Ontario Tower Buzzers host inclusive baseball camp for athletes with disabilities

The Ontario Tower Buzzers and the Valentine Brothers brought 70 athletes with disabilities to ONT Field in Ontario, California, for a free baseball camp that focused on skill-building, confidence and fun. The event drew more than 100 people total and gave each participant tickets to a future game.

Why it matters: - The camp gave athletes with disabilities a chance to experience a professional baseball environment in a setting built around inclusion. - The event connected a minor league team, disability advocates and families around a shared community experience in Ontario. - Each participant received two complimentary tickets to a future Ontario Tower Buzzers game, extending the experience beyond the camp.

What happened: - The Ontario Tower Buzzers and Zach and Pat Valentine, known as the Valentine Brothers, hosted “Thriving Beyond the First Pitch: One Swing at a Time” on Saturday at ONT Field in Ontario, California. - The free camp included 70 athletes with disabilities. - Total attendance topped 100 people when family members, coaches and volunteers were included. - Tower Buzzers coaches and players worked directly with campers on throwing, catching, hitting, base running and teamwork. - The event included a special tour of the clubhouse, weight room and batting cages.

The details: - The two-hour camp emphasized participation, confidence-building and fun over competition. - Five Tower Buzzers coaches and players provided individual instruction and encouragement. - The event ended with group activities, team photos and recognition of each athlete’s accomplishments. - John Shoemaker, manager of the Ontario Tower Buzzers, said the club enjoyed welcoming the athletes into its clubhouse, weight room and batting cages before working with them on the field. - Pat Valentine said community advocacy and inclusive experiences can drive change and thanked the Tower Buzzers for the event. - Allan Benevides, general manager of the Ontario Tower Buzzers, said the team is proud to help make baseball more welcoming and accessible.

Between the lines: - The camp fits a broader push by the Ontario Tower Buzzers to build stronger community ties in the Inland Empire. - The Valentine Brothers have built an online audience of more than nine million followers by promoting kindness, inclusion and acceptance. - The event also positions the team as more than a baseball brand by tying its game-day product to youth outreach and accessibility.

What's next: - The Ontario Tower Buzzers said the event reflects its commitment to creating opportunities beyond the baseball diamond. - The team directs fans to tickets, schedules and event details for future games and programming. - Families who attended the camp can return to ONT Field with the complimentary tickets provided to each athlete.