It's more than just a ball game.
Barry Cunningham says he has something to prove.
"I want to show them that I got talent and that we have more to give," he told NBC 7.
Cunningham is a Special Olympic athlete, like others on his team, who face challenges others don't.
Sunday, MLB pros hit the diamond alongside the athletes with special needs for a special occasion. The event was part of the Jack-O-Smash festival to raise funds for students with special needs in the Poway Unified School District.
Cunningham's teammate, Matt Murphy, says that in situations like these, he tends to feel nervous -but also excited.
"When I waked up this morning, I was like, this must be a dream come true for me," Murphy said.
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Poway hometown hero Alex Dickerson from the Padres also joined their team.
"So much excitement. So much fun out here," Dickerson said. "It's honestly an honor for me being out here as much as them being here with me."
Dickerson said he used to do a lot of work at the exact Sportsplex they were at Sunday, and said he was happy to be able to give back.
“It’s an awesome event getting out here being with the kids especially it being in my backyard grew as a kid growing up in Poway,” he said.
Other players from the Padres, Red Sox, Mets and Astros also got in on the action.
"It's really heartwarming that the MLB players can give to people with special needs," said Cunningham. "I've always wanted to be an MLB player, so when they're here I feel like I'm part of the team."
For many of the players, it's about being part of a team - a feeling bigger than sports.
“I’m feeling pumped. My heart’s pumping ten thousand miles per hour. I’m just ready to play right now," Cunningham said.
Other players from the Padres, Red Sox, Mets and Astros got in on the action.
