By: by Scott Lipsky
Live Stats
KENNESAW, Ga. – When the Kennesaw State Owls take the field on Saturday afternoon, they will be facing one of the top teams in the Atlantic Sun Conference and will be focused on earning a pair of key victories. Regardless of the outcome in between the foul lines, however, the Black and Gold will have been successful in helping to raise money for a great cause and a very special individual.
Alexis Kaiser, age seven, is a triplet and was born to Chip and Christy Kaiser on November 23, 2002. Unlike her siblings, Kelli and Trey, who are perfectly healthy, Lexi was born with Cerebral Palsy. Her family has started the Alexis Kaiser Foundation, which raises money for kids with Cerebral Palsy and other special needs.
On Saturday, the Owls will be hosting Lexi’s Day at Bailey Park during their doubleheader against Lipscomb. 100% of all revenue earned that day at the ballpark, including all ticket sales and concessions, will go to the Alexis Kaiser Foundation. Admission to the ballpark will be $10, with each fan receiving a ticket and a lunch courtesy of the Marietta Fish Market, beginning at Noon. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.
Owls head coach Scott Whitlock, who has known the Kaiser family for years, became familiar with Lexi’s situation through his friendship with them, and realizes some of the incredible challenges the Kaisers and families such as theirs face on a day-to-day basis.
“Most of us, we really take it for granted, what it’s like to wake up everyday and do our regular daily activities,” said Whitlock, whose team has been hosting the event since 2008. “We don’t realize how lucky we are to be able to do most of the things we do without a whole lot of difficulty. Many families, many people, they don’t have that luxury. Everything they do, everyday, takes a lot of time and effort, and we need to do what we can to help those who have those challenges.”
The Owls goal on Saturday will be to raise $5,000. Lexi will be present, and in addition to getting the opportunity to take in a pair of softball games, she will also be treated to a surprise.
Kelli and Trey, as well as their older sister, Hallie, have always been the envy of Lexi since they are able to ride their bikes when the weather is nice out. With the help of Ambucs, a company based in High Point, N.C. that specializes in creating mobility and independence for people with special needs, Lexi will be presented with her very own, custom-made tricycle on the field on Saturday.
Planning for the event has been a team-wide effort, with players, coaches and staff spending months selling tickets and publicizing the afternoon. The entire team has played a role in the potential for this weekend’s success, and that is something that pleases their coach.
“I’m so proud of how the players have gone out and sold tickets and meals and gotten to be involved,” Whitlock said. “We take softball very seriously, but when you do something like this, and you’re so invested in an effort like this, it really puts things into the proper perspective.”
