Autism Unites: When the Two Walk Strides to Strides April 16 2018, 0 Comments

Baseball and softball are the nation’s two of the oldest sports that have carved their own following, evolving through the different eras of America’s rich sports culture. They captivate the audiences, they entertain the fans and they pet the competitive streak in the competitors. They invite attention and they stir debates. They do it in their own individual capacity. But, when the two walk strides to strides, together they create something grand.

Autism unites the two sports. Every year, on April the 2^nd,  there is an exhibition of this unity from the two communities, where players, coaches and fans, all dressed in red and blue—the red baseball socks, the blue baseball pantaloons, the red softball tops, the royal blue softball socks—join in their support to support the autistics.

Red and Blue – The Significance of the Two Colors

It is just a difference in perspective that has created two different campaigns, two separate groups, but both, geared towards supporting the autistic community.

Light It Up Blue – The Wearers of Blue!

Light It Up Blue is an annual campaign organized by Autism Speaks to mark the significance of the World Autism Awareness Day, sanctioned by UN, to be celebrated each year on April the 2^nd. Thousands of people and buildings dress in the blue apparel to show support to people living with autism.

Although, the practice has not always been a part of softball and baseball sports community in the country but recently, initiatives have been taken to honor the support.

Softball teams like Oberlin College, last year, wore blue tops to show their support to the campaign. Fans, too, have joined the support campaign, increasingly taking part in organized walks and events, wearing royal blue softball socks, light blue tops, navy blue caps – whichever way they can show their support.    

Walk in Red – The Wearers of Red!

Walk in Red is a support campaign organized by Actually Autistic to rally their support in favor of autism acceptance. It was first organized in 2015 and since then many people have actively participated in it.

Baseball and softball community, too, have been a part of Walk in Red where players and fans wear red gear to show their support. Some prefer to wear a red ball cap, others choose a red top – but whether it is a pair of red baseball socks or a red pantaloon – the objective remains the same.  

What did you wear on this year’s World Autism Awareness Day? Was it a pair of red baseball socks or a red ball cap? Was it blue colored softball socks and a matching top? Or, did you decide to integrate the colors in your own way? Let us know. We are interested in hearing your World Autism Awareness Day story.