North Adams, MA – This past week, the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL) supported individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as the organizations that benefit these groups. Starting on July 7th, teams across the league began hosting “Inclusion Night” to celebrate this wonderful group in their respective communities.

With focus shifting to All-Star festivities, it’s important not to forget the hard work and dedication that these organizations have given to the community. Specifically, with the Vermont Mountaineers and the Keene SwampBats, individuals came together to share an experience much bigger than baseball.

Keene held its inclusion on July 10th against the Sanford Mainers. Partnered with New Hope New Horizons, an arm of a local large nonprofit corporation, and Cedarcrest, a well-respected organization in the Keene Community. Having already worked with Cedarcrest in the past, the SwampBats were optimistic about having a great interactive experience. 

“Cedarcrest is a well-respected organization in our community, providing critical care to some of the most vulnerable populations,” said Sarah Kulp, the SwampBats’ Office Manager and Admin Assistant. “Cedarcrest will bus their kids to our games a few times each season, but this is a great way to get the kids more of an interactive experience.”

The fun-filled day was highlighted with a lively pregame parade and ceremony.

“Giving [the groups we honor] an opportunity to stand on the field, get recognized, and march with our players is incredibly meaningful to them,” Kulp said. “It's an evening where everyone comes together to enjoy some great baseball, food, and we had special glitter tattoos and balloon animals that were super accessible and fun for kids of all ages.”

Despite having to alter the schedule due to a modified doubleheader, Kulp says this year was a success, and the organization will continue to build off it for years to come. 

“We hope to include more individuals and groups within our community,” she said. “It was also very meaningful to have accessible entertainment that the kids and adults could partake in, so we will add more entertainment like that next year.”

The next day, Vermont celebrated its Inclusion Night in a match against the North Shore Navigators. With a week full of community-focused events leading up to the big night, such as a Hometown Heroes celebration, it was a no-brainer that Vermont would knock it out of the park. 

Sponsored by Green Mountain Community Fitness, the Mountaineers honored those with disabilities with a first-pitch ceremony. Donned in green and orange “‘Recking Crew” jerseys, matching the aesthetic Vermont landscape, several individuals came together on the mound to be honored by event staff. Although the Mountaineers could not come away with the victory over North Shore, it was a more than successful day for the Montpelier community.

The New England Collegiate Baseball League is a wooden bat college summer league that fields teams in all six New England states. Partially funded by Major League Baseball, the New England League started play in 1994 and has sent over 230 alumni to the Major Leagues with nearly 30 alumni taken in the first round of the MLB Draft. For continuing coverage of the NECBL, visit NECBL.com and follow the league on Twitter, Instagram and on Facebook.