Disability Pride Takes Center Field at Angel Stadium

There was plenty to cheer about at Angel Stadium as Easterseals SoCal (ESSC) celebrated its seventh annual Easterseals Disability Pride Night hosted by the Los Angeles Angels. 

From tailgates to first pitches, Disability Pride was everywhere as the Angels played against the Detroit Tigers--including two unforgettable on- field moments when young graduates of Easterseals’ Autism Services were given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take center field.

A Tailgate with Purpose

As part of ESSC’s long-standing community partnership with CVS Health, the fun started prior to the game with the 13^th annual CVS Tailgate fundraiser to benefit ESSC taking place under the iconic Big A. 

The event brought together more than 620 CVS associates and their families for an afternoon of live music, hot dogs, raffle prizes, ice cream and dancing. Raising an impressive $13,275, CVS presented a check to ESSC at the tailgate. 

Stepping Up to the Plate

Some of the night's biggest stars took the field before the game when two Easterseals Autism Services graduates had an unforgettable opportunity to experience a baseball game in ways they'll never forget.

Eleven-year-old Santiago ("Santi”) suited up as the evening's Honorary Bat Kid, proudly wearing a custom Angels uniform before heading into the dugout to meet players and soak in the excitement of game day.

Another unforgettable moment came when seven-year-old Sebastian took the microphone to deliver the ceremonial "Let's Play Ball!" before a stadium full of cheering fans, officially kicking off the night's  contest.

On the Air, a Father's Pride Shines Through

During the fourth inning, Santi's father, Manny, joined the Angels AM 830 radio broadcast to talk about their family's Easterseals journey and what the night’s experience meant to Santi.

“Talk about a memory not only for him but for us as his parents,” said Manny. “Being involved with Easterseals for so many years, this is just an amazing opportunity for all of us and a great way to experience Disability Pride Night here with the Angels. It’s going to be something he can remember for many, many years to come.

“Santiago is an Easterseals baby,” he continued. “He’s been with the organization for more than eight years. He’s gone through ABA, speech and occupational therapy.  He has grown so much—his speech and ability to communicate and his fine motor skills. I’m so proud of him.”

A Special Connection

The evening also highlighted the growing friendship between Angels outfielder Bryce Teodosio, his wife, Brooklyn, and the Easterseals community. The couple first connected with Easterseals last fall when they visited ESSC’s Adult Day Services (ADS) program at the Pyott Center, where participants and staff are devoted Angels fans!

Wanting to create another memorable experience, Brooklyn invited ESSC participants—from Pyott Center ADS and Brea Seniors—and staff to a stadium suite for Disability Pride Night. Nine participants and their guests enjoyed the game together, making memories that will last long after the final out.

“I have never been in a stadium suite and it was a once in a lifetime experience,” said Mona Ramirez, Program Coordinator, Adult Day Services at the Pyott Center. 

“Everyone wore red and their Angels gear and were so excited,” Ramirez recalls. “As soon as you opened the door, there was so much food. You could see the field and the game perfectly and we watched the fireworks afterwards. 

“The participants stood up for the national anthem, took their hats off and held their hands over their hearts,” she says. “It was nice to see. We were all clapping and chanting, ‘Let’s go Angels!’ and doing the wave. It was so much fun!”

Sharing Easterseals’ Mission

Inside the stadium, ESSC staff welcomed fans at an information booth on the front plaza, handing out Easterseals crossbody bags, koozies and information about the organization's programs and services.

A True Team Effort

In all, more than 900 members of the Easterseals community attended the celebration, including nearly 300 ESSC associates, more than 620 CVS Health guests and partners from R1 RCM.

A reminder of what can happen when community partners come together to create opportunities and celebrate abilities, Disability Pride Night has become much more than a night at the ballpark—It’s an evening that makes everyone feel like part of the team. .