Marklund residents face off in end-of-season baseball game

Posted September 19, 2024 2:54 pm

Submitted by Dawn Lassiter-Brueske

Marklund residents Jimmy and Anthony had a great time getting to know each other during the Crosstown Classic Baseball game at the Marklund Hyde Center field in Geneva. The special T-ball baseball game pitted residents from the Geneva and Elgin facilities against each other. Courtesy of Tiffany Zurek

Residents from two of Marklund’s facilities — the Hyde Center in Geneva and the Wasmond Center in Elgin — faced each other in a Crosstown Classic-style baseball game, assisted by staff and volunteers, in a celebration of the end of their summer baseball season.

The result was pure joy!

Marklund volunteer Chad Clarey assists resident Evan in the outfield during the Crosstown Classic game. Courtesy of Tiffany Zurek

“It was amazing to see everyone have such fun on a beautiful autumn evening,” said Nikki Osterloh, manager of volunteer engagement. “Besides having a blast playing the game, it was so heartwarming to see the residents meeting each other or rekindling former friendships!”

Adults and children who live at Marklund have severe and profound developmental disabilities.

Most are non-ambulatory and nonverbal, but are able to enjoy such everyday life activities like playing baseball thanks to assistance from staff and volunteers.

“We play our own Marklund-style of baseball, which is like T-ball and Wiffle ball combined,” Osterloh said. “We make sure the residents are involved in each play by helping them hold the baseball bat, touch the ball and cheer on teammates.”

Marklund resident Maggie is excited to be batting with the assistance of staff member Kelly Laird and volunteer Wes Kochan during the Crosstown Classic baseball game at Marklund. Courtesy of Tiffany Zurek

Throughout the summer, Marklund schedules baseball games for the Geneva residents on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

This past year, more than 250 volunteers helped play 17 games.

Marklund staff member Angela Williams assists resident Brad M. field the ball during the Crosstown Classic game at Marklund. Courtesy of Tiffany Zurek

In addition to the baseball activity, the evening included music, fans cheering on from around the field, as well as traditional baseball fare like hot dogs and cracker jack.

“It was a great way to end our great season of playing America’s pastime!,” Osterloh said. “We can’t wait for next year and plan on having our Elgin friends come out more often!”

Marklund is a nonprofit organization that services adults and children at three locations: Geneva, Elgin and Bloomingdale. It also has day schools at each site for medically complex students with developmental disabilities and those on the autism spectrum.

Marklund volunteer Tess Ricke helps resident TC head to first base after making a base hit. Courtesy of Tiffany Zurek

For information, visit www.marklund.org.

Follow facebook.com/MarklundCharity or instagram.com/marklundcharity/.

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