The college team took some time from their season to play a pickup game of baseball with life skills students from the Old Forge School District.
LACKAWANNA COUNTY, Pa. — It’s not Wrigley Field or Fenway, but on opening day, the heart of America’s pastime was out in full force in Lackawanna County.
The Keystone College Giants stopped by the Old Forge School District to visit the elementary life skills and autism support class and play a little pickup baseball.
“Where’d you get that?” “My hat? He gave it to me. So cool,” said Stephen Bendell, a student.
“I like when I hit the ball, and when they catch it, that’s my favorite part,” said sixth-grade student Vinny Kakareka.
A teacher had the idea to bring in the team from her alma mater to teach the students about the sport and also about life.
“The goal, obviously, for all of us in education, is to prepare our students for the future and whether it’s a career or sports or anything, to see these kids actually do something they enjoy in life, that’s our goal,” said Michelle Hopkins, Old Forge Director of Special Education.
It wasn’t an easy workout for the college players; the kids kept them on their toes.
After the game, the school presented them with a signed ball from the class.
It’s safe to say this game was just as much fun for the Giants.
“Yeah, hopefully some of these kids grow up and play baseball, right? That’s what we’re doing here; we want to inspire these kids. Hopefully, they grow up and they’re the next generation of athletes, you know? It was a great day,” said Nick Gravel, Keystone College Baseball.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
