(Evanston, Ill. 14 April 2000) – There is something about playing the game of baseball that lights up a youngster's eyes. But for children facing serious physical and mental disabilities, that opportunity can often be difficult to achieve. Baseball diamonds weren't exactly designed with wheelchairs and crutches in mind. That's why the Rotary clubs of Rockdale and Covington, Georgia have raised $700,000 to develop the "Miracle League Field," a special baseball complex designed exclusively for children with disabilities. The complex is the first of its kind in the United States and will ultimately give more than 500 special players a place to enjoy America's favorite past-time. Opening Day was Sunday, April 16th.

The Miracle League was formed in 1998 as a youth baseball league for children with disabilities. In its first two years, it has grown in popularity from a few dozen players to more than 100. And now, the new baseball complex will allow The Miracle League to serve more than 500 children. In many cases, players and their parents travel more than 100 miles just to be a part of the action each week.

But most importantly, The Miracle League gives these special children the opportunity to suit up in a uniform, step up to the plate, and enjoy playing the game of baseball in its purest form. It is a dream most of these children would not be able to realize as members of a traditional youth league. The games are the same except for a few additional rules: every player gets a hit, gets on base, and crosses home plate. No one keeps score, but you'd never know it listening to the cheers from enthusiastic parents in the stands or teammates in the dugout.

(Click here to see Opening Day pictures)

Miracle League Field of Dreams (14 April 2000)
(http://www.miracleleague.com)

Each player is paired with a "buddy" who helps them play the game and protects them from getting hurt.

The Miracle League baseball complex is made up of four baseball diamonds. Three are grass but one field is made of a custom-designed, cushioned synthetic turf that accommodates wheelchairs and other walking-assistance devices. The stadium restrooms are completely accessible to people with disabilities. The dugouts are designed so players in wheelchairs can easily make their way to the plate. Even the drinking fountains were designed with the children in mind. And, all four fields are under stadium lights so the League can play games at night.

With the dream of the complex now a reality, project leaders are starting an ambitious drive to bring complexes like The Miracle League field to other communities. Rotary member Dean Alford, who led the effort to build the complex, says, "through endowments we can help sponsor other fields and provide construction and fundraising support to touch other childrens' lives the way we have over the past two years."

Rotary International is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide, who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help to build goodwill and peace in the world. There are approximately 1.2 million Rotarians who are members of more than 29,000 Rotary clubs in 162 countries.

The Rotary Miracle League Fund was created to assist the Miracle League in building the Field of Dreams. 

Rotary International Website:  http://www.rotary.org
Rotary International Phone: (847) 866-3000

For More Miracle League Information

Use our Contact Us section for general questions relating to the Miracle League, information on donating to the Rotary Miracle League Fund, and starting your own Miracle League Field of Dreams.

** Miracle League logo by Metro Printers Guild