BLANCHARD, La. (KSLA) – A new baseball league for children with disabilities has launched in north Caddo Parish.
The Blanchard Warriors was founded by coach Callie Carmichael, who started the team because of her son who has autism.
“When I became a special needs mom, I had to grieve that I might not ever see my child play sports,” Carmichael said.
Carmichael said the team’s name reflects the daily challenges the players face.
“They’re warriors. They go to war every single day,” Carmichael said. “And so that’s what it came from…they’re fighting battles.”
The baseball team gives kids with disabilities an equal opportunity to play sports. Carmichael said she wanted to help other families who shared her experience.
“I know that there are other parents that felt this exact same way. So yes, I did it for myself. Yes, I did it for my child, but I also did this for anybody and everybody who wants to do this or be a part of it,” Carmichael said.
The Blanchard Athletic Club supported the idea and helped make it a reality.
“To say I was elated would be an understatement. It’s the first time anything like this has been done at the Blanchard Athletic Club,” said Chris Kracman, president of the Blanchard Athletic Club.
Carmichael redesigned the game to fit the team’s needs. Whiffle balls, different types of bats and guidance from adults are some changes that make the game accessible for everyone.
“Baseball originally started in design for men, but it wasn’t designed for special needs children,” Carmichael said.
Four hundred players attended the opening ceremony. Supporters gathered to welcome the Warriors with cheers and applause, including Mayor of Blanchard, Jim Galambos and District 1 State Representative Danny McCormick.
“So, you know, the more normal we can accept these special needs kids, I think the better. I said, you know, it just shows people that they’re capable of doing anything,” said Mayor Jim Galambos of Blanchard.