Cool Kid Jack Murad creates fun through baseball

SAN PEDRO, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Our ABC7 Cool Kid for Thursday, Sept. 25, is Jack Murad, who teaches baseball to children with special needs.

"Baseball just connects, because it's fun to hit the ball, catch, throw. You're doing everything with your body," Murad said.

Murad has been volunteering with children with special needs since he was 10 years old. He mostly plays baseball with them, and he sees how the sport can make a difference.

"When they get a hit and 'home run.' You scream, 'home run,' you start going crazy. They get really excited," Murad said."

Murad is in 9th grade at Rolling Hills Preparatory School in San Pedro, and has impressed many people there.

"His work outside of school in service learning, particularly the work he did with the students this summer, is absolutely outstanding. He leads by example," said Peter McCormack, the school's top administrator.

Whether it's baseball or a day at the beach, Murad has one goal in mind.

"That I'm able to do something to make them feel appreciated, to feel proud of themselves," Murad said.