FORT PAYNE, Ala. (WHNT) — While they may have their own unique challenges, the Outfield Angels all share something in common and that’s a deep love for the game of softball.
The Outfield Angels are a special needs softball team in Fort Payne who’ve captivated the DeKalb County community for more than a decade.
When many of them outgrew tee-ball, there weren’t any youth leagues for them to join, but all of that changed 15 years ago.
Rusty Wynn was eager to establish a team for his son who has Down Syndrome and others with special needs so they could have a space to showcase their talents.
“It’s just fun knowing that you got to do something to help them and it’s not about me it’s all about these guys,” Wynn said. “Whatever we can do to lift them up and make them feel more important.”
The team took the field for their season finale Thursday night, but what made it even more of a treat getting to hang out with Sprocket, the beloved Rocket City Trash Pandas Mascot who brought good times and smiles to their faces.
“It’s a special place out here in Fort Payne we love having Sprocket out in the community seeing all the smiles on the kids’ faces all the special guests on the field and outside in the stands too,” said Rocket City Trash Pandas sales team member Cory Ausderau.
They may play with some unconventional moves, but if take a trip out to Fort Payne to see them in action, chances are you’ll see more than a few home runs. The team has won over a dozen trophies earning tons of success over the years.
For players like Austin Culpepper, the Outfield Angels are like one big family and moments like Thursday are why they refuse to miss games.
“My friends they cheer me on when I make a home run and stuff like that and it’s pretty fun I like it out here,” Culpepper told News 19.
In their 15 years of playing, the Outfield Angels have never been defeated.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
