Running the Bases: My First Toya Tuff Adaptive Softball Game Experience

BY TEVIN CHERRY

TOYA TUFF AMBASSADOR

I’m writing my very first blog post for the Toya Tuff Foundation. My name is Tevin Cherry, and I live in Atlanta, Georgia. I’m originally from Thomaston, Georgia. Today’s post is about my very first time attending an Adaptive Softball Game.

I’ve known about the Toya Tuff Foundation for about five years through social media. During a tough financial time, my walker broke into pieces due to general wear and tear. I made a post on social media about needing a new walker, and that’s when the foundation stepped in. They provided me with a new walker, which allowed me to get through my long days at work.

The Toya Tuff Adaptive Softball Game has been held for the past four years in honor of a fellow Cerebral Palsy warrior, LaToya Stegall, who transitioned in 2013 after a long battle with Cerebral Palsy. The event also highlights many other incredible warriors who endure the same challenges and fight the same fight. I had always wanted to attend the game in years past but couldn’t due to circumstances beyond my control. This year, I promised myself I would do everything in my power to attend the celebration and honor LaToya and her family.

Initially, I planned to volunteer for the event by passing out shirts and marking it off my list for community service purposes. However, I decided it would be more meaningful to actually participate in the softball game instead. Looking back, I realize it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

On the warm, sunny morning of August 24, 2024, I was picked up by an incredible brother named Shiloh. The trip from Atlanta to Covington took about an hour. During the ride, I shared my story with Shiloh, and he was both impressed and proud of my journey. I was equally inspired to learn about his work as a teacher helping students with special needs.

The game started promptly at 9:30 a.m. after everyone enjoyed a light snack. I made sure to eat a banana and a Nutri-Grain fig bar to keep my energy up before lunch. The opening ceremony included everyone gathering around a "Happy Birthday" sign created for LaToya. We sang "Happy Birthday" and posed for a group photo before dividing into two teams and taking turns at bat.

When it was my turn to bat, I was nervous, unsure of what to expect. I hadn’t run regularly in over two years due to the pandemic, quarantine, and lifestyle changes. I approached the tee and took my first swing—it was minimal, and the ball didn’t move. I readjusted my stance, got my arms in the right position, and swung again. The ball rolled to the ground. I dropped the bat and began to run the bases.

As I ran, I felt pure joy and the wind on my face. I reflected on all the adversity I’ve faced—dealing with homelessness, losing my first job four years ago, and grieving the loss of my best friend in 2022. In that moment, I realized running the bases was symbolic of overcoming those struggles and taking a victory lap. I sat in awe as I watched the other participants run the bases and celebrate their own victories.

The Toya Tuff Adaptive Softball Game is more than just a game—it’s a celebration of individuals with Cerebral Palsy. The smiles and pure joy of the participants and their families serve as a powerful reminder of the strength of the human collective when we come together as one. I am truly grateful I chose to participate in the game and look forward to running the bases many more times with the Toya Tuff family. 💚

This year’s game was extra special because it fell exactly on LaToya’s 38th birthday and had the largest number of participants to date.