San Antonio Express-News (Sunday)
Eva’s Heroes drafts former pro ball players
Under a cover of gray clouds, a group of young adults took to the green fields at Dickson Stadium for lessons from former Major League Baseball players at Eva’s Heroes Baseball Clinic.
“Throw a curve ball this time,” said former Texas Ranger outfielder Donald Harris to 28-year-old Zachariah, as he watched the young man hurl a baseball to a catcher. “That was sweet, right on the corner, baby!”
Zachariah’s mother, Leslie Moccia, 62, stepped in and held her son’s forearm to help him with another throw at the pitching station, one of four instruction skill stops on the field at the St. Mary’s University stadium.
“He enjoys baseball and being able to participate is one of the highlights every year,” she said, after he tossed a breaking ball to the catcher. “Nobody judges him here. We all watch out for each others’ kid. We’re one big family.”
This was the nonprofit’s third year to enlist former
MLB players to mentor teens and young adults with intellectual special needs. More than 110 young adults and their family members attended the Saturday event, a morning of high fives and chatter, from the first pitch at 10 a.m. to a rousing game that ended at noon.
The day with a rousing rendition of the Star Spangled Banner by Richard, a former Eva’s Heroes student. Then came the call to “play ball!” blaring from overhead speakers.
Longoria and Christiane Garcia founded Eva’s Heroes in 2006 to enrich the lives of individuals, ages 14 to 21, with intellectual special needs. Longoria was inspired to start the venture by her sister, Liza, diagnosed with a developmental disability. Based in San Antonio, Eva’s Heroes also offers a summer enrichment program, community activities and SA Sibs, a sibling program.
Garcia thanked the volunteers, families, staff, baseball players and sponsors for working to bring an unforgettable experience to the youth.
“It’s unique and special,” she said. “This is something that they normally wouldn’t be able to participate in. A lot of people underestimate their abilities, but if you take the time to show them how things are done, they really can follow leadership and do incred- ible things in their lives.”
In addition to Harris, eight other former players worked the stations that covered pitch- ing, hitting, base running and catching.
The group included Texas Rangers pitcher Jim Gideon; Texas Rangers shortstop Odie Davis’ brother, Nate Davis; Cleveland Indians pitcher Brian Clark; Washington Nationals Micah Bowie; New
York Yankees shortstop Andre Robertson; Chicago Cubs Mike Smith; California Angels Sherman Corbett; and David Perez, Texas Rangers minor leaguer and former St. Mary’s University player.
SentrySix Defense Group, Superior Healthplan, Rob Fagen and Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages sponsored the event. Working with Eva’s Heroes was the perfect way for the veteran-owned and operated company to support a great cause, said SentrySix President Zach Rice.
“We’re looking to make a difference in the community,” he said, “and looking for different ways we can give back and get more involved.”
In midfield, Gideon encouraged budding pitchers with snappy patter.
“How are you doing?” he asked a young woman as she slipped on a baseball glove. “Let me get you a ball.”
She tossed the ball to a catcher from the San Antonio Renegades 12 and under team. Behind her, in the infield, Robertson, wearing the pinstriped uniform of the Yankees, fielded balls and questions from participants.
Harris pointed out that Robertson drove four hours from Beaumont, at 2 a.m., to take part in the event. He said many former players have told him they go home on a high note after working with the young adults.
“We try to be ambassadors for baseball and that’s carried over to Eva’s Heroes,” said Harris, CEO of the Donald Harris Baseball Foundation and also a teacher at Judson High School. “We’re living by what we preach. I’m just glad to help these kids and see the smile on their faces.”
Jim Canfield, 61, attended the clinic with his son, Steven, 29, and his wife, Irma. He said he enjoyed seeing how the clinic has benefited his son and fellow participants.
“This brings access for young adults to enjoy different things,” Canfield said, “that all of us enjoy.”