FAQs
WHAT IS ALTERNATIVE BASEBALL?
Alternative Baseball is a true baseball experience which teaches social and physical baseball skills for teens and adults with autism and other special needs to apply both on and off the field.
IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT?
While you must be at least 15 years of age to participate, there is no maximum age limit.
DO I HAVE TO HAVE EXPERIENCE TO BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROGRAM?
While experience is nice, it is not required. Even if you have no prior experience, we will teach you all the basics (and then some).
IS IT ONLY FOR TEENS & ADULTS WITH AUTISM (ASD)?
No, there are participants with down syndrome, learning difficulties, etc. There are no “buddies” on the field. Alternative Baseball has a very high emphasis on players’ independence. As long as you know your limitations, you're good to go.
WHAT WOULD I NEED TO BRING TO PRACTICES?
Only your fielding glove and your willingness to learn. Other equipment such as batting helmets and bats are optional. Bats are also supplied by the program. It is also recommended to bring your own bottled water to practices and games.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ALTERNATIVE BASEBALL AND OTHER SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAMS?
Read our fact sheet here:
WHERE ARE GAMES AND PRACTICES HELD?
Please see the "Find Us" tab for an Alternative Baseball club near you!
WHAT DO YOU DO IN THE PRACTICES?
Everything your typical competitive team does: warmup stretches, drills, batting practice, fielding practice, baserunning, etc. Practices are tailored to each individual in order to set them up for success.
HOW ARE THE GAMES STRUCTURED?
We use the Official Baseball Rules of Major League Baseball. We use only wood bats to preserve the professional quality of the games. Base stealing, leading off, and infield fly are all in effect. Each of Alternative Baseball’s games are 7-9 innings. (If tied, games go to extra innings.) The players pitch in Alternative Baseball. Each player (when hitting) is pitched a ball either overhand or underhand based on their individual skill level. Regardless, it’s 4 balls a walk, 3 strikes an out, 3 outs to an inning’s side. The only adaptation is the type of ball itself.
DOES ALTERNATIVE BASEBALL USE “BUDDIES”?
No, Alternative Baseball does not use “buddies.” Alternative Baseball has a very high emphasis on players’ independence and on furthering individual performance/development.
HOW CAN I SIGN UP TO PLAY/PARTICIPATE?
Enter the Player Pool here: