Wilson Sporting Goods, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-performance baseball and softball equipment, announced today a new partnership with Autism Speaks, a global nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of people with autism and their families. Under the partnership, Wilson will create a limited-edition “Love the Moment” collection of Wilson and Louisville Slugger baseball products,” to raise awareness of autism and funds to support Autism Speaks resources and programs.
Inaugural products in the “Love the Moment” line include a Wilson A2000 ball glove, Wilson A200 youth ball glove, Louisville Slugger Solo™ USA Baseball bat, Louisville Slugger Solo tee ball bat, and a Louisville Slugger MLB Prime® wood bat. These and other Wilson baseball products will carry special “Love the Moment” tags indicating the company’s support of the autism community and Autism Speaks. The new line can be found on wilson.com/en-us/autism-speaks.
Wilson will donate $100,000 this year to Autism Speaks to increase advocacy and support; provide reliable information and resources, and advance research into causes and better interventions. With an estimated one in 59 children affected by autism, Autism Speaks is dedicated to enhancing lives today and accelerating a spectrum of solutions for tomorrow.
“Autism affects a great number of people in the U.S., and that includes many of the baseball and softball families that we serve,” said Michael Markovich, Global Commercial Director, Wilson Baseball and Softball. “We know that every person with autism has unique strengths and challenges, and many may feel misunderstood or excluded. We hope that through this partnership with Autism Speaks we can play a part in creating more understanding and acceptance of people with autism.”
“We’re excited to embark on this relationship with Wilson and are truly grateful for this support,” said Autism Speaks Strategic Initiatives and Innovations Officer Lisa Goring. “This partnership will help us meet the diverse needs of people with autism, through every stage of life.”
Wilson Sporting Goods’ partnership with Autism Speaks is the latest in a history of initiatives supporting important causes. The Company’s Louisville Slugger brand created the “Going to Bat Against Breast Cancer” initiative with Major League Baseball in 2006, an effort that will be in its 14th year during the 2019 season.
