Princeton U Baseball Goes to Bat for South Brunswick Boy With Special Needs

From Princeton University:

This spring, the Princeton University baseball team won’t just be warming up with training drills. They’ll also be helping to warm the hearts of a special little boy and his family.

Five-year-old Ray Fantel of South Brunswick was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy type 1 when he was 5 months old. SMA is an incurable, terminal disease and the most frequent genetic cause of death in infants.

The average life expectancy of a child with SMA is 2 years. “We were crushed,” said Ray’s mother Marcy Fantel of the diagnosis, “We vowed to do everything possible to make sure he enjoyed life no matter what length of time he has.” 

In October 2013, Ray and his family became honorary members of the Princeton University baseball team through the efforts of Team IMPACT, a group that works to improve quality of life for children facing serious illnesses by pairing them with nearby sports teams willing to provide support. Team IMPACT Case Manager Payson Sword explained, “For Team IMPACT kids, access to a team-based support system can be life changing—not to mention the smiles, laughter, and ability to look forward to the next practice or game instead of the next doctor’s appointment or therapy.” More information about Team IMPACT is available at www.goteamimpact.org.

When Ray and his older brother Ethan attended their first Princeton practice, they were presented with items they would need to root for their new teammates: t-shirts, megaphones, foam fingers, banners, sunflower seeds, and bubble gum. “The players really made the boys feel like a part of the team,” said their mother. 

Players throw to Ethan in the batting cage and he participates in fielding, strength, and conditioning drills. Ray, who has never walked and cannot sit up without assistance,likes to lighten the mood during practice by driving his power wheelchair on the field and wreaking havoc. Both boys look forward to going to practice and seeing their teammates. “This has been such a positive aspect of both the boys’ lives,” Mrs. Fantel said.

The boys aren’t the only ones benefitting from the partnership. “Being part of Team IMPACT has been a tremendous experience for everyone associated with our team,” said Princeton University baseball Head Coach Scott Bradley. “We have all really enjoyed getting to know the family, and our players look forward to the days Ray and Ethan come to practice. Watching how the Fantels live life is a great lesson for all of us. We look forward to sharing great memories.”

Ray and his family look forward to cheering on Princeton University baseball when the team’s home season opens onSaturday, March 29. The team’s schedule is available at www.goprincetontigers.com. The Fantels hope the community will join them in supporting a team focusing on not only runs, hits, and errors, but also on supporting one little boy who may never round the bases on his own but still plays with all his heart.