Let’s talk about a story that’s got it all, from friendship to perseverance, and a real impact on the community. Matt Olson, the Braves first baseman, and Reece Blankenship have been best friends since high school. However, their bond goes way beyond the usual friendship. Matt’s career might be all about swinging for the fences and racking up home runs, but Reece’s journey is every bit as powerful.
Here’s how it started: Matt’s hands—callused from years of gripping a bat—have always fascinated Reece. To him, they’re like tools of a magician. And it’s not just because they help Matt crush homers. Reece has non-speaking autism, and for him, the way Matt’s hands move is something special. It’s about the dexterity and control, skills that Reece has had to work hard to develop in his own way.
Reece’s condition means he’s had limited control over his body movements for most of his life. But recently, as Matt rose through the ranks of Major League Baseball to become an MVP contender, Reece made a breakthrough of his own.
Using a letterboard, he finally found a way to communicate his thoughts and ideas—things that had been locked away for years. So now, both of these friends are making an impact: Matt is chasing home run titles, while Reece is advocating for autism awareness and acceptance.
Reece has built an organization called ReClif, which is dedicated to supporting autistic people and their families. And Matt’s been there every step of the way. Even when he was with the Oakland A’s, he was one of ReClif’s earliest supporters.
But when he was traded to his hometown Braves last year, it opened up even more opportunities for him to give back. He’s hosted fundraisers for ReClif, and he even provides Braves tickets to families with autistic members, giving them a special experience at the ballpark.
It’s no surprise, then, that Olson earned the Braves’ 2023 nomination for the Roberto Clemente Award, recognizing his work off the field. But what really stands out is what Reece says about their friendship: “Matt and I have connected on a different plane. We each see the deeper being.”
It’s a bond that’s about much more than baseball—a connection built on mutual respect and understanding, showing how two people with completely different life experiences can come together to make a real difference.
