Baseball Hosts Special Spectators

NORMAN, Okla. -- As Sooner fans across the country tuned in to watch the No. 23 Oklahoma baseball team battle Nebraska on Fox Sports Southwest on April 14, three fans in particular enjoyed the victory from beginning to end with the team in Norman.

Alec Cochran, Ruben Contrares and Tyler Row enjoyed a behind the scenes tour of a typical gameday, on top of the Sooners' victory, thanks to the efforts of an organization called Special Spectators.

Cochran, Contrares and Row were on hand Saturday representing the children at the Jimmy Everest Cancer Center in Oklahoma City. Special Spectators is a nonprofit organization that works with athletic departments across the country in order to provide memorable experiences for seriously ill children and their families at various sporting events. The organization also helps organize visits by coaches and student-athletes to nearby children's hospitals.

Video | Photo Gallery | Special Spectators Online

The University of Oklahoma Athletics Department has been working with the organization for several years and Saturday's visit to L. Dale Mitchell Park marked the second time in as many years that the baseball program has had the joy to host the inspiring children.

"Each time our team has the opportunity to give something back to the community it truly amazes me how much joy we can bring into someone's life," said OU head coach Sunny Golloway. "It also makes you realize how lucky you are and today was no exception. These three children inspired our student-athletes today.

"I hope Alec, Ruben and Tyler enjoyed this experience as much as our team did. Working with Special Spectators is something the coaching staff and returning players look forward to and its a tradition we hope to continue for many years to come."

The day began with a tour of the baseball facility with OU assistant coach Fred Corral. Shortly after the Sooners' pitching coach spoke to the families about the baseball program's history and tradition, the three children met the team for batting practice and received autographed baseballs, poster and media guides. The aspiring baseball players even took batting practice in the Sooners' cages with student coach Jon Shackelford.

Following the warmups, the players and children finished enjoyed a pre-game meal in the OU locker room and then the families went behind the scenes of the production of the FSN broadcast by touring the television truck and visiting with the broadcasters in the booth.

The final surprise of the day came when Alec, Ruben and Tyler were recognized on the field prior to the game and received the opportunity to take part in one of the sport's most prestigious honors -- throwing out the ceremonial first pitch.

Each special spectator tossed the ball swiftly across the plate to OU catcher Jackson Williams to officially begin the game and then retired to their seats where they were enjoyed the first game of the series against the visiting Cornhuskers.

The day was perfect, except for the unusually cold weather, as the special spectators watched OU defeat Nebraska 3-0. OU Academic Advisor and CHAMPS/Life Skills Coordinator, Annette Moran, works each year with the organization in setting up the events with several of OU's teams.

"Special Spectators is a great community service event that the children, our student-athlete's and coaches get a lot out of," said Moran. "Seeing the excitement in the children's faces makes it all worthwhile. Our baseball team does a great job of reaching out to the community, and today was no exception."

For one day, the daily routine of student-athletes and a simple game of baseball helped three youngsters forget their illness. That one day is one that will not be forgotten by Alec Cochran, Ruben Contrares and Tyler Row and all those involved in making the special day happen.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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