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Despite a late comeback from Smith Academy last weekend, the St. Mary baseball team held on for a 9-6 road win.
But despite the impressive outcome, there were no losers in this game – just winners.
Coming into Friday’s game, coaches and players from both teams organized a fundraiser to support Parkinson’s research.
And their hard work prevailed, as Smith Academy Athletic Director Jason Duncan said the group “raised nearly $4,000 to donate to the Michael J. Fox Foundation.”
For those unfamiliar with the subject, Parkinson’s disease is a “progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, primarily due to a decrease in dopamine-producing brain cells.”
Patients can also suffer from tremors, slow movement, stiffness, and balance problems.
“St. Mary coach Drew Collins is a great friend of mine,” Falcons coach Jacob Butler said. “I attended St. Mary with him a while back, so I had my seniors decide who they wanted to represent in this year’s first annual charity game.
“I believe the Smith Academy team represents more than baseball. But instead, every time we put our jerseys on, we represent the community. That being said, Smith Academy and St. Mary are phenomenal schools, providing a clear path to success.”
Though anyone can be diagnosed with this disease, it’s reported to be more common in men and those over 60 years old. That said, approximately 90,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.
Since April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, the timing couldn’t have been better to support this cause. In doing so, Butler and Collins showcased to their players how there’s more to life than winning baseball games — it’s about helping those in need.
“As a baseball coach, it is my job to guide these young players not only in baseball but in life,” Butler said. “Helping these players organize their fundraiser will help them remember to give back to their community.
“St. Mary and Smith Academy both have small denominations high school-wise. And I figured, along with coach Collins, that it would be a great idea to team up and pack a punch. We said we would love to team up again for another great cause, hopefully in next year’s charity game.”
For those looking to donate or learn more about Parkinson’s disease, please click here.
Read the original article on MassLive.