The idea of building
specially equipped baseball fields was born in Georgia when a
boy in a wheelchair showed up to play in a youth baseball
program. One of the coaches took the boy as a member of his
team. After that, Georgia's Rockdale Youth Baseball Association
organized games for 35 players with special needs. Soon it
became evident that, while the idea was extremely well received
by the children and their families, conventional baseball fields
were inadequate for children with disabilities.
The grassy turf was
very difficult for their wheelchairs, walkers and braces to
navigate, and bumps and irregular surface made moving around
awkward and dangerous. This spawned the idea to build a field
with a special surface that was safe and easy to navigate for
those with disabilities. A field was designed with a custom
synthetic turf and handicapped accessible dugouts, restrooms and
drinking fountains. This was the beginning of what is now
called The Miracle League.
Physically and
mentally challenged children are paired with able-bodied
volunteer "buddies" who assist them in batting catching,
throwing and running. Every child gets a turn at bat and in the
outfield, and every child gets across home plate. The
point of the game is less about baseball
and more about fun! The benefits gained by everyone involved are
tremendous. The child's self esteem grows, they make friends,
become less isolated and "just become a regular kid, not a kid
with a disability."
The Miracle
League" is a charitable organization that provides children with
mental and/or physical challenges an opportunity to play
baseball as a team member in an organized league. There is
something about playing the game of baseball that lights up
youngsters’ eyes, but for children facing physical and mental
challenges, that opportunity can often be a difficult first
step. The Miracle League gives these children the opportunity to
get out in the sunshine, and enjoy
playing
the game of baseball in its purest form.
