Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Alternative Baseball (ABO) offers a personal development program for teens and adults with autism and other disabilities to learn life skills through practices, games, and other events.

  • Information for local and national events, including our Playing for Community Integration Tour and 80’s DOUBLE FEATURE, can be found on our website. See the “Teams” and “Tour” tab for more information!

  • While you must be at least 15 years of age to participate, there is no maximum age limit. Start your Alternative Baseball journey today by clicking or tapping Play.

  • 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). Regardless of whether you are first using the tee stand or being pitched to fast/slow overhand, everyone is treated as a legitimate, serious competitor in this fun, inclusive environment.

  • No, there are participants with Down syndrome, learning difficulties, etc. The one thing to remember is that 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. 

  • Only your fielding glove and your willingness to learn. It is recommended to size your head and purchase your own batting helmet, although the local program will have some on hand. The program also supplies bats. It is also recommended to bring your own bottled water or sports drinks to practices and games. 


  • Please see the "Teams" tab for an Alternative Baseball club near you!


  • 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.

  • We use the Classic Version of the Official Baseball Rules. 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. The players pitch in Alternative Baseball. Each player (when hitting) is pitched a ball either overhand or underhand based on their individual skill level. If someone opts to utilize a tee-stand, each swing and a miss is still a strike. Three strikes is still an out. 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. Athletes are expected to follow the ABO Code of Honor.

  • No, Alternative Baseball does not use “buddies.” Alternative Baseball has a very high emphasis on players’ independence and on furthering individual performance/development.

    There is, however, a rule in the Alternative Baseball rulebook addendum in which one coach can stand on each side of the outfield area in foul territory providing visual cues and verbal instruction to outfielders. However, a coach who handles a live batted ball will force the advancement of opponents on the basepath!

  • Qualification for premium Alternative Baseball events doesn’t hinge on your skill level. However, it does hinge on your active participation and contribution to practices, games, and other events locally. You must actively participate in 70% or more of your local program’s activities in order to quality. Athletes who take online concussion awareness and SafeSport classes may receive up to a 10% bonus toward their premium event eligibility.