The following is a press release from the Arkansas Department of Education:
LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Department of Education and Arkansas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired are proud to announce that Dallas Cathey, a tenth-grade student with a passion for baseball broadcasting, has been invited to join the Press Box for the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Trojans baseball game at 6 p.m. May 6, at Gary Hogan Field, 2400 S. Harrison St., Little Rock.
This unique opportunity places Cathey alongside Trojans announcer Max Walter, who will mentor Cathey during the game. Cathey, who is blind, has a long-term goal of becoming a baseball announcer. He plays with the Miracle League near his hometown of Warren, AR, and comes from what he calls a proud “baseball family.” This special moment marks his first step toward that dream.
“We are really excited for Dallas,” Superintendent Nicole Walsh said. “This opportunity represents an exciting step forward in Dallas’ pursuit of a future in sports broadcasting and highlights the importance of inclusive, real-world experiences for students who are blind or visually impaired.”
“I love the game of baseball,” Cathey said. “I love the sound of the crack of the bat hitting a ball and the sound of a ball hitting a leather baseball glove. I love the sound of the organ and the seventh- inning stretch. I just love everything about baseball.”
The Trojans will face off against in-state rivals, the UCA Bears. Students from ASBVI and the Arkansas School for the Deaf have been invited to attend the game. American Sign Language interpreters will be available to support members of the deaf community.
