Players Join Trust at Massachusetts Baseball Clinic for Autistic Kids

BEDFORD, Mass. — A little rain didn’t dampen a fun-filled morning of baseball for a group of autistic young people who received instruction and encouragement from a group of Red Sox and Twins players as part of the Players Trust’s City Clinics program.

Matt Barnes, Blake Swihart, Shane Victorino and Steven Wright of the Red Sox along with Blaine Boyer, J.R. Graham, Trevor Plouffe,Tim Stauffer and coach Eddie Guardado of the Twins assisted with the Trust’s City Clinic, providing instruction, support and high fives as the students went through stations for batting, throwing and fielding as well as an obstacle course.

“It’s always good seeing the Players Trust in action,” said Stauffer, a reliever for the Twins. “The City Clinics program is a great opportunity to get out in the community and get up close and personal with kids. Its great seeing their enjoyment and enthusiasm for the game.“

The clinic, originally scheduled to take place at Tufts’ baseball field, was moved to their indoor facility because of the unfortunate weather.

Although they faced one another last night on the field (and again in a double-header today), Red Sox and Twins players came together to share the game of baseball with more than 100 special children and adults from the Nashoba Learning Group, whose students fall on the Autism spectrum .

After spending time at the various stations, the players posed for photos and signed autograph cards for each participant.

This was the second year the Players Trust has held a City Clinic for the Nashoba Learning Group at Tufts University.

Located in Bedford, Mass., and founded in 2002, the Nashoba Learning Group’s mission is to enable children and adults with autism to function with the greatest possible productivity and independence in the community, home, and workplace.

It provides individualized education, training and intervention services for students from ages three to 22 with Autism Spectrum disorders.

To view more photos from the event check out our gallery here.