Fifty one participants, caregivers, and volunteers enjoyed a day of “Spring Training” on February 19 at Dell Diamond in Round Rock, Texas. Our BasebALZ and “Talking Baseball” groups from Austin and Sun City/Georgetown were hosted by the AAA Round Rock Express baseball club.
We had planned to play whiffle-ball on the pro diamond, but inclement weather forced the event indoors. Not to worry, the Express opened up the clubhouse and batting cages to the group:
After Express GM Tim Jackson welcomed the group, former major league pitcher Ross Ohlendorf threw “batting practice” to the participants (above). For those not wanting to “step up to the plate”, a game of baseball beanbag toss was underway in the next batting cage.
Other highlights of the day included:
Trading baseball cards with new/unopened packs of cards provided by Card Traders of Austin. Several Nolan Ryan cards were located – but none were traded!
Breaking in and oiling up baseball gloves.
Lunch provided by Alzheimer’s Texas. After lunch, Ross Ohlendorf led a very interesting Q&A session with the group.
The day was viewed as a great success by all involved. Perhaps it is best summed up by one of the SABR volunteers, who stated: “I am proud to have been involved in the organization of our group and feel supremely lucky to associate with such a great group of guys and gal. I find it interesting that our efforts to help others has resulted in such a great gift to ourselves. Or at least that’s how I feel. Being involved has rekindled my baseball juices, which died along with my playing career.”
An excellent video about the event (6 min.) can be viewed here.
The event was also covered by local media. An article can be found on page 2 of the local newspaper: Williamson County Sun
We hope to make this an annual event. Many thanks to Tim Jackson and the Round Rock Express, to Ross Ohlendorf, to Card Traders of Austin, to our long-time sponsor Alzheimer’s Texas, and to our many dedicated volunteers.
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