WASHINGTON -- Twenty minutes before first pitch on Tuesday, Dylan Crews emerged from the Nationals dugout to say hello to his crew -- “Crews Krewe.”
Crews, 23, has been hosting youth with physical and developmental disabilities during his first full season in the Major Leagues. Participants and staff from So Kids SOAR were invited on Tuesday for a special pregame ceremony with the Nationals outfielder.
“It means everything to me,” said Crews. “It’s a special place in my heart.”
So Kids SOAR, a longstanding partner of the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy, provides free adaptive athletic, recreational and skill-building activities. Its goal is to empower youth to achieve their potential.
Around 40 participants, families and staff attended the Nationals’ 5-2 win Tuesday against the Marlins. That night, the Nationals Philanthropies’ 5050 Raffle benefited So Kids SOAR.
“The fact that they get to meet a hometown hero and also have him really be interested in them, engage with them, that’s so special,” said executive director Glenda Fu Smith, adding, “It’s a core memory for them to carry with them. Any positive childhood experiences like that that they can use to build on in the future, it’s vital.”
Crews has been meeting with participants of So Kids SOAR over the course of the season. He has invited them to games at Nationals Park, where the experience has included tickets and Nats Bucks to purchase concessions.
“All those kids are great,” said Crews. “They have the biggest smiles on their faces. A lot of times, it’s their first baseball game they’ve ever been to. I just try to make them feel welcome, try to make them feel like they’re a part of the team, almost.”
Crews continued his visits during his rehab from a lengthy oblique injury. These gatherings bring happiness throughout the organization.
“You can just tell in the demeanor of the kids, the smiles on their faces,” said Smith. “Some that are non-verbal, that’s how they show their excitement. Just the fact that they were excited to be in a room with him and it was one-on-one, they really flourish in those environments.”
The Cordells were among those on the field to greet Crews pregame. Sam, a So Kids SOAR participant, was in attendance with his parents, David and Janice.
“It’s really nice when a young player such as Dylan takes the time to hang out with young people with disabilities,” said David Cordell. “You can tell it means a lot to Dylan. It’s not just this -- he’s done this before when he was in college.”
Crews, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 Draft out of LSU, began this outreach when he was only 12-years-old.
“I was at a showcase, and we sponsored a kid with disabilities or special needs,” Crews said. “I got connected with a kid in my hometown, his name is Matthew. Ever since then, it’s something that always stuck with me. It just shows how much of an impact you can have outside of baseball.”
About 15 minutes before Tuesday's game, a video highlighting “Crews Krewe” was shown on the center-field scoreboard. Crews smiled. Sam smiled. Kierra, who was featured in the montage, smiled as well. There was a shared joy.
“I hope he continues to do it because I think it’s really important,” said Cordell. “A lot of times, kids with disabilities are on the outside. Dylan’s involvement helps bring them into the inside.”
After ballpark cameras showed Crews and the group waving to the crowd, Crews had to take the field for the game.
“Good seeing you,” Crews said.
“Thank you, Dylan!” a participant replied.
It wasn’t a goodbye. It was one of what Crews hopes is many meetups in this meaningful relationship.
“They get overlooked a lot,” Crews said. “Kids with special needs and kids with disabilities, they don’t get invited to birthday parties. They’re people, just like everybody else. I try to be their friend, try to be their supporter. I’m just happy to have them in my corner and in the Nats corner here.”