In an imported idea for a whole new ballgame that builds skills and self-esteem, all the mentally disabled Achievers players get a hit and trip across home plate.
By RICHARD RAEKE
Published March 21, 2004
[Times photo: Brendan Fitterer]
The excitement shows as John Bowes, 41, right, gets a high-five from Steve Biondo, founder and coach of the Achievers softball team, as he crosses home plate at Veterans Memorial Park in Hudson. "Everyone crosses home plate, and everybody gets a high-five," Biondo said.
HUDSON - Marcus Adams steps out of the batter's box. Disgusted, he smacks his bat against the ground. Two strikes. With words of encouragement from the coach, his teammates and even the opposing players, he steps back up to the plate.
The outfield has pulled in - all the way in to the infield.
Three pitches. Three swings. Three more strikes. But Adams stays settled, waiting for that sweet one to come sailing down the middle. On the fourth pitch, he smacks a clean line drive clear up the gap into centerfield. Adams rounds the bases, converting the double to an inside-the-park home run. At home plate, someone slaps him a high-five.
When a reporter tells him it was a great hit, Adams answers like true major leaguer.
"Yeah," he says casually.
Everyone who plays with the Achievers gets to feel like a World Series hero. They all cross home plate and receive a high-five.
The team is the brainchild of 61-year-old Steve Biondo, a Special Olympics coach who thought the game could be run better for mentally disabled players. In the Special Olympics not all the players got a chance to take the field or step up to the plate, Biondo said.
In 1998, the magazine wholesaler founded the first Achievers team in Queens, N.Y., and two years ago, he brought the concept to Florida. They play Wednesday mornings at Veterans Memorial Park in Hudson. As a nod to the team's New York roots, it's always a crosstown series - the Yankees versus the Mets.
It's not run according to a major league nine-inning game. Every player takes the field and gets an at-bat. The game ends only after everyone has hit.
"Usually it's a tie game," said scorekeeper Kerry Rondeau.
Spectator Joyce Roberts comes out to the field every Wednesday just to watch the games. Her children, now grown, played Little League, but with the Achievers, she sees a better school of ball here.
"I wish every kid could learn to play like these guys," she said.
Those who need help swinging the bat get a hand from Biondo. For them, the pitch count is unlimited. More experienced players can challenge themselves with the standard three strikes.
"It teaches them all self-esteem," Biondo said.
The players range in age from teenagers to senior citizens but it is clear many Achievers are students of the game. Annie McCray, like Red Sox shortstop Nomar Garciaparra, has her routine in the batter's box. She taps the bottom of her cleats, flips the bat and studies the pitcher.
Marianne Stratis does a celebratory dance and a bow after rounding home.
Scott Allen, after hitting a double, gets a healthy jump and steals third. He then barrels in to home plate, like Pete Rose.
Ray Biondo, Steve's son and one of the most experienced Achievers, pitches. His jersey bears the number 31 like that of Mets catcher Mike Piazza. His Yankees counterpart, Herbie Malo, professes to being a Marlins fan. Like Ray Biondo, he'll pull closer to home and give pointers to those batters who need help. And like everyone, he'll cheer when they get a hit and take first base.
But he's not afraid to tout his exploits on defense.
As the game ends, he comes off the field. Like a major leaguer, he's not afraid to draw some attention to his exploits.
"You see that catch? You see that catch that I got?"
