Photo Gallery

By Catherine Slonksnis
GoldenGrizzlies.com contributor

Among the many programs offered to Oakland University students, the Oakland University Center for Autism (OUCARES) has served as a resource for individuals and their families living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Thursday afternoon Oakland hosted a baseball skills clinic for the program, with two members of the Detroit Tigers in attendance.

Sponsored by Oakland, the Detroit Tigers Winter Caravan is an annual event leading up to TigerFest, held at Comerica Park in Detroit on January 24. Part of the goal is to allow fans more personal interaction with their favorite players in preparation of another Tigers season, while helping the community at several stops along the way.

With several members of the Oakland men's baseball team present for the clinic, Tigers third baseman Nick Castellanos and Tigers closer Joe Nathan provided basic baseball lessons for children with autism. The OUCARES program, which has been a part of Oakland's history for over 10 years, was able to provide autistic children a chance to interact with the players and ask questions, a highlight for many with the disability.

Castellanos and Nathan covered aspects of their skills and held a hands-on demonstration with several children in attendance. Following the teaching portion of the event, fans were able to ask a question and both players responded with answers. Some of the answers, such as Castellanos' choice of being in the medical profession had he not played baseball, led to light jokes and at times the room was filled with laughter.

Several young fans were focused on one question. The topic of whether the Tigers would finally win the World Series came up on more than one occasion, to which both replied with a hopeful `yes.' Questions also included who each players' favorite baseball player of all time was. Castellanos' answer was simple, Babe Ruth.

Nathan said that he would probably have to break down his list individually by decade. He did concede, however, that growing up his favorite player was Hall of Fame shortstop Cal Ripken Jr. (nicknamed Iron Man) -- a two-time MVP, eight-time Silver Slugger, 20-time all-star during his 21 years in the major leagues.

In addition to the event itself, the Tigers and Oakland University took the time to recognize several of the Oakland men's baseball players who volunteer their time throughout the year. Particularly in the fall, the players assist OUCARES with its program, something the team has been doing for nine years.

Several of the Golden Grizzly women's soccer players serve on the Oakland University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and were also present, as well as players from the Golden Grizzlies' men's basketball, men's golf, women's golf, men's soccer and volleyball teams.

While members of the Tigers provided fans excitement and something to look forward to beyond the cold weather, the event accomplished a multi-faceted goal. The clinic offered a light moment for those with a disability, but it also gave family members and friends who support those with the disability on a daily basis, an extra measure of fun.

The OUCARES program got its start over three decades ago, offering an endorsement certificate program at the time. In 2004, the program branched out and began establishing resources that families could use on a daily basis, essentially reaching into the community while educating the university's students.

Oakland's long-standing relationship with the Tigers was reinforced with Thursday's event. Not only did it offer support to the community, the clinic and those in attendance helped exemplify the dedication students and professionals have demonstrated at the university over the years.

#WEARtheBEAR