By JC Bowman
Scott Tygard and Joe Nichols, much like Ray Kinsella from the film “Field of Dreams,” are driven by an undeniable calling. Their personal stories underscore the importance of including all children in baseball, showcasing its value for the community and the joy it brings to families.
Nashville, like every community, needs an ADA-compliant sports field to improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities. These fields, although different in design, maintain the same vibrant atmosphere of a traditional baseball game, featuring stable pathways, accessible dugouts, and more, in accordance with the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. They aim to give everyone the chance to play.
Joe Nichols, a country music superstar, stands out for his authenticity and heartfelt storytelling. When asked about his childhood aspirations. “I was going to be a Major League Baseball player or a country music singer,” he recalls, with country music ultimately winning out. His passion for this project is deeply personal, inspired by his little sister, who has Down syndrome.
Country music star Joe Nichols plays catch with a young attendee at his recent Home Run for Hope event.
In discussing his sister, Joe shares, “One of her favorite things to do is play softball,” expressing the pure joy he sees in her participation. This emotional connection fuels his ambitious project—Home Run Park, which aims to be the first fully ADA-compliant baseball field in Davidson County, located in either Nashville’s Edwin Warner Park or at Harpeth Hills Church of Christ. Currently, bureaucratic rules cap the number of fields there can be in Edwin and Percy Warner Parks, which seems like a simple fix.
More than just a baseball field, this initiative aims to ensure that every child, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to participate in play. Scott Tygard, president of the West Nashville Sports League and a skilled pilot with a Navy background, is equally passionate about baseball and eager to see this vision take flight.
The project could serve as a transformative model for communities across the state and nation, revitalizing fields into modern facilities for underserved and differently-abled youth. Children with special needs deserve a safe and inclusive space to play, and this project could be the catalyst for that change. Financial support has come from the private sector, not government funds. Tygard has spoken about this need for years.
Country music star Joe Nichols addresses the attendees at his most recent Home Run for Hope event.
JC Bowman, CEO and Executive Director of Professional Educators of Tennessee, addresses the attendees at a recent Home Run for Hope event.
Support for Home Run Park goes beyond financial contributions; it represents a crucial sanctuary where every child is entitled to play, ensuring no one is left on the sidelines. Notable figures like Jelly Roll have stepped in to support the project’s recent launch in September 2025, spending time playing baseball with Nichols and young children with disabilities. Community backing, including the involvement of Nashville natives like Jelly Roll, is vital for the success of this initiative.
The significance of ADA compliance cannot be overstated, as it promotes inclusivity and ensures that everyone can engage in recreational activities. The Americans with Disabilities Act mandates accessibility for new and renovated facilities, guaranteeing equal access for individuals with disabilities and their families. The importance of such a field has never been higher.
Projects like the Home Run for Hope baseball field in Nashville, designed with accessible seating and modern amenities, demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusion. As we look ahead, initiatives like Home Run Park are crucial, embodying the community spirit and inclusive vision championed by Joe Nichols and Scott Tygard.
Country music star Jelly Roll takes a selfie with a young fan at the most recent Home Run for Hope event.
How can this vision be realized across the United States? Joe believes the key is to achieve success locally, create a blueprint to share, and launch a national campaign featuring prominent celebrities. “We need to show everyone how this helps the community and raises awareness, ultimately changing hearts,” he emphasizes.
In the coming years, people with disabilities will also find joy at the ballpark, reminiscing about their childhood and discovering a sense of peace. Home Run Park is a field of dreams, transcending the simple act of playing baseball; it invites special needs citizens and new generations alike, perhaps for reasons they can’t fully understand, to experience the magic of baseball at Home Run for Hope Park.
Permission to use photos taken by Bethany Bowman is granted and may be accessed here: https://bethanybowman.com/2025/09/28/home-run-for-hope-photo-gallary/
#####
JC Bowman is the Executive Director of Professional Educators of Tennessee, a non-partisan teacher association headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. Permission to reprint in whole or in part is hereby granted, provided that the author and the association are properly cited. For more information on this subject or any education issue please contact Professional Educators of Tennessee. To schedule an interview please contact info@proedtn.org or 1-800-471-4867.
You must be logged in to post a comment.