Whiffleball players going to bat for Nolan, autistic kids

Friends, relatives and even local residents in general are going to bat -- literally -- on Saturday for little Nolan O'Hair and youngsters like him who suffer from the effects of autism.

At least 10 teams are already committed, rain or shine, to take part in a double-elimination whiffleball tournament to benefit the Autism Speaks foundation.

The fundraiser is set to begin at 10 a.m. Saturday on the baseball diamonds behind Fillmore School.

That is just a day before Nolan, the son of Nate and Ashley O'Hair, Greencastle, celebrates his fourth birthday.

"Nolan was diagnosed (with autism) two weeks after his third birthday," dad Nate O'Hair said Wednesday afternoon.

Since then the youngster has been doing 30 hours a week of one-on-one behavioral therapy. Three days a week Nolan goes to the preschool program at Deer Meadow School.

"His therapist goes with him everywhere he goes," Nate O'Hair noted.

He explained that the whiffleball tourney -- being held in lieu of an Autism Walk often seen in other areas -- is designed to "raise awareness and help integrate Nolan into a 'normal' world."

Entry fee is $60 per team with seven players (coed optional) maximum per team. Entries are being accepted all the way up to 10 a.m. Saturday when Nolan throws out the first pitch to begin the festivities.

Whiffleball, for the uninitiated, is like baseball only played in more confined areas with a plastic bat and ball. With a series of holes in the ball, pitches often curve, dart and drop, making it difficult for batters to make good contact at times.

Besides the whiffleball tourney, prizes, giveaways, concessions and a DJ are also planned Saturday.

In addition to entering the tourney, anyone can donate to "Nolan's Ninjas," the name of his fundraiser effort, by dropping off a check (made out to Nolan's Ninjas) or cash to Nate O'Hair at the Putnam County Courthouse or to Ashley O'Hair at the Putnam County Jail.

For more information about the whiffleball tourney or how to donate, persons may call 653-5196 or 653-3211.