Since 2015 members of the Rogers Hornsby Chapter of the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) have been offering reminiscence programs using baseball as our primary theme. “Reminiscence” – recalling pleasant memories of the past – has proven to be an effective way to help improve the well-being of those dealing with dementia. It has positive effects not only for those dealing with Alzheimers and other forms of dementia and their care partners, but also for people dealing with other long term health issues, loneliness, and isolation.
Our current offerings are as follows:
Beginning in February, 2023, the Rogers Hornsby Chapter of SABR began partnering with AGE of Central Texas to bring baseball reminiscence programs to participants at their facilities. Our Baseball Memories program is offered at the AGE Thrive Social & Wellness Centers. AGE of Central Texas provides daytime care for older adults with physical needs or memory loss, as well as education services and resources for their care partners. SABR’s initial offerings are at AGE’s Round Rock, Texas facility, where we will be conducting an ongoing, in-person monthly program.
If you’d like more information on SABR’s Baseball Memories programs, please contact:
Monte Cely at cely@swbell.net – or –
Ira Siegel at igscpa@yahoo.com
Jerry Miller at gjmesq@sbcglobal.net
The “Baseball Guys” are also back visiting the Kerrville Veterans Administration Hospital in Kerrville, Texas. This program had been suspended for several years due to the pandemic, and it’s great to be back, in person, with the veterans. For more information, contact:
Larry Rice at ukisno1@gmail.com
Jim Kenton at jmkentn444@gmail.com
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Following is some past history of our offerings, dating back to our first programs in 2015:
Under chapter member Jim Kenton’s leadership, Alzheimer’s Texas and the Rogers Hornsby chapter of SABR teamed up to provide a baseball-themed program for Texas residents with early-stage Alzheimer’s. This program kicked off (to borrow a football phrase) in May of 2015.
This program, originally nicknamed BasebALZ, was inspired by a program developed in St. Louis in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, the St. Louis Cardinals, and St. Louis University. We modified the content and agenda to adapt it to our participants, local baseball history, and our community in general. This initial program was very successful, as evidenced by some of the testimony in this video:
After our first “season” of six programs, we were hosted at Dell Diamond for a baseball game:
Feedback regarding BasebALZ has been very positive. Participants and their caregivers enjoyed the sessions and the fellowship. The volunteers found the experience very rewarding. Everyone couldn’t wait for the next session!
As a result of the great response, a second BasebALZ “season” was held in Fall 2015, beginning in mid-September and lasting through November. This was equally successful and enjoyable.
PROGRAM EVOLUTION
In the summer of 2016, we were allowed to take our program to the Veterans Administration Hospital in Kerrville, Texas (see pictures below). Most of our participants at that facility did not suffer from dementia. However, they were more isolated and eager to share memories with “outsiders”. To them we were the “The Baseball Guys”. VA Hospital administrators have been extremely positive about the program and monthly sessions have been held ongoing.
In 2019 we began a program in Georgetown Texas, again sponsored by Alzheimer’s Texas. A large group of volunteers were recruited from nearby Sun City Texas and sessions were held bi-weekly at The Wesleyan at Estrella Assisted Living center.
A joint event of the Georgetown and Austin groups was held at Dell Diamond, in Round Rock, Texas, in February 2020. Our local AAA ballclub, the Round Rock Express, hosted the event. Over fifty participants and volunteers were in attendance. A great video of this event (6 min) can be viewed here.
We became aware of several clinical studies that indicated that social isolation for seniors often led to the onset of dementia and other medical problems. Therefore, in an effort to become more inclusive, we changed our program name to “Talking Baseball”.
“BasebALZ”, “The Baseball Guys”, “Talking Baseball”, or “Baseball Memories” are all similar programs led by volunteers that like to share their love of baseball and other topics with seniors. Regardless of the audience, we hope that they have as much fun as we do!
TESTIMONIALS:
Here are a few “thank you” notes we’ve received from participants and administrators:
“We would like to express our gratitude to you for taking time to volunteer at the Alzheimer’s Association. We really enjoyed the “Baseball Memory” class. I especially enjoyed the camaraderie and recalling childhood memories. The feeling of support, fun and laughter was something we looked forward to each week. Thanks also to your sweet wives who came and helped. We are looking forward to the Express Game tonight and appreciate this opportunity.
Thanks again for your friendship and support. Psalms 13:5-6. “
B.P. and R. P. – participant and caregiver.
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“A big special thank-you for your efforts in presenting the excellent reminiscence presentations in our baseball meetings. Your work brought many memories of past baseball experiences. This thank-you also goes to the wives for their additions to your presentations.
We loved the discussions of the historical facts related to baseball. We appreciate all of your work in making this available to the Alzheimer’s group.
Sincerely, F.L. and M.L. ” – participant and caregiver
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“First off, let me say how awesome it is that your group does what it does. I myself am not the biggest baseball fan or fanatic and I find myself on the edge of my seat when y’all come and give presentations to our veterans.
Since y’all have been coming to the VA here in Kerrville we have noticed a few things about our regular participants in the program. Some of our veterans that are not the most social or big conversation starters seem to open up during the group sessions. They can recall past games they have been to and other memories from their youth. It is amazing to see how far back some of our residents can remember the events of their days. The details that they express in the groups sometimes paint a picture so clear you can almost see it as if you are there yourself. You guys do all this through baseball knowledge and facts. It is simply amazing. One of our veterans (you know who) was able to recall an entire game and day from his youth based off of one fact from that game about a pitcher throwing the ball out of the stadium. I think that alone says something about what you guys do… It is amazing to see some of our closed-off veterans initiate conversations and even socialize in group settings who normally do not… It gives our residents a comfortable way to ease into conversation allowing opportunities to socialize and reminisce. It creates opportunities to share experiences and even have an occasional laugh… Our veterans have many stories to share and your groups allow opportunities for that. Some of our veterans do not have the best memory anymore, due to age and other various diagnoses. These sessions present opportunities to trigger memories they may have forgotten over time. In my opinion it is a wonderful program and service that y’all provide. I know our residents and even our staff marvel at the benefits from the program.
We thank you here at Kerrville VA for bringing your services to us and look forward to continue to work with you.”
From a staff member at the Kerrville, Texas Veterans Administration
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“ … You are really on to something. My husband has had Alzheimer’s for 11 years that we know of, he and I have been part of a variety of programs to respond to the challenges of dementia. The Baseball Memories group that you guys have created is at the top of the list. You really have a gift for bridging the divide that can result from this disease. It is a joy to see him in his element and light up, and I have learned a bit about baseball and enjoyed it all.
“ PS – today as we walked out to the car, he was singing ‘Take Me Out to the Ballgame’ at the top of his voice .”
L.V. – caregiver
NATIONAL EXPANSION:
We were the first SABR chapter to actively support, organize, and implement baseball reminiscence programs as a community service and outreach. We have since worked with groups across the country to promote baseball reminiscence programs. SABR members and friends in ten states are now offering similar programs. Several other SABR chapters are currently working to field programs.
Recognizing the value of these programs, the national SABR organization has helped the involved chapters create a Baseball Memories Chartered Community of Interest. For more information on SABR’s nation-wide efforts, visit the Baseball Memories web site at: http://www.sabrbaseballmemories.org
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