On a sunny Sunday afternoon at Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen, Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely hosted his inaugural charity softball event, bringing together players and fans to support Special Olympics Maryland. The event offered a chance for Ravens athletes to step away from football and engage with the community while highlighting the work Special Olympics Maryland does for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Several Ravens players participated, including running back Keaton Mitchell, tight ends Charlie Kolar and Isaiah Likely, linebackers Trenton Simpson and Tavius Robinson, punter Jordan Stout, and wide receivers Tylan Wallace and Devontez Walker. Fans witnessed a lively game characterized by fun mistakes and memorable plays, with Likely’s team ultimately prevailing 11-5.
Partnership with Special Olympics Maryland and its Positive Impact
Isaiah Likely partnered with Special Olympics Maryland to raise awareness and funds for their mission, which focuses on year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual challenges. The event was a personal milestone for Likely, now entering his fourth year with the Ravens, who collaborated with his marketing team to create an occasion that would give back significantly to the local community.
Pairing up with Special Olympics is just a dream come true,
Likely said.
He expressed his hope that this event would inspire not only fans but also young people who look up to the players.
[I want to] inspire hope, inspire a smile,
he said.
Having [the fans] watch us every Sunday, Monday, Thursday on the field with our helmets on, to finally get to take the helmet off and show them us outside of our comfort zone, playing another sport, we get to inspire the youth really just coming up.
Jim Schmutz, President and CEO of Special Olympics Maryland, praised the involvement of the Ravens and the joy it brought to the athletes participating in the event.
It’s a great day out here,
Schmutz commented.
Lots of Ravens fans. The Ravens have treated our athletes great. It’s a great day for these guys to feel included and feel valued.
Nick Moore’s Home Run Derby and Personal Connection to the Cause
Among the players, long snapper Nick Moore stood out, wielding his bat with exceptional skill during the pre-game home run derby. A former minor league baseball player drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 2011, Moore had not swung a bat since 2019 but quickly reminded everyone of his hitting prowess by smashing six home runs from both sides of the plate.
This was a lot of fun,
Moore said.
I hadn’t done one of these in a long time and coming back out and swinging the bat a little bit was fun.
His enthusiasm for supporting Special Olympics Maryland ran deeper, as his mother, Shari, spent around 20 years teaching special education to elementary students with moderate to severe autism. This background provided Moore with firsthand insight into how transformative organizations like Special Olympics can be.
I’ve been around Special Olympics for a long time, and anytime you can get involved in that, it’s great for the community, it’s great for the kids,
he said.
Honestly, they’re some of the most fun people I know, so I was really excited that Isaiah did this and gave us an opportunity to come out here and support them.
Highlight Players and Memorable Moments on the Field
In addition to Moore’s remarkable performance, wide receiver Tylan Wallace was a standout during the game, hitting two home runs. Quarterback Devin Leary also delivered a powerful home run earlier, energizing the crowd and helping the offense gain an early lead.
Tylan Wallace just went deep, and the offense leads the defense 7-0. Devin Leary hit a ð£ two batters earlier. The rout is on.
—Jonas Shaffer, Sports Reporter
Likely’s Closing Remarks and the Event’s Significance for Baltimore
As the event wrapped up, Likely took a moment to address those gathered, expressing his deep affection for Baltimore and the fans who support the Ravens each season. With the team focused on a strong Super Bowl campaign ahead, this charity event serves as a reminder of the players’ commitment off the field to inspire and uplift the community.
I can’t say how much I love the city of Baltimore,
Likely stated.
The inaugural charity softball event marks a promising start for Isaiah Likely’s philanthropic efforts, setting the stage for future initiatives that unite sports, community engagement, and vital support for organizations like Special Olympics Maryland. This blend of athletics and advocacy highlights the broader positive impact professional athletes can have beyond their primary sport.