December 5, 2025

Tell us about yourself… Hi, my name is Dougie Bedinger III, and I’m 15 years old. I was born in Joliet, Illinois. My childhood was scary at first because I had heart surgery and had to have lots of doctor’s appointments. But my childhood was also beautiful because the world is so great. I also get to play baseball and do what I love.

When were you diagnosed? My mom and dad told me I was diagnosed with 22q deletion when I was a baby. They found out right after my first heart surgery when I was only 10 days old. Even though I was so little, that moment became the start of my journey with 22q, and it’s something that has shaped who I am today.

Tell us a little about school for you… any challenges posed by 22q? How did you overcome them? School was very hard for me, and I often felt embarrassed to be there. I also have autism, which makes social situations and conversations difficult to understand. I get confused easily, so most of the time I just tried to blend in and not be noticed.

Even though it was challenging, I kept going. I learned to push through the hard days, and over time I found ways to cope by observing others, doing my best, and not giving up on myself.

What types of activities did you do growing up? Growing up baseball has always been a big part of my life. I play travel baseball for Rhino Baseball, which is one of the highest levels you can compete at, and it has taught me hard work, focus, and teamwork.

Outside of baseball, I enjoy dirt racing, weightlifting, playing video games, watching YouTube, and hanging out with my friends. All these activities help me stay balanced and give me time to relax and have fun.

What are you most proud of? I’m most proud of being picked to design Wilson Baseball’s first ever first baseman glove for the Autism Speaks spring line of 2025. It was so much fun! I’m also most proud that I’m alive.

Any advice you’d like to share to children growing up with 22q? Growing up with 22q, the challenges are real but so is our strength. Life gets better and you can accomplish big things.

What are your goals for the future? To play professional baseball and make it to the big leagues. I’d also love to get into dirt car racing and see where that road takes me. Currently I am a sophomore at Coal City High School.

Here’s an article by Autism Speaks featuring Dougie, who was also highlighted on CBS Sports Chicago.

https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/dougie-bedinger-rhino-sports-academy-shorewood/

https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/handling-curveballs-dougie-bedinger-takes-autism-mound