ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Autism Awareness Month wrapped up in April, and it was a month to showcase a story of friendship, generosity and the power of baseball.
Matt Olson, first baseman for the Atlanta Braves, and his longtime friend Reece Blankenship — who has non-verbal autism — have teamed up to transform a simple idea into a thriving community resource.
Olson knows how to hit home runs, on and off the field. His friendship with Reece Blankenship is proof that sometimes, the best connections come right down the middle.
While Olson chased big league dreams, Reece was finding his voice, discovering a letterboard that helped him speak up not just for himself, but for others with autism.
“They are complete people just like we are. They just might not be able to express themselves in the way that we can.” Lou Blankenship, mother of Reece and owner of ReClif Center explained.
With Reece determined and finally able to share his ideas, Olson stood firmly behind his friend’s vision. The ReClif Center was born.
A sanctuary for kids and young adults with autism to feel seen, safe and at peace in a world that can often feel too loud. What started as Reece’s dream is changing lives.
“He wants to help others and other people in his position. He wants to open up a facility where he can help others, just speaks to the person he is,” Olson said.
And it doesn’t stop there — at every Braves home game, Truist Park hosts the ‘Matt Pack,’ a partnership between ReClif community and the Atlanta Braves that offers a free, sensory-friendly experience for a family affected by autism.
“We’ve now been able to impact at least 50-60 families a season, and most of them say it’s the first time they have been able to attend a baseball game as a complete family,” Lou said.
Baseball may be a game of stats, averages and records, but it’s the immeasurable that truly change the game.
For Matt and Reece, their friendship is the grand slam.
“He’s taught me a lot without him knowing it really. You never know what someone else is going through… so don’t be so quick to judge.”
How to watch Braves on Gray
Gray Media will simulcast these 15 Atlanta Braves games throughout the Southeast this season.
Fans can watch the Braves on Gray by tuning into PeachtreeTV, Atlanta’s CW Network. Fans can also watch games on YouTube TV, over the air on channel 17.1 and on channel 17 on Dish Network and DirecTV and channel 7 on Xfinity and Spectrum.
If you are in another market outside of Atlanta, you can find your channel at BravesOnGray.com.