The Reggie Sanders Foundation has been dormant for the past 12 years. Throughout that time, Reggie has remained active in the autism community.
His advocacy is personal and connected to family, including his brother Demetrius. It continues through presence, conversation and a commitment to children, adults and families in the autism community.
This page honors that continuing advocacy while being transparent about the Foundation's formal activity.
Demetrius — Reggie's brother · family connection. The belief behind the advocacy.
“The Foundation's public chapter has been quiet. The advocacy has not.”
Tarik El-Abour · Outfielder
A landmark signing.
Tarik El-Abour
A path to professional baseball that Reggie helped make possible.
Autism Awareness Night
Where the invitation — and later the signing announcement — happened.
Tarik El-Abour was diagnosed with autism at age 3 and did not speak until age 6.
In 2017, Reggie invited Tarik to take batting practice at Kauffman Stadium on Autism Awareness Night. During spring training in 2018, Reggie pitched the idea of signing Tarik to Royals GM Dayton Moore, who agreed.
The Kansas City Royals signed Tarik to a minor league contract in April 2018. The signing was announced on Autism Awareness Night. Tarik is believed to be the first professional baseball player with autism. J.J. Picollo gave the club's official statement.
Foundation history
The 2016 Advantage Games.
A past program built around ability, encouragement and belonging.
The Advantage Games brought children with autism and related disorders together for activities designed to encourage skill-building and personal achievement.
Supported by specialists, peer buddies and volunteers, participants had room to take on challenges, build confidence and be celebrated for what they could do.
From the founder
Advocacy beyond the organization.
For Reggie Sanders, autism advocacy is rooted in family — including his brother, Demetrius — and carried forward through an enduring connection to the community.
A World Series champion, MLB All-Star and member of Major League Baseball's 300/300 club, Reggie founded the Reggie Sanders Foundation to advocate for people and families in the autism community. Although the Foundation's formal programming has been dormant, that personal commitment has continued.
Keep the conversation moving
Community begins with connection.
Connect with Reggie about autism advocacy, awareness and community.
