Tarik El-Abour

Autism Light #464 is Tarik El-Abour.

Tarik El-Abour is a 25 year old with autism from San Marino, California. After playing college baseball and two seasons of baseball for the Empire Pro Baseball League, Tarik El-Abour received a minor league contract from the Kansas City Royals in April 2018, making him by all accounts the first player with autism ever to be signed by a major league baseball organization. Tarik El-Abour is an Autism Light because of how his groundbreaking achievement in baseball will encourage others with autism to follow their athletic dreams no matter how high they may be.

After Tarik was diagnosed with autism at age 3, his mother Nadia Khalil quit her corporate job and went to UCLA to get an education in Special Education in order to help her son. She is now a popular author, speaker and teacher of self development. Nadia Khalil says this about her son.

"Those of us without autism think in concepts, he thinks in numbers. The greater the number of times he did anything, the better he was at it. Just like us. However, the way the numbers worked in his mind went way further than anything I could have yet imagined. He knew he had to practice. He knew he loved it. He told me that when he grew up and played baseball, he would buy me a house wherever he plays, so that I could watch his games live. He did not know yet how different he was. He did not know yet how autism was going to speak for him before he could speak for himself (Nadia Khalil, Quoted by Mitch Lehman, San Marino Tribune, August 9, 2017).”

The following is a news story on the Kansas City Royals signing Tarik El-Abour.

We have signed outfielder Tarik El-Abour to a minor league contract. El-Abour has handled the challenges presented by autism now earning the opportunity to become a professional baseball player. His signing announcement coincides with tonight's Autism Awareness Night. pic.twitter.com/qzb7ACmXqm

— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) April 13, 2018

Tarik El-Abour was introduced to baseball when his father, Abed El-Abour registered him to play baseball in the San Marino National Little League. His road from there has been a steady pace to new opportunities.

College Career: Tarik El-Abour played baseball in college at Pasadena City College, Condordia University, Pacifica College and Bristol University. He received his Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Bristol University but was not drafted out of college.

Empire League Career: "In 2016, El-Abour was named the Empire League's Rookie of the Year after batting .323 in 122 plate appearances and in 2017, he won a championship with the Plattsburgh Red Birds (DJ Dunson, Yahoo Sports, April 4, 2018)."

Reggie Sanders, a special adviser for the Kansas City Royals and an autism advocate, was instrumental in helping connect Tarik El-Abour and the Royals. Here is a video of the news conference where the Royals announced signing Tarik El-Abour.

Reggie Sanders said this about Tarik's major league baseball contract helping the autism community,

"Tarik doesn't realize what he's doing. But the beautiful thing is that it's so raw for him because he's focusing just on baseball. But he doesn't realize he's really helping the community, which is amazing (Reggie Sanders, Quoted by Maria Torres, The Kansas City Star, April 14, 2018)." 

Special thanks to Tarik El-Abour for being an Autism Light. We wish him the best of luck in his professional baseball career with the Kansas City Royals minor league system. May his achievement be an inspiration to others with autism who aspire to be professional athletes.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Matt Kemp

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Autism Light Classic
Updated on March 20, 2018

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Autism Light #340 is Matt Kemp.

Matt Kemp is a professional baseball player for the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. Matt Kemp's younger brother Carlton has autism. Matt Kemp is an Autism Light for being a dedicated autism brother and for his efforts over the years of fundraising for Talk About Curing Autism.

Ante Up for Autism:  Under the celebrity leadership of Matt Kemp, the 8th Annual Ante up for Autism event was held November 8, 2014. Here is a video featuring Matt Kemp at raising funds for autism at his charity poker event called Ante Up for Autism. More information on this autism fundraiser is available at www.anteupforautism.org.


Autism Brother: Matt Kemp has an important relationship with his brother Carlton who has autism. He even has a tatto of his brother Carlton's name on his left shoulder. Matt Kemp credits the organization Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) for giving him hope and helping his brother. He said: 

When my brother, Carlton, became one of more than 1.5 million people affected by autism, it was a confusing blow to me. I have always wanted a little brother that I could play ball with, but Carlton's impaired ability to socially interact and communicate made it impossible for that to happen. TACA has given me hope that playing ball with him in the near future is a possibility (Kemp, Stewart co-host autism benefit, Taylor Price, MLB.com, 3/15/2009).

Baseball Career:  Matt Kemp was born on September 23, 1984. He is an Outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers. His entire career statistics in real time are on the Matt Kemp Page on ESPN. Matt Kemp has been on the all star teams in 2011-2012 and won the Gold Glove Award in 2009 and 2011. In 2011, Kemp became the first player to finish in the top two in both home runs and steals since Hank Aaron accomplished this in 1963.

Fans:  Matt Kemp gave his shirt and shoes to a disabled fan who had cancer in the 2013 season. 

Kemp's Kids: Matt Kemp created and sponsors  a community initiative called Kemp's Kids. According to Matt Kemp's website, Kemp started the initiative to allow inner city youth the opportunity to experience major league baseball. See therealmattkemp.com/kids/ for more information on this worthy program. 
Social Media: You can follow Matt Kemp on the following social media areas.

• Facebook - The Real Matt Kemp
• Twitter @TheRealMattKemp

Website: Matt Kemp's website is therealmattkemp.com. You can find out more about Matt Kemp's charities and life on this website. 

Wikipedia: You can also find out more about Matt Kemp on the Matt Kemp Wikipedia Page.

Special thanks to Matt Kemp for his efforts to make a difference for autism. His personality as an athlete, autism brother, and autism advocate in the San Diego community is an inspiration to many. The autism community is blessed to have Matt Kemp batting for our team. 
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
Photo: The photo of Matt Kemp in this post is from Creative Commons of Wikipedia. 

Los Angeles Dodgers

Autism Light #312 is the Los Angeles Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers are a Major League Baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The organization started in 1883 in Brooklyn, New York and moved to Los Angeles in 1958. The Los Angeles Dodgers are an Autism Light for designating one of their home games as an autism awareness day game and for making a difference for cause of autism in the Los Angeles area.

2013 Autism Awareness Day: On August 14, 2013, the Los Angeles Dodgers held their 2nd Annual Autism Awareness Day at Dodger stadium for the game where the Dodgers hosted the New York Mets (Los Angeles Dodgers Host Autism Awareness Day). There was a special recogition of the autism community at the game and the Los Angeles Dodgers donated a portion of ticket sales to the Los Angeles chapter of Autism Speaks.

Holly Robinson-Peete (Autism Light #100) sang the National Anthem for this occasion and George Lopez threw out the first pitch. The game also provided the opportunity for the public to recognize Patrick Brady and some successful members of the Exceptional Minds vocational program (Autism Student Knocks It Out of the Park at Dodger Stadium, PRWEB, August 16, 2013). 
Here is a video of highlights from the those who were at the autism awareness game. 
Here is a tweet from Autism Speaks-Los Angeles after the event.

Thank you all for attending our 2nd Annual Autism Awareness Night at Dodger Stadium! Dodgers pulled it out and... http://t.co/YdnU1p79bV
— Autism Speaks - LA (@autismspeaksla) August 16, 2013

Stephanie's Day: The Los Angeles Dodgers also supported and participated in the 2013 Stephanies Day Resource Fair which was held on June 8, 2013 and sponsored by CBS LA (Dodgers Community Relations, Pitching in the Community, June 13, 2013). Autism father Steve Mauldin founded Stephanie's Day over 15 years ago and the event provides an excellent opportunity for families impacted by autism in the Greater Los Angeles area to receive important information on autism resources (A Proud Father Tells What His Daughter and Stephanies' Day Means to Him, CBS Los Angeles, July 11, 2012). 
History: The Los Angeles Dodgers have a long history of winning titles and they were the 2013 National League West Division Champions. Here is a video of some of the greatest moments in Los Angeles Dodgers history. 
You can learn more about the Los Angeles Dodgers on the Wikipedia Page of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Social Media: You can follow the Los Angeles Dodgers on the following social media.

• Los Angeles Dodgers Facebook Page
• Los Angeles Dodgers Twitter Account @Dodgers
• Los Angeles Dodgers Google+ Page

Special thanks to the Los Angeles Dodgers for being Autism Light and supporting autism awareness in the Los Angeles area. It is a tremendous gift to autism when a baseball club like the Los Angeles Dodgers bring their winning efforts on behalf of the cause of autism. We wish the Dodgers success in their ongoing efforts on and off the baseball field.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Ethan Fowlks

Autism Light #291 is Ethan Fowlks. 

Ethan Fowlks is a 6th grader with autism from Salt Lake City, Utah, who is a member of the Salt Lake Sidewinders' Under 12 Baseball team. Ethan Fowlks is an Autism Light because he is a very talented baseball player and is impacting the way people around him think of autism.

Here is a news story on a dramatic game that Ethan Fowlks had to help his team win the championship.



The Salt Lake Sidewinders' under 12 team were playing in a championship game in Cooperstown, New York on July 11, 2013. With his team trailing 2-0 in the 9th inning of the game against the Tallahassee, Florida Heat, Ethan Fowlks stepped up to bat and he hit a 3 run walk off home run to win the game for the Sidewinders. Thanks to Ethan's home run "the Sidewinders became the first Utah team to win a championship game at the Cooperstown Dreams Park in Cooperstown, New York, home of the Baseball Hall of Fame (Source)."

Ethan described his walk off home run as "Probably one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. Having to make history to make Utah proud (Source)."

Guy Fowlks said about his son's baseball talent, "When I started throwing pitches to him, his ability to track and hit the ball was extraordinary. It was impressive. The baseball field became the one place where he was more normal. Put him on the field and let him play the game, that's where he wants to be. It's his world (Source)."

Rob Jeppsen, Ethan's coach, said, "Baseball has been a big enabler for Ethan. He's remarkable. He plays ball, has a good time and sits in the dugout with his friends (Source)."

Special thanks to Ethan Fowlks for being an Autism Light. His talent as a baseball player is an inspiration to others with autism who are wanting to be involved in competitive sports.  Read the Autism Light Sports page to read more about other sports players with autism.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Luke Steibronn

Autism Light #273 is Luke Steibronn.

Luke Steibronn is from Waverly, Iowa. In the Summer of 2010 he played on the Waverly Twins baseball team in the Waverly Area Youth Baseball League.  Luke Steibronn is an Autism Light for the way his participation in his baseball team shined a light on autism for his teammates and community.
Luke practiced and played the game just like the other players did as a member of the team. His coach during the season was Noel McMillan and his mother Jennifer served as a scorekeeper and was supportive of Luke. Through the experience of playing in team sports, Luke was able to grow in his social skills as well as athletic talent and he helped his teammates grow in understanding of autism. 
Anelia K. Dimotrova developed this documentary on Luke Steibronn's 2010 baseball season called "BEHIND THE BAT: Boy shines light on autism for teammates". It chronicles how autism impacts Luke's life and how his life impacted his teammates. 
Luke Steibronn's mother Jennifer used the following acronym for his name to explain what Luke is like.  L ove U nderstanding K indness E nthusiasm
Special thanks to Luke Steinbronn for how he shined a light on autism for his teammates. This story demonstrates to others in the autism community the value that team sports can have for some individuals with autism when the proper supports are in place. We are honored to link this article with the Autism Light page featuring other amazing individuals with autism.  
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Jeff Francoeur

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Autism Light Classic
Updated on June 6, 2015.

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Autism Light #221 is Jeff Francoeur. 

Jeff Francoeur is from Lilburn, Georgia. His fans have given him the nickname "Frenchy". Jeff Francoeur is a Major League Baseball player. He played for the Kansas City Royals from 2011-2013. On June 19, 2012, when the Kansas City Royals were on the road playing a game against the Houston Astros, Jeff Francoeur took time during batting practice to spend a moment with a 7 year old boy with autism. Jeff Francoeur is an Autism Light for that kind gesture.

On Wednesday, June 20, 2012, Tammy Blanchard Robertson of Houston, Texas posted the following letter on the Facebook page of the Kansas City Royals. She sent a special thank you to Jeff Francoeur for the attention he gave her 7 year old son who has autism. This letter explains the details of the moment when Jeff Francoeur was an Autism Light.

Dear Jeff Francoeur, 

Just last night my husband, daughter and 7 year old son attended the Royals vs Astros game here in Houston. My husband was born and raised in KC and our family lived there for 5 years before we were transferred to Houston. 

Last year my son was diagnosed with Autism. Going to large stadiums that are really loud are out of my sons comfort zone, we told him we were going to see the KC Royals and he was instantly excited. 

We made sure to get to the game early so that we could find our seats before the stadium filled up. We were lucky enough to get to the stadium while the Royals were having their batting practice. 

My husband told our son that he should call you over and that you may autograph his cap for him. As my son yelled with hope in his voice, you came jogging over to us. My son was so excited when he saw you coming over that he fell while trying to climb over the seats to the front row. It is rare that we see our son get excited over anything to do with sports as Autistic children tend to be more interested in books, and computers rather than sports. 

Our son stared up at you with tears in his eyes, you took the time to coddle him, ask his name and make him feel special. 

We just wanted to say thank you for not only taking the time to come over to see our son, but for signing his hat, and posing for a picture with him. It is truly a day that our son will never forget. You are a true role model, this was a day our family will always remember.  

In 2015 Jeff Francoeur was playing outfield for the Philadelphia Phillies.You can view the career highlights of Jeff Francoeur on his Website at www.jefffrancoeur.com. One of Jeff Francoeur's achievements is that his first major league hit on July 7, 2005, was a Home Run.

Kevin Kaduk of Big League Stew covered this story of Jeff Francoeur shining his light for a 7 year old boy with autism in a sports blog post titled Jeff Francoeur Shares Special Moment with Autistic Child. A photo of this Autism Light moment can be seen as part of that feature. 
Wikipedia: You can also keep tabs on Jeff Francoeur at his Wikipedia page.
Each of us has within us the power to shine our light for others, but Jeff Francoeur was uniquely positioned to make this difference to a boy with autism who attended a Major League Baseball game. Special thanks to Jeff Francoeur for helping make life brighter for a boy with autism and his family. Jeff Francoeur shows us how the simple act of giving a little bit of our time in life can make such a difference in the life of a person with autism.    Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
Photo: The photo of Jeff Francoeur is from the Wikipedia commons and is attributed to Keith Allison. 

Jim Palmer

Autism Light #209 is Jim Palmer. 
















Jim Palmer is a retired Hall of Fame Baseball Player. His stepson Spencer has autism. Jim Palmer has his primary home in Palm Beach, Florida. Jim Palmer is an Autism Light for his support of autism in his own family and for helping an autism charity through a special auction.

Baseball Career:  Jim Palmer was a pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles from 1965-1984. He won 268 games and never gave up a Grand Slam. His complete statistics are on his ESPN page.  Jim Palmer was voted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1990. The following is the Hall of Fame Video on Jim Palmer.





Baseball Announcer: Jim Palmer became a baseball announcer after his playing days were over.  He worked with ABC Sports on a popular broadcasting team that included Al Michaels and Tim McCarver from 1985-1989 and 1994-1995. Palmer also has a condominium in Baltimore and serves as the current color commentator for Baltimore Orioles baseball games for the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network.

Jim Palmer has been known to wear the Autism Speaks pin while broadcasting. When asked why he wears the pin, Jim Palmer said,

It's for autism awareness. My stepson is autistic - actually, Aspergers, which is supposedly a higher functioning form of the autism spectrum - and they're trying to figure out what causes autism.  The puzzle (piece) is that they're looking for an answer (Source).

Here is a video where Jim Palmer talks about how he keeps healthy today. The video includes portions of Palmer sharing about autism and his stepson Spencer.  At the conclusion of the video Jim Palmer says, "You do the best you can and you hope that somewhere down the road that they are going to make inroads into finding what really causes autism and it would certainly be great to be a part of that."





Auction of Baseball Awards: On July 10, 2012, Jim Palmer put 2 of his Gold Glove Awards and 3 CY Young Awards up for Auction (Source). David Brown of Yahoo Sports writes about the auction, "Some of the proceeds will go to the autism project of Palm Beach County, Fla. (Palmer has a 15-year-old stepson named Spencer, who has autism) and the rest will go in the bank, perhaps to help fund the education of Palmer's grandchildren (Source)."
Wikipedia: You can find out more about Jim Palmer at his Wikipedia Page.
Special thanks to Jim Palmer for being an inspiration to the autism community.  Jim Palmer shows that one need not be a biological father to be an autism father. His dedication as a step-father to an individual with autism is an example for all autism fathers.  Jim Palmer becomes the 8th Major League Baseball Player to be featured on Autism Light. A complete list is found on the Autism Light Sports Page. 
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
Photo: The photo of Jim Palmer is in the Wikipedia Commons and is attributed to Keith Allison. 

Eddie and Lisa Guardado

Autism Lights #202 are Eddie and Lisa Guardado.

Eddie and Lisa Guardado are from Tustin, California. Eddie Guardado is a retired major league baseball player. Inspired by their daugther Ava who has autism, Eddie and Lisa Guardado founded The Eddie Guardado Foundation in 2008, which in 2011 joined with ACT Today.  Eddie and Lisa Guardado are Autism Lights because of their advocacy for autism and for starting a charitable foundation that allows them to help give back to other autism families with financial needs.

Major League Baseball Career:  Eddie Guaradado was known as "Everyday Eddie" as a relief pitcher in a career spanning from 1993-2009. Eddie played in 908 games, and only 21 other pitchers have played in more games (Source). The complete career statistics for Eddie Guardado may be viewed on his page at Baseball Reference. The following is an interview Eddie Guardado had on baseball and his passion for autism.

The Eddie Guardado Foundation: The Eddie Guardado Foundation has a special emphasis on helping families who struggle with the financial load of autism. You can find out more about their services at their website at www.eddieguardadofoundation.org. Their website says,

Lisa and Eddie understand the emotional and financial hardships families impacted with autism experience and founded the Eddie Guardado Foundation to help other families receive access to therapy and treatments that they could not otherwise afford (Source).

One of the main fundraising projects The Eddie Guardado Foundation sponsors is called Stars and Strikes Celibrity Bowl, which this year was held on January 29, 2012 at the Bowlmor Lanes in Tustin, California.  Here is a video of the event.


In 2011, a $27,000 grant to ACT Today from the Eddie Guardado Foundation allowed iPads to be purchased for 45 children with autism (Source).

ACT Today: ACT Today has a very diverse outreach that is not new to the Autism Light blog. Autism Light #82 was ACT Today for Military Families. The Eddie Guardado Foundation has chosen a fine autism organization to partner with that is meeting needs of people with autism.  The Eddie Guardado Foundation website says, "In January 2011, The Eddie Guardado Foundation merged with ACT Today!, (Autism Care and Treatment Today!) as both non-profits share the mission of providing awareness of and access to effective therapies for children with autism (Source)."

The following is a video where Eddie Guardado talks about the relationship between his foundation and ACT Today.

  You can read more about Eddie Guardado on his Wikipedia page.  Special thanks to Eddie and Lisa Guardado for being Autism Lights. They have used their celebrity fundraising skills and their experience as autism parents to shine a light on autism for many.Families with autism are the real winners in this partnership between The Eddie Guardado Foundation and ACT Today.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Photo: The photo of Eddie Guardado is in the Creative Commons of Wikipedia. It is attributed to Keith Allison.

B.J. and Polly Surhoff

Autism Lights #199 are B.J. and Polly Surhoff.

William "B.J." and Polly Surhoff are from Baltimore, Maryland. Their son Mason has autism. B.J. and Polly Surhoff were part of a group of parents that started an important autism organization in the Baltimore area called Pathfinders for Autism. B.J. Surhoff is a former major league baseball player who currently serves as the President of Pathfinders for Autism. B.J. and Polly Surhoff are Autism Lights for their autism advocacy and their work to help the autism community in the Baltimore, Maryland area through the efforts of Pathfinders.

Baseball Career: B.J. Surhoff played 18 major league baseball seasons between 1987-2005 and he played every position except pitcher. He finished his career with the Baltimore Orioles. B.J. Surhoff's complete career baseball statistics are available on his player page at MLB.com. In 2007, B.J. Surhoff was inducted into the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame (Source).

The following is a 2011 news interview featuring B.J. Surhoff discussing his experience being a father of a child with autism and how the work of Pathfinders serves the autism community.

Pathfinders for Autism: Pathfinders for Autism was started in 2000 by a group of parents in the Baltimore, Maryland area. B.J. and Polly Surhoff were part of that group. The Pathfinders for Autism website indicates this about the scope of the organization's work in the state of Maryland.

Pathfinders for Autism has grown into the State's largest autism organization dedicated to helping individuals, parents and professionals find resources, supports and training while working to increase the awareness of autism spectrum disorders and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families (Source).

Other Information: You can learn more about the helpful autism related services of Pathfinders for Autism by visiting their website at www.pathfindersforautism.org. For more information on B.J. Surhoff visit his Wikipedia page.

Special thanks to B.J. and Polly Surhoff for their dedication to autism. Their vision and efforts are a light to autism in the Baltimore, Maryland area.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

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Photo: The photo in this post is in the Creative Commons at Wikipedia and was taken by Keith Allison.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Autism Light #184 is the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Arizona Diamondbacks are a Major League Baseball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They were an expansion team that had their first season in 1998. During their 14 years as a team they have been very supportive of community charities through their Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation. One of the beneficiaries of their funding has been the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center. The Arizona Diamondbacks  are Autism Light for their assistance with Arizona autism programs as well as their hosting of an annual Autism Awareness game.

The Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation's top grant each year is called the Grand Slam Award. The Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (SAARC) was the first ever recipient of the Grand Slam Award and in 2010 they became the first organization to win the Arizona Diamondbacks Grand Slam Award a second time. The 2010 grant is used for the SARRCs Good Deeds program for teenagers. The following video explains what the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center did with their grant.

The Arizona Diamondbacks or D-Backs as they are sometimes referred to won the World Series in 2001. Playing in just their fourth season, they hold the record as the fastest expansion team to win a World Series.  Kirk Gibson is the current manager of the team.

On April 20, 2012 the Arizona Diamondbacks will host their 5th Annual Autism Awareness Game. The event is sponsored by Autism Speaks, Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center, and the Arizona Diamondbacks. For information on purchasing a ticket to this special game visit this page of their website.

Social Media: You can follow the Arizona Diamondbacks on the following social media.

• Twitter @Dbacks
• Facebook
• Google+

Wikipedia: You can also find out more about the Arizona Diamondbacks at their Wikipedia page.

Special thanks to the Arizona Diamondbacks organization for supporting autism. Their help has made a difference in the capacity of the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Boston Red Sox

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Autism Light Classic
Updated on October 31, 2013. 

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Autism Light #73 is the Boston Red Sox.

The Boston Red Sox are a Major League Baseball Team located in Boston, Massachusetts. They were organized in 1901 and were one of 8 charter teams that started Major League Baseball at the turn of the 20th century. The Boston Red Sox have won 8 World Championships to date, including the 2013 World Series. The Boston Red Sox are an Autism Light because of their compassion in lending a helping hand to individuals with autism and their long standing commitment to autism awareness.

The Boston Red Sox have supported autism since 2001, when they held their first fundraiser on behalf of the National Alliance of Autism Research (NAAR). NAAR merged with Autism Speaks in 2005 (Red Sox to Celebrate Autism Awareness Day at Fenway Park, MLB.com).

2013 Light It Up Blue: On April 2, 2013, the facade near Gate A on Yawkey Way at Fenway Park was lit up blue as the Boston Red Sox participated for their 3rd consecutive year in the Autism Speaks Light It Up Blue Initiative (Fenway Lights Up Blue for Autism Awareness, Boston.com). Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, was one of 7,000 landmarks from around the world to be involved in Autism Speaks' Light It Up Blue campaign.

2013 Autism Awareness Day: On April 28, 2013, the Boston Red Sox hosted Autism Awareness Day at their game against the Houston Astros (Boston Red Sox Host Autism Awarness Day, Autism Speaks). The Boston Red Sox hosted over 900 individuals with autism and family members and caregivers at their Autism Awareness Day. Red Sox fan Brian Ferraro whose son Ryan has autism said at the event:

I've been wanting to come here (to Fenway) with my kids for a while--in fact, I have a younger child, who is a typical child, and it didn't feel right just taking him. But now that we have days like this that are welcoming for the intimidated, I think it's going to allow for more families, more families with autistic kids to attend wonderful games like this. I'm really thrilled to say that I have my two kids here with me for the first time in my life, a lifelong dream of mine (Boston Red Sox Host Autism Awarness Day, Autism Speaks).

Here is Autism Light Gianno Hitsos singing God Bless America at the Boston Red Sox Autism Awareness Game in 2013.


2007 National Anthem: The following event from the Boston Red Sox Disability Awareness Day in the Summer of 2007 epitomizes the organization's inspirational outreach for autism and disabilities. This is a video clip where a man with autism is offered a helping hand in finishing the National Anthem after he gets nervous in the middle of the song.

Two previous Autism Lights with autism were also given the opportunity to sing the United States National Anthem at Fenway Park for the start of a Boston Red Sox game.

• Christopher Duffley (10/9/2011 Autism Light) 
• Listen to Christopher Duffley Sing the National Anthem at Fenway Park (Sept. 4, 2013)
• Gianna Hitsos (9/19/2011 Autism Light) 
• Listen to Gianna Hitsos Sing the National Anthem at Fenway Park (June 29, 2010)

Social Media:  To follow Boston Red Sox on social media visit these pages.

• Facebook Page of Boston Red Sox
• Twitter @RedSox

For more information on the Boston Red Sox visit these links:

• Official MLB Website of Boston Red Sox
• Wikipedia Page of Boston Red Sox

Special thanks to the Boston Red Sox for shining a light on the cause autism through their autism awareness efforts. Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

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This Autism Light post was featured on the Boston Pro Sports Daily on October 22, 2011.

This Autism Light post went into syndication at Autisable.

Will and Lisa Clark

Autism Lights #71 are Will and Lisa Clark.

Will and Lisa Clark are from Louisiana. They have a son named Trey who has autism. Will Clark was a professional baseball player and is currently working in the SanFranciso Giants organization.  Will and Lisa Clark are Autism Lights because of how they have worked to raise awareness and funds to help the cause of autism.

Parents: Will and Lisa Clark's autistic son Trey is their top priority. Will Clark said this about his son:

Being a baseball player, I had to wait for certain pitches, and I had to be a patient hitter. Having a special needs child, you have to be even more patient. Patience is something that my wife and I were definitely taught because of this experience (Source).

Baseball Career:  Will Clark played 15 seasons (1986-2000) in Major League Baseball and was a six time all-star.  He started his career with the SanFrancisco Giants and concluded it with the St. Louis Cardinals. Clark's nickname was "The Thrill". His complete major league career statistics are at Baseball-Reference.com. Will Clark was inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006. One of Clark's many on field achievements include hitting a home run against the great Nolan Ryan in his first major league at bat.  Here is a video that is a tribute to Will Clark's playing career.

Charitable Organizations: Will and Lisa Clark have worked with Cure Autism Now, which is now merged with Autism Speaks. They have also been involved with Athletes Against Autism.  Lisa Clark has been co-chair of a Spring training fundraising event that was sponsored by Athletes Against Autism and is put on by the Baseball Wives Charitable Foundation.

Current Position: In 2009, Will Clark was hired to work as a Special Assistant in the front office of the SanFranciso Giants and since then he has been a part of their annual Autism Awareness Night. The press release on Will Clark's return to the SanFranciso Giants organization is available at this link.  In 2010, Will Clark was part of the front office team that helped lead the SanFranciso Giants to capture the World Series Championship.

Social Media: You can follow Will Clark on the following social media.

• Facebook
• Wikipedia

News Stories:  The following news stories are about Will and Lisa Clark's family and autism related efforts.

• Will Clark: Still "The Thrill" (2009)
• Will Clark Still Thrilled and Learning from His Son (2009) 
• In Parenting Clark's Intensity Comes with Patience (2009)

Special thanks to Will and Lisa Clark for being dedicated to your son Trey and using your opportunities from success in the world of major league baseball to help raise awareness for autism.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Photo: The photo in this post is from the Wikipedia Commons and is attributed to John Bonzo.

Dillon Howard

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Autism Light Classic
Updated on June 5, 2015. 

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Autism Light #34 is Dillon Howard.

Dillon Howard is 22 and from Searcy, Arkansas. His brother Ben has autism. Dillon Howard was born on July 1, 1992, in Little Rock, Arkansas. Dillon signed a professional contract with the Cleveland Indians that included a $1.85 million signing bonus after being drafted in the 2nd round of the 2011 Major League Baseball draft. Dillon Howard is an Autism Light for his generosity to an autism charity in honor of his brother Ben who has autism.  

High School: In his last year of high school baseball in Searcy, Arkansas he posted a 9-1 record with a 0.31 ERA.

Cleveland Indians: The Cleveland Indians Minor League Magazine did a Focus on the Future feature on Dillon Howard's signing on August 30, 2011. Below is the YouTube video of the feature on Dillon Howard.

In honor of his brother Ben who has autism, Dillon gave a portion of his signing bonus to an autism charity in the area.  He selected the Milestones Autism Organization in Beachwood, Ohio near Cleveland to receive his generous donation. The organization lists their mission on their website as "to promote life-long strategies of success for individuals with autism, from childhood through adulthood."

For more information on Dillon Howard's journey with autism in his family and his donation read articles which were written by Stephanie Storm of the Akron Beacon Journal and by Zack Meisel of MLB.com. 

Baseball-Reference.com has a statistics page for him of his minor league record. In April, 2014, Dillon Howard decided to leave professional baseball (Arkansas Online, April 15, 2014).

Special thanks to Dillon Howard for being an Autism Light. We wish you all the best in life and as an autism brother to Ben.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism. 

Darryl and Tracy Strawberry

Autism Lights #12 are Darryl and Tracy Strawberry.

Darryl and Tracy Strawberry

Darryl Strawberry is known for being a former star Major League Baseball Player who hit 335 home runs in 17 seasons.  For full achievements see his ESPN stats page.  His personal life off the field was rocked by legal problems related to drug use and a battle with cancer. More details of his life can be found in his book Straw: Finding My Way that was published in 2010.  

Darryl Strawberry has said, "I'm not ashamed of who I am. Of course I'm ashamed of the things that have happened. But with life experiences, you're able to give back and help others." None of Darryl Strawberry's children have autism, but he was so moved by meeting parents and autistic children that he decided to "give back and help others" through the cause of autism.

Darryl Strawbery and his wife Tracy formed a foundation in 2006 that benefits autism.  Along with promoting the cause of the foundation they speak on the subject of their Christian faith, which they credit with saving their life. Their official webpage of the Darryl Strawberry Foundation is at www.fightforautism.org.  You can also find other related sites of Darryl and Tracy Strawberry at the page www.darrylstrawberry.com.

The following video below is Darryl Strawberry speaking at Bedstock 2010. In the presentation he reveals his passion to help those with autism.

Here are some links to other information on Darryl Strawberry.

• Darryl Strawberry Going to Bat for Autism
• Darryl Strawberry Tees Off Against Autism
  
• Darryl Strawberry's Wikipedia Article

The autism community is grateful for all the work that Darryl and Tracy Strawberry do to raise awareness and help make a difference for those who have autism.  Celebrities often take on the cause of autism if they have a child with the condition, but it is very encouraging to see an example of someone who has chosen to fight autism without having the personal family connection.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism. 

This Autism Light Post was mentioned in the Spectrum Mom's Daily on August 9, 2011.

Photo: Photo in this post used with permission of Darryl and Tracy Strawberry.