Cameron Howe, a freshman on the Murray High School baseball team, had certain expectations the first time he participated in an after-school activity alongside students with disabilities.

Those beliefs were shattered in one bowling trip.

"I thought it would be more like baby-sitting," he said. "That trip totally changed my mind. 'They're like us.' It really opened my eyes to see what these kids go through on a day-to-day basis.

"It's a good thing. It makes me happy."

Respect, friendship and inclusion are part of Murray baseball coach Jake Shewmake's master plan. Shewmake is also the school's chairman of the special education department.

Saturday, the Spartans baseball team will play its second annual 27-inning baseball game to benefit students with disabilities. The game begins at noon at Ken Price ballpark. Special needs students compete alongside Murray baseball players to raise money for after-school recreational events, like bowling trips, and Utah Jazz and Salt Lake Bees games.

While the event raises much-needed money -- the goal this year is $6,000 -- it also allows students with disabilities an opportunity to interact with their high school peers.

"My daughter had a ball last year," said Vilare Michials, whose 17-year-old daughter Alisha participated in 2009. "She gets the one-on-one interaction with kids. This gives her a link that she did not have before. And it is re-enforced during the regular school days. It builds friendships and bonds."

Shewmake, who has been a special education teacher for 10 years, saw a need to raise funds. Grant money was available, but to continue the program needed additional funding. Many families are unable to raise the needed finances, which includes an opportunity to sponsor a team for Special Olympics.

Special needs students include those with multiple physical disabilities as well as those with communication disorders, like autism.

"Many of my students cannot express themselves," Shewmake said. "They miss out on a lot of things. This is a chance for them to have fun and play baseball. And we also raise money for next year."

So far, more than $4,000 has been raised. Those interested in donating can go to www.murraybaseball.triquestfundraising.com. The goal is to find at least 10 sponsors who are willing to donate $1 an inning.

Each special needs student is paired with a buddy. More important, it is a learning experience for both.

"It really is," Michials said. "They feel wanted and needed. It builds relationships."

The event also allowed Dave Howe, Cameron's father, to reconnect with a relationship. Last year, Howe happily met a student he once coached in Little League. The reunion was emotional for both.

"It was very special for me," he said. "I hadn't seen him since Little League and now here he was in high school.

"I think it makes the players look at life from a different angle. It makes them appreciate all they have."