FAQ

Q: Is it only for autism? 

A: 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. 

Q: What do you do in practices?

A: 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.

Q: Does Alternative Baseball use "buddies"?

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

Q: How does Rochester Alternative Baseball differ from other programs in Rochester like Challenger Baseball or Beep Baseball?

A: Both programs are great programs and nothing is stopping any player from choosing to play in multiple programs if they are suited to.  Challenger Baseball is much less competitive, uses modified rules, and uses buddies in the field.  Some of our players also participate in Challenger Baseball but desire to play with more traditional baseball rules and competition.  Beep Baseball uses special equipment so blind people can play as well, as traditional baseball rules are not friendly to those with vision loss.  Rochester Alternative Baseball uses the same equipment any other baseball team would, with the only exception being a safer modified baseball closer to what you'd see in youth programs.

Q: Why focus on baseball when there are so many factors affecting families of autism and other disabilities?

A: According to one large study, teens and young adults with autism are about three times more likely than those without the condition to develop type 2 diabetes.  Another study showed adults with autism have significantly increased rates of many medical conditions including obesity and hypertension.  The CDC recommends exercise for those with diabetes and Harvard School of Public Health recommends the same for those with obesity.  Finally, the National Autistic Society of UK suggests autistic people are more likely to experience loneliness than non-autistic people, so it is a great way to meet similar people with a shared interest.