‘Alternative Baseball’ club prepares for 2020 season in Gastonia

Although the club is not sure when it can begin playing or who its opponents will be, the Carolina Fireflies are preparing for a 2020 baseball season.

The Fireflies are a part of the Alternative Baseball Organization of America which seeks to provide athletic opportunities for teens and adults with autism and other special needs.

Allen Boyd, who grew up in Gaston County and was paralyzed during his junior year in college in a diving accident, serves as general manger of the Fireflies.

"We had hoped to begin practicing in March and begin playing games later in the spring," Boyd explained. "But we got in only one practice before COVID-19 shut us down."

When Gov. Roy Cooper eased pandemic restrictions in early June, players could again begin practicing at Poston Park, under very tightly-controlled conditions.

"Players have their temperatures taken before they go on the field," Boyd said. "They are required to wear masks, of course, and to maintain adequate distance at all times."

So far, Boyd said, about a dozen players have been turning out for each practice, but, "Right now, we have no one to play against."

The Fireflies are the only Alternative Baseball team in North Carolina and while teams may organize in South Carolina, none has yet been established.

"If no teams are available for us to compete against," Boyd said, "we will look at playing against local volunteers."

In the meantime, anyone interested in playing for the Fireflies or wanting to help with the team in some capacity is welcome to contact Boyd.

His telephone number is 704-747-9967 and his email is ab@illumination.org.

Bill Poteat may be reached at 704-869-1855 or bpoteat@gastongazette.com.

___

(c)2020 Gaston Gazette, Gastonia, N.C.

Visit Gaston Gazette, Gastonia, N.C. at www.gastongazette.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.