The positive feelings were contagious Tuesday night (July 24) at Friendship Park in Des Plaines as the Mount Prospect Post 525 Bulldogs played Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA) in an exciting exhibition softball game.
The NWSRA athletes were split into two teams and assisted by Bulldogs players on the field. The two teams battled to an exciting 16-16 tie in three innings. The play on the field was exciting, but the overall enjoyment at the event made everyone a winner.
NWSRA, headquartered in Rolling Meadows, serves park districts of Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Elk Grove, Mount Prospect, Prospect Heights, Palatine, Rolling Meadows and Wheeling from the Journal-area, along with nine other towns just outside the coverage area.
“This sends a message of inclusion,” NWSRA Supt. of Recreation Rachel Hubsch said. “We want to be inclusive in everything that we do. This showcases that exactly. These players coming out show how committed they are to their community and everyone who lives in it. Every year the bond gets stronger [between NWSRA athletes and the Bulldogs]. Tonight they (NWSRA) can feel like real ballplayers. No rules changed for them. It is just fun baseball. Everyone is out to have a good time.”
NWSRA players were beyond excited to participate, according to Hubsch. She said the players all arrived a half hour early, and ahead of time, were always asking when the game would be held.
“This is why I got into the field of therapeutic recreation,” Hubsch said. “It is hard to put into words what it means to see them all smiling. We all know smiles are contagious and once you see one you want to smile. You know their hearts are in the right place and they want to do well. They give it their all in every sport they do. This makes them feel like they are competing with the best of the best.”
The game was exciting from start to finish with the two teams swapping leads back and forth. Of the 19 NWSRA players, 15 scored at least one run and a combined 32 hits.
“I think this was the best outcome possible,” Mount Prospect coach Jim Haffey said. “This is definitely the most exciting game yet. Both teams really had a great time.”
While Haffey would have loved to see his team win for the fourth time in four years, in the end it was about having a good time and that’s what the Bulldogs did.
“I love being a part of this,” Haffey said. “Tonight was just great. It was really a great experience. We love giving back. It is great to give back. NWSRA players really look up to our guys. They seem to really remember us from the last few years. It is just a fun event.”
Hubsch and her group of athletes wait all year for this and she feels the NWSRA athletes are the real winners of the day.
“Bill’s players get a lot out of this, but our guys get a lot more out of it,” Hubsch said. “Our players get role models out of this and the feeling the community really cares about them. We are inclusive and welcoming of all skill levels. We are just here to play.” Bill is Bill Starr, commander of Mount Prospect American Legion Post 525.
As for the weather, it was sunny and in the mid-80s. The game was postponed twice earlier due to rain.
“We want it to be the most perfect day and you couldn’t have asked for any better weather,” Hubsch said. “This is baseball weather. Then we end with a hot dog dinner with chips, what is more baseball than that.”
Haffey agreed and said it was the perfect event to have before his team heads to Alton for the Illinois American Legion State Championships, Saturday, July 28-Tuesday, July 31.
“We are excited about state,” Haffey said. “I think we have a really talented team and I can’t wait to see how we do.”
NWSRA Athletes:
Team 1: Chen Mou, Andrew Mau, Dean Christensen, Terrance White, Danny Ciolino, Joe O’Brien, John Terrelli, Anthony Marsillo, Brandon Waller, PJ Spencer
Team 2: Paige Bailey, Aaron Drescher, Sarah Schubert, Aiden Awe, Valerie Buchanan, Xavier Buchanan, James Farruggia, Nick Joseph, Keith Thomson
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