Kelseys Heroes Inc

About Kelsey's Heroes:

Daniel & Andrea Watson lost their special needs daughter Kelsey at an early age. It wasn’t long until Daniel and Andrea decided they would not let her memory disappear. They channeled their immense grief into a program to help other local special needs children. And so, Kelsey’s Heroes was born. This Program is Free to all participants. Kelsey’s Heroes has been funded by Daniel and Andrea Watson with a few donations sprinkled in since December of 2013. As of July 2025, the program had grown so much the need came to add Non-Profit Status.

The Mission Statement: 

To provide every child regardless of their special needs the opportunity to participate in any Sport including America’s favorite pastime of baseball and softball.

The Program:

All children, regardless of their ability or capability to participate, should be afforded the opportunity to be involved in sporting events. Can you imagine what it is like for a young child to sit and watch a brother, sister or friend play a sport and not be able to participate as well?

As others watched and doubted, a lot of people didn’t believe we could teach special needs children how to play baseball, let alone create competitive teams. But now, after more than 13 years, the program has expanded to serve 100 plus special needs children in multiple divisions and multiple sports. Kelsey’s Heroes partnered with the incredible Donald Doran Family, Families of IBSO, the City of Indio as well as establishing a beautiful relationship with Desert Recreation District to expand to other sports such as swimming and a great basketball program plus Bowling through Fantasy Springs. Kelsey’s Heroes makes an Annual appearance at the Coachella Valley Firebirds as their guest.

What To Expect?

A program which is there every week for your child. Expect Growth in Skills, abilities, plenty of exercise, sense of accomplishment plus the most important individual confidence, self-pride and self-esteem. 

MLB Ties:

Kelsey’s Heroes were invited to the participate in the 92nd MLB All-Star Game held at Dodger Stadium on July 19, 2022. 

MLB invited my family and one of our Kelsey’s Heroes players (now promoted to coach) Ryan Gunnerson to throw out the first pitch at Petco Park in San Diego in a game between the LA Dodgers and San Diego Padres on May 24, 2019 see link: 

https://www.mlb.com/video/5-4-19-ceremonial-first-pitch

Kelsey’s Heroes attends the San Diego Padres annual at their Field of Dreams in Del Mar, Ca for a day with the San Diego Padres.