2011 ISC Special Olympics Game

[Moline, IL]-For the 4th year in a row, the ISC hosted a group of local Special Olympics softball players in an exhibition game, and I’m proud of my ISC peers for their continued support and involvement. The generosity and effort that has been shown to this event is a testament to the types of people that are part of the sport. I hope that next year’s game can be even bigger and better.

I had to get to a game right as the Special Olympics game was beginning, but rumors of a shutout, and a cavalcade of runs made their way throughout the park at the conclusion of the game. But all of us who have been part of the game in the past know that the outcome isn’t the key – it’s the experience. The sharing of a common love of our sport, regardless of ability. A chance to bring the game down to it’s simple details: playing catch with your friends, hitting a ball, trying your hardest, having fun, meeting new people. These are the things that I hope everyone who participates, and those who haven’t yet, see in this game.

The more people that get involved, the more special the event becomes for the participants, and this year was no different. I apologize if I missed anyone in the following, but as you can see, we had a lot of contributors.

Group photo sponsors: These teams and people donated dollars to provide each Special Olympics player an 8×10 color photo of the entire group. The support we received for this was overwhelming – Thanks to everyone who helped!! ….. Derrick Zechman, Derek Martin, Gregg Leather, Dave Lohman, Al Doran, Tom Crouch, Chuck Hendricks, Grant Patterson, The Toronto Gators, Chico McCart, Andy Treist, Joe Todd, Mark Bendahan, Adam Smith, Frank Rogers, Dave Selden, Blair Setford, the family of Dave Blackburn, Sue Sherry, Bar of Appleton, Jeff Whetstone, Vahram Mateosian, John Thompson, and Derek Pukash.

Beginning in 2008, we started collecting hats and t-shirts from participating teams so that each Special Olympics player had a unique souvenir from the event. Once again in 2011, the caps and shirts flowed in as all the players received something from a team to take home with them. Many of these teams have supported this every year – I know I can count on you guys to help make this happen. Thanks to the following for their donations: PA Power, California A’s, Albaugh, Jarvis, Bakersfield Silverhawks, Robert Gray, Ashland Stockpack, Pueblo Bandits, Stoney Creek Scrappers, Chicago/NY, Midland Explorers.

Also for the 2nd year in a row, two groups from within the ISC family went above and beyond in their contributions. The ISC Umpire crew provided a new jersey for each of the Special Olympics players – those red ‘All-Star’ jerseys will be a treasure for every player who received one. ISC Umpire Mike Clark: “To me the Special Olympics game is about doing something for someone else and giving back a little bit of the goodness that has come our way.” And the Maccabi USA team donated a matching red ‘All-Star’ hat for each player. When the Special Olympics players walked around the park, they looked as sharp as the teams playing in the ISC.

For all the items that the Special Olympics players receive, none are as important as the game itself. Without the ISC players who take time out of their schedule to play in this game, it wouldn’t make near the impact on the Special Olympic players as it does. Some of the players have been part of the game each year, and some were brand new in 2011, but I know they’ll be back for future games. I wasn’t able to get all the names of the players, but the following teams were represented: Mitchell Mets, Quad City Sox, Chicago/NY, Wellington Sox, Pueblo Bandits, PA Power, Midland Explorers, Toronto Gators, California A’s, and of course, the ISC Umpires provided their usual support with comic relief, liberal interpretation of the rules, and a great sense of humor and involvement.

Even though he was pulled from last year’s game after failing to get an out in the first inning, Chi/NY pitcher Bill Hillhouse was on the mound again this year – with similar results, “For the first time in my career, I didn’t mind giving up 42 runs in a single game.”

Pueblo outfielder Jason Shea has been part of the game since 2008. This year, he brought along a new teammate, which is a great way to get others involved. “The game is something I look forward to during the week of the ISC. Being on the field with players from other teams and shoot the breeze is always enjoyable. And the best part is to see the smiles and laughter on the faces of the Special Olympic players. They remind us that it is still a game you play for fun!”

A special note goes out to Wellington Sox coach Ron Gilbert. Last year in Midland, Ron asked if his son Troy could be part of the Special Olympics game, even though he wasn’t part of the local group. The Midland players welcomed him and made him feel right at home. This year in Moline, Ron again asked if Troy could be part of the game, and the Moline players took Troy in as if he’d been a teammate for years. Ron – Troy is welcome to be part of any of our future games – he’s as much a part of the ISC family as anyone else and we can’t wait to see him in Midland next year.

Also, both the ISC and the Quad Cities CVB were outstanding in their support of the game. They found time in the schedule, helped promote, allowed us onto the field for introductions, and created a great amount of awareness for the event. Kudos to Larry Fisher and Lynn Hunt for their support

A special Thanks to Bill Hillhouse and Jamie Clark who gathered donations, hats, ran errands, recruited players, organized photos, and helped make the event a success – the two of you were key to this year’s event.

Kyle Beane
Midland Explorers
ISC Player Rep