Baseball for all

Started in Rockdale, GA in 1998, The Miracle League give all kids a chance to play baseball.  The league started with a few simple rules:

¨      Every player bats once each inning

¨      All base runners are safe

¨      Every player scores a run before the inning is over (last one up gets a home run)

¨      Community children and volunteers serve as ‘buddies’ to assist the players

¨      Each team and each player wins every game

The main goals of the league are safety and most of all fun. Once a Miracle League is established the next step is to build a miracle field. Most fields include a custom-designed field with a cushioned rubberized turf to help prevent injuries, wheelchair accessible dugouts, and a completely flat surface to eliminate any barriers to wheelchair-bound or visually impaired players.  The design also included three grass fields, which could be converted to the synthetic turf as leagues grew.  In addition, accessible restrooms, a concession stand, and picnic pavilion were included in the design. Most leagues are sponsored by the local MLB team who helps with construction and fund raising.

These leagues are especially useful because it gives kids with ranges of physical and cognitive abilities to participate in a team sport. This improves physical functioning and helps teach social skills.