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A family connection to baseball inspired a Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology junior to create the school’s first adaptive clinic for young players with disabilities.
Andrew Haydon, a pitcher and infielder who has played varsity baseball since his freshman year, grew up surrounded by the sport. His grandfather was a devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan who once recorded a hit off Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Gibson during a charity game against retired Cardinals. His father coached local Little League teams, while his younger brother, Nick, played tee ball and coach pitch.
Nick, now an eighth grader, has autism, anxiety, attention deficit disorder and learning disabilities. Andrew saw how much his brother enjoyed baseball—and how difficult a conventional practice could become after 15 or 30 minutes.
While other children advanced to hitting pitched balls, Andrew’s family continued helping Nick work from a tee and learn how to hold a bat. That experience prompted Andrew to approach teammates and school leaders about developing a program that could better support athletes with disabilities.
The TJHSST Colonials varsity team launched its inaugural Adaptive Baseball Camp last weekend, with two additional Saturday clinics planned for February. Each participant is paired with a high school player for one-on-one support while practicing base running, tee hitting, throwing and catching.
The program also gives TJHSST players a way to work with younger athletes without overlapping with developmental clinics offered by neighborhood high schools. Unlike those schools, TJHSST is a magnet school that enrolls students through an application process from across Northern Virginia.
Oden, a first grader in Falls Church City Public Schools, said base running was his favorite part of the opening clinic.
“If you can run, you’re probably gonna be pretty good at baseball,” he said.
His mother, Lauren, described the clinic as a “breath of fresh air” because of its low-pressure setting. Oden was nervous at first and had recently told his teacher he felt shy during baseball, she said, but became more comfortable once he began working with the high school players.
Another participant, Isaac, a Braddock Elementary School kindergartener, was trying baseball for the first time. His father, Zach Mast, said programs his son can join are often difficult to find.
Isaac hit from tees, ran the bases and practiced throwing by aiming at cups and buckets. Although he may not have understood what was happening when he arrived, Mast said his son was “having a blast” and would be excited the next time he encountered a baseball.
Andrew’s mother, Carolyn Haydon, said her own family understands how challenging it can be to find community activities offering enough support for children with special needs.
“We knew there were other families like us,” she said.
First-year varsity coach Jennifer Hammond watched as her players took charge, adapted when difficulties arose and learned firsthand about coaching. She said seeing the participants smile made the effort worthwhile.
Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid also recognized Andrew and the varsity team for their leadership, empathy and service to the community.
The clinic offered benefits for the high school players as well. Mason, a TJHSST sophomore who pitches and plays third base, called it a team-building and character-building experience.
“It feels good to do something for the community,” he said.