Geisel Throws Out First Pitch at Smokies Game

Ben Geisel of Knoxville is experiencing many firsts this year with Special Olympics Tennessee. Having become recently involved, Geisel is eager to try new skills and participate with the organization in various ways.

Geisel was introduced to Special Olympics Tennessee by a softball league, Dynamic Softball, where he has played for a few years. He found the idea of Special Olympics and getting to know other athletes interesting, and decided to give it a try. His aunt and uncle also encouraged Geisel to get involved in his free time and find new hobbies to enjoy.

With Special Olympics Tennessee, Geisel has participated in Bocce and Track & Field. He has already competed in both sports, on the Regional and State level. Geisel specializes in the 100-meter dash and 50-meter dash when competing in Track and Field. At the Regional Track and Field competition, he finished first in both races, sending him home with two new gold medals.

Geisel also attended State Summer Games, where he received a second-place medal in Bocce. Despite the constant rain throughout the Bocce competition, he was excited to experience his first State Summer Games. Geisel highlights his experience during the Opening Ceremony and seeing all of the athletes at Lipscomb University.

“Wow! The opening ceremony was really amazing. Once you got in, it was just a really cool experience,” Geisel mentioned. “It was so fun going through the tunnel and everyone had those thunder sticks, cheering everyone on.”

Geisel also had an opportunity to throw the first pitch at a Tennessee Smokies baseball game last week. He notes that his grandpa used to take him to Smokies games when he was younger, so this experience was extra special for him.

“It was really exciting,” says Geisel. “It was a little emotional for me being back [at Tennessee Smokies Stadium] and it brought back memories for me. It was exciting to be on the field and throw the ball, and meet the player [Luke Littleton] who signed my ball.”

Aside from sports, Geisel enjoys working, listening to music, going to the gym, and playing games on his Xbox. He also enjoys sewing with his mother, Cynthia, and embroiders things like towels, aprons, and quilts in his spare time.

Welcome to Special Olympics Tennessee, Ben!