Scores of middle and high school students at the Henry Viscardi School (HVS) in Alberston got the thrill of a lifetime on Thursday, Jan. 27 when three members of the New York Mets spent an afternoon playing a pickup game with the students, answering questions and signing autographs.

The visit to the school for children with severe physical and medical disabilities, located at the National Center for Disability Services (NCDS), was a stop along the Mets Caravan, an outreach program sponsored across the tri-state area each January by the New York Mets.

As cameras from News 12 Long Island and Long Island New Tonight got set to capture the three-inning contest, wheelchairs were rolled out for third baseman slugger David Wright, second baseman Jeff Keppinger and pitcher Heath Bell, and a diamond was traced on the school's gym floor.

HVS Principal Jill Carroll provided the play-by-play and analysis over the public address system for the spectators, who included teachers, NCDS staff and a special section of cheering students.

"What a thrill for our students," Carroll commented after the game while the players were relaxing and chatting with the students. "The Mets players are a tremendous inspiration, and this interactive program helps the students discover their potential. We are constantly designing activities like this that focus on abilities, and we thank the Mets for their time and their enthusiasm for our mission."