A Home Run for Deaf Culture: Iowa Baseball Camp for the Deaf

“I want those campers to be able to have access that they need to be able to learn baseball and more importantly, learn to become comfortable with their identity as a Deaf and hard-of-hearing child.” – Dylan Heuer, Iowa Baseball Camp Director

Iowa Baseball Camp for the Deaf’s (IBCD) mission is to “provide an instructive, safe and fun environment for the children to learn fundamental baseball skills in addition with fun activities.” In 2024, IBCD celebrated its ninth year of empowering Deaf and hard-of-hearing students on and off the field.

News of special plans for IBCD’s 2024 camp spread like wild fire, being featured in news programs across the Midwest such as the Des Moines Register, Chicago Tribune, and even MLB.com.

IBCD’s 2024 camp week was especially memorable with a week of training concluding with a Deaf Culture Night at the Ballpark with the Iowa Cubs and an exclusive camp tour of the field and Principal Park. The Iowa Cubs fully embraced Deaf Culture featuring the IBCD campers signing the National Anthem and seventh inning stretch signature “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” on the big screens. Additionally, designed by IBCD Director Dylan Heuer, the Iowa Cubs sported custom jerseys for Deaf Culture Night with an American Sign Language finger spelling of I-O-W-A.

Excitement of inclusivity filled Principal Park stadium leaving hearing and Deaf/hard-of-hearing attendees alike eager for Deaf Culture Nights to come.

To learn more and be apart of IBCD’s mission, visit their website: https://iowadeafbaseball.com/