by Saleem Rana
L.A. Talk Radio Show Allen Cardoza and Dr. Melody Foxx interviewed Patricia Titus and Nick Ninton about Patricia’s son, Jacob. This small boy from the small rural community of Floyds Knobs, Indiana became famous for his remarkable story. Playing T-ball despite his Downs Syndrome, “Jacob’s Turn” at bat and on the field was a thrill for him, as well as everyone in his town.
Touched by Jacob’s experience and the way the town came to embrace his triumph, Nick Nanton’s heart was inspired to executive produce an extraordinary documentary short film based on Patricia’s story called “Jacob’s Turn.”
Although hundreds of thousands of kids across the country join T-ball teams every year, this is not a simple and unremarkable story, because Jacob, despite his Down Sydrome, loves to bat, loves to run, and loves to play catcher. His enthusiasm and love of the game is captivating.
Even small dreams can start out on a baseball field in a remote town like Floyds Knobs. At its heart, then, the film “Jacob’s Turn” lets special needs children and their parents know that there is an answer to their unique challenges. The challenges they face need not limit their potential to achieve dreams
The Royals, Jacob’s team, made it to the championship game but did not win. Before the Royals were given trophies for their second place finish, the officials asked Jim, Patricia and Jacob to come onto the field. Jacob was given an autographed ball from the Louisville Bats by his coaches and honored with a “good attitude and hard work” award. Patricia cried as she stood there with her husband and son.
In describing the story of her son, Jacob, Patricia wrote the following memorable words: “You put your children out there. You pray that people will be kind to them. You want them to accept them and you want them to belong. You sometimes dare to hope that someone might even notice what a great kid you have and appreciate him for who he is. It was a beautiful season. Jacob and his family were given a time we will always remember. It wasn’t a time that was centered around doctor visits or therapies or special teachers. It was time for Jacob to just be a kid, like everyone else, swinging for the fence.”
Listen to the interview about Jacob’s Turn
