By Jason Bernstein | For The Jersey Journal
It’s certainly easy for Anthony Stratton to be frustrated by the struggles his Weehawken baseball team has endured early on this season.
But despite the Indians’ 0-4 start, Stratton can look over to the stands, see 8-year-old Javen Navarro watching, and remember just how fortunate he is.
Navarro, the son of Stratton’s long-time friend Nelson Navarro, has autism.
“(Baseball) puts a smile on these kids’ faces. Every time a kid goes after the ball it brings a chill down your spine,” said Stratton, the long time Indians coach. “Javen comes to practice and it (reminds you) it’s not just about winning games. Yeah, you don’t want to go 0-for-3 and we’re 0-4 right now. But when you look at a kid like Javen, you wouldn’t mind being on our team, not playing, doing the book and being a part of it as just a regular kid. He’ll never get that chance. It’s a privilege to coach and to play the game. It’s not our right.’
Whether it’s through Navarro, Natalie Mendez — the younger sister of former Weehawken star and current Texas Rangers minor leaguer Sal Mendez — or Sara Calligy — the daughter of Weehawken teacher Kevin Calligy — or countless others, Stratton has been touched by the impact of autism. Those personal connections motivated Stratton to start the Weehawken Autism Tournament to help raise funds and awareness for autism.
Now, with the tournament in its second year, the Indians will host seven baseball games at Weehawken Stadium today and tomorrow with all of the proceeds going to the Teamwork Unlimited Foundation. Seven Hudson teams — Weehawken, Hoboken, Secaucus, Ferris, St. Anthony, Union City and St. Peter’s Prep — will be participating in the event.
In addition, six softball games will be played at Weehawken’s Waterfront Park next weekend, with proceeds going to the charity Parents Of Autistic Children (POAC). Locals Weehawken, St. Dominic Academy, Union City, Dickinson, Secaucus, Bayonne, Hoboken and St. Anthony are set to participate.
WEEHAWKEN AUTISM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
According to the Center of Disease Control, 1 in 68 children nationally have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. In New Jersey, the rate of diagnosis is 1 in every 41 children, the highest in the nation.
“I thought it was a positive way to impact something that is very relevant right now in autism,” said Weehawken athletic director Zach Naszimento, whose son Zachary is affected by autism. “Myself being the parent of a special needs child, it was something I wanted to be a part of. Baseball is being played, but the premise is that we are spreading acceptance and awareness for autism and special needs as well.”
Stratton said he has followed the blueprint created by the Autism Awareness Baseball Challenge event his good friend Mike Garlatti started nine years ago. Weehawken has participated in Garlatti’s event on multiple occasions as it has now expanded to include 40 high schools from 13 different counties.
Last year’s inaugural event at Weehawken raised more than $3,500 for Teamwork Unlimited Foundation, according to Stratton.
As a part of this event, all participating teams will be wearing special Autism Awareness jerseys. Before each game, kids with special needs will be throwing out ceremonial first pitches. Last week a banquet was held featuring representatives from all the teams with guest speakers talking about the impact of autism.
Admission to all of the games is free. There will be places for fans to donate at the entrance and throughout the stadium. Donors will also sign a puzzle piece with their name on it, and those pieces will be displayed throughout the area.
“The tournaments speak for themselves with their message,” Naszimento said. “We’re proud to do it.”
The baseball games will benefit Teamwork Unlimited Foundation, while the softball games support Parents of Autistic Children.
Saturday, April 16
North Arlington vs. Tenafly, 10 a.m.
Weehawken vs. Hoboken, 1 p.m.
Secaucus vs. Hasbrouck Heights, 4
Ferris vs. Indian Hills, 7
Sunday, April 17
St. Anthony vs. Roselle Park, 1 p.m.
Union City vs Dumont, 4
St. Peter’s Prep vs Red Bank Catholic, 7
Saturday, April 23
Wood-Ridge vs St. Anthony, 1 p.m.
Cliffside vs. Hoboken, 4
Bayonne vs. Dumont, 7
Sunday, April 24
Dickinson vs. Secaucus, 1 p.m.
Park Ridge vs. Union City, 4
St. Dominic vs. Weehawken, 7
