Major League Baseball and all 30 clubs to raise awareness for autism during 2015 Championship Season

Major League Baseball and all 30 MLB Clubs will once again conduct a league-wide effort during the 2015 Championship Season to raise awareness for autism, the fastest growing serious developmental disorder. The initiative will include all clubs selecting one home game during the season to support the cause, and is again linked with Autism Speaks, the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization. MLB Autism Awareness will begin in April, which is National Autism Awareness Month. *Attached is a separate list of Club recognition dates for MLB Autism Awareness.

"Major League Baseball proudly joins all 30 clubs, our fans and Autism Speaks to raise awareness for autism and for families affected by this disorder, and we all look forward to the wonderful activities at our ballparks this season through this initiative," said Tom Brasuell, Vice President of Community Affairs, Major League Baseball.

"These teams are competitors on the baseball field, but we are so grateful that they've teamed up to support the cause," said Liz Feld, president of Autism Speaks. "Not only does Major League Baseball raise awareness among millions of fans, these clubs make it possible for families to have a great day at the ballpark."

Many of the MLB Autism Awareness games throughout the league will provide special opportunities and a safe, friendly environment for families and individuals affected by autism, allowing them to experience a game like never before. Additionally, a part of the proceeds from select games' ticket sales will go toward Autism Speaks' efforts to increase awareness, fund innovative autism research and family services, and advocate for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. 

Many clubs will work with Autism Speaks or other autism awareness organizations to recognize local families during pre-game ceremonies. Additionally in select ballparks, members of the autism community can enjoy the game from designated "Quiet Zones" with a sensory-friendly environment. Some clubs also will provide opportunities to participate in various traditional baseball activities, including throwing out the first pitch, singing the National Anthem, announcing "Play Ball!," singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" and performing "God Bless America."

During the 2014 Championship Season, more than 30 Autism Awareness events took place in MLB ballparks, resulting in thousands of dollars from game ticket sales that went toward efforts by Autism Speaks to improve the lives of individuals with autism and their families. 

For more information about MLB Autism Awareness and to check on respective Club dates commemorating the initiative, please visit MLBCommunity.org.

About Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Mr. Wright is the former vice chairman of General Electric and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed more than $525 million to research and developing innovative resources for families. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 100 cities across North America. On the global front, Autism Speaks has established partnerships and related activities in more than 60 countries on five continents to foster international research, services and awareness. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit AutismSpeaks.org.