McAllister advocates for people in need

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Zach McAllister went to school with the guy at Illinois Valley Central High.

McAllister became a Major League pitcher. The other guy got intoxicated, and caused an automobile accident. He ended up being paralyzed.

“It was completely his fault; took ownership for it,” McAllister said.

Advocates for Access went to bat for him. The Peoria-based non-profit helped him through the rehabilitation process, worked to set up his apartment with the necessary special equipment and get his life back in order.

“He is working in insurance and he’s able to be on his own,” McAllister said. “None of that would have happened without what Advocates did in helping. Probably one of the best feelgood stories I know -- a guy who went from being paralyzed to living a full life, and able to see his son’s baseball games. It hits home when it’s somebody who you went to school with.”

McAllister’s mother Jeannine is the executive director for Advocates for Access, and her son is one of her best fundraisers. The Zach McAllister Baseball Camp is held every January in Peoria and the silent auction dinner offers a treasure trove for any avid memorabilia collector, featuring autographed jerseys of Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Derek Jeter and Clayton Kershaw.

Don’t forget Ben Zobrist’s game-worn cleats.

“There is some pretty cool stuff that I’d like to have myself,” McAllister said.

Over the past three years, the two events have raised around $90,000 for Advocates.

“My mom, ever since I can remember, has always worked with people with disabilities,” McAllister said. “I just feel strongly that everybody should be able to live free and independently. This organization helps people do that.

“They go to anybody from those who are hard of hearing and need the phones ringing louder in the house, to helping people who were in bad accidents and get them back to living on their own. They do what they can for anybody with a disability, it doesn’t matter what, they will help you.”

This is who the Rangers newest reliever is, and what he learned growing up in the town of Chillicothe, just north of Peoria on the Illinois River. His father, Steve, is an amateur scout for the D-backs, while his mother does her part for the Greater Peoria community.

“It’s blue collar,” McAllister said. “It’s a hard-working town of people who show up, do their work and go about their business. It’s a great place to grow up. People treat you with respect, and do things the right way.”

That’s what he learned from his parents, and why he is so committed to Advocates for Access, an organization dedicated to empowering people with disabilities to live independently within the community.

“No matter what, you treat people with respect whether they are the wealthiest people in the world, or they are somebody with a disability and struggle,” McAllister said. “They are all people, and you want to show them the care and the respect that people show you. It is where I grew up. It’s people that I know and supported me -- good or bad -- in my career. So, to be able to give back when I am able to is something I really enjoy.”