, and we are incredibly thankful for their dedication to this organization.

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Thank you to the Arredondo Family with College Station Little League for being great to work with.

 

Thank you to Brannon and Pride Baseball for taking us under your wing in the beginning.

 

Thank you to Travis Fields for giving us an amazing place to play where all players have accessibility!

 

Thank you to Edge Baptist Church, Austonio Baptist Church, and Pride Cleaners for your continuous support.

 

Thank you to Reliance Baptist Church for allowing us to use your baseball field for practice.

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Thank you to Wellborn Community Center for allowing us to use your space for our banquets.

 

Thank you to these committed volunteers:

  • The Mosier Family

  • Archie Parr

  • Ruby Knox

  • Carson Melder

  • Barb Goggin

  • Young Men’s Service League

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