Miracle League gives special needs youths chance to shine on baseball diamond

J.J. Hicks, The Gadsden Times
·2 min read
The Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater is making sure that all local youths have the chance to take to the diamond and play some baseball with the Miracle League, which holds games in the spring and fall.
The Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater is making sure that all local youths have the chance to take to the diamond and play some baseball with the Miracle League, which holds games in the spring and fall.

Baseball is America's pastime, and like the nation it originated in, the sport should be all-inclusive, with everyone being given a chance. The Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater is making sure that, at least locally, that is the case.

More: New Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater impacts local economy to tune of $14.2 million

More: Atlanta's World Series trophy on display June 25 at Sand Mountain Park and Amphitheater

More: New Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater selling memberships

The SMPA recently wrapped up the spring season of the Miracle League, according to a press release. The season ran from April 2 through May 26.

The Miracle League gives children ages 5 and older with special needs the chance to be part of an organized baseball team, make new friends and build self-esteem, the release said.

The league saw notable growth from its fall season, with the number of players increasing from 51 to 102, according to the release. Four teams each participated in the ages 16-and-older division and 15-and-younger divisions. Each player has their own walk-up song as they come to the plate to hit.

Helping each player during games is an assigned buddy, who is there to protect the athlete if it is needed, assist the player in hitting and running the bases; and to be a friend on and off the field, the release said.

"My late uncle Harry Taft, who was on the spectrum, was given the opportunity 25-plus years ago to be an equipment manager with Albertville's Athletic Department," Albertville High alum and Miracle League buddy Austin Freeman said in the release. "I cannot express how much this community and being an Aggie meant to him and our family. The love and compassion shown towards our family were amazing. Harry was included in everything.

"I wanted to be a part of the Miracle League in some way to honor him," Freeman continued. "It has truly been the most beautiful and heartwarming experience and I feel privileged to be a participant. People have told me what this league means for these kids and adults throughout the season. In reality, the members of Miracle League have no idea how much this incredible experience means to me and countless others."

The SMPA currently is accepting registration for the Miracle League's fall season. Registration for players and buddy volunteers are available at https://sandmountainpark.com/. Registration is open until July 24. Fall season games will be played in September and October.

For more information or if you have any questions, contact League Coordinator Lisa Hansford at lhansford@sportsfacilities.com or 256-302-4847.

J.J. Hicks is a news reporter at The Gadsden Times. He can be reached at jhicks1@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Local special needs children take to baseball field in Miracle League