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History
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 a
youngster's eyes , but for children facing mental and physical
challenges , that opportunity can be often a difficult first test. The
Miracle League give these children the opportunity to
get out in the sunshine and enjoy the game of baseball in it's purest
form. This Miracle League will be the first in the State of Alabama and
will serve children in the St. Clair , Etowah, Jefferson, Shelby ,
Talladega , Blount , and Calhoun counties.
Baseball Diamonds weren't exactly designed with
wheelchairs and crutches in mind. That's why the Rotary Clubs of
Rockdale and Conyers, Georgia have raised $ 700,000.00 to develop the
" MIRACLE LEAGUE FIELD", a special baseball complex designed
exclusively for children with disabilities. This complex is the first of
it's kind in the United States and will ultimately give more than 500
players a place to enjoy America's favorite pastime. Opening Day was
April 6,2000.
The Miracle League was formed on 1998 as a youth
baseball league for children with disabilities. In the first two years
it has grown in popularity from a dozen players to more than 100
players. And now the new complex will allow the Miracle League to
serve to serve more than 500 children. In many cases , these players and
their parents will travel more than 100 miles just to be a part of the
action each week.
But most importantly, The Miracle League gives these
special players the opportunity to suit up in a uniform, to step up to
the plate, and enjoy playing the game of baseball in the purest form. It is a
dream of most of these children would not be able to realize as members
of a traditional youth league. These games are the same except for a few
additional rules: every player get a hit, gets on base, and crosses home
plate. No one keeps score , but you would never know it listening to the
cheers from enthusiastic parents in the stands or teammates in the
dugout. Each player is paired with a "buddy" who helps them
play the game and protects them from getting hurt.
The Miracle League surface is made up of a custom
designed , cushioned synthetic turf that accommodates wheel chairs and
other walking assistance devices. The stadium restrooms are completely accessible
to people with disabilities. The dugouts are designed so wheelchairs can
easily make their way to and from home plate .Even drinking fountains
were designed with these children in mind.
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