May 22, 2009

Penguins Baseball Practices with Rich Center for Autism Students

    Youngstown -- Members of the Youngstown State baseball program volunteered to play with young fans who attend the YSU Rich Center for Autism earlier this week at Stambaugh Stadium.

    Head Coach Rich Pasquale, assistant Tom Lipari and players Jason Reitenbach, Trent Wood and Casey Holland played with the group of three students for about a half hour.

    The students hit off of batting tees, played catch and got some ground ball practice during the session. Pasquale and Lipari also volunteered with the Rich Center earlier in the year at Beeghly Center.

    "Daniel, Colin and Josh are all great kids, and we really enjoyed spending time with them this year," Pasquale said. "Our players enjoyed giving back to the campus community, as well. The kids really seem to enjoy baseball."

    The Rich Center for Autism is an externally funded unit of Youngstown State and is located in YSU's Fedor Hall. The center's mission is to improve the lives of individuals with autism through the creation, use and enhancement of innovative educational programs specifically designed to enhance the individuals' opportunities to achieve their full potentials.