STARability Foundation kicked off the 10th season of its all-inclusive baseball league on Saturday, Jan. 7. Founded in 2013, the league provides STAR participants with the opportunity to experience the camaraderie and connections of playing America’s favorite pastime.
STARability’s one-of-a-kind baseball league gives everyone the chance to bat, round the bases and score a run for their team while connecting with friends for fitness, friendship and fun. The league consists of four teams – the Tigers, Rays, Red Sox and Yankees – and plays Saturdays from January to April at Osceola Elementary School. The season concludes with a coaches versus players game and an awards picnic in April.
“We play a game that is the bones of baseball,” said Stacy Bolesky, a STARability volunteer and baseball league sponsor. “We have no outs, no scores and everyone bats until they hit the ball. The participants and families make up the body of the game and give it a beating heart.”
The 10th season is presented by Inspired Closets Southwest Florida and team sponsors are The MVP Autism Foundation; Woods, Weidenmiller, Michetti & Rudnick, LLP; Randall Packard Construction and Sweet Art; and Judy and Ken Gilman.
Trailblazer Academy participant Frank R. warms up before hitting the field.
Coach Diane Presto and Trailblazer Academy participant & STAR Store & Studio assistant Caitlin R. celebrate a homerun together.
STARability volunteer Tyler Tanner and STARability participant Beau C. handshake after a good game.
Trailblazer Academy participant Molly K. kicked off the game by singing the National Anthem.
STAR Store Director Carrie Jo Terry, Jr. Trailblazer Academy participant Alexis K. and Director of Social Enterprise Cayla Childs on- site with an array of handmade STAR Studio products.
Coach Cliff Soukup, STARability participant Nicole C. and Coach Debbie White talk strategy going into the game.
STARability participant Alexander B. and STARability Enrollment & Volunteer Manager Connor Nehls high-five after a successful base steal.
H.L. Burkley, owner of Inspired Closets (Southwest Florida) and the 2023 STARability Baseball Season sponsor, throws out the first pitch.
