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Miracle League

Author: Denise Watson
Issue: 2007 October

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Everyone involved in the organization is a volunteer. In the past, these volunteer buddies have included high school students, college students, former baseball players, entire baseball teams and others. Each player with special needs is paired with a buddy to help hit the ball, field the ball, round the bases and stay safe during the hour-long games.
    
“Every player needs a buddy,” Price said, adding that teaching buddies what to do is easy and the outcome is rewarding for both the player and the volunteer.
    
Each player pays a $35 fee at the time of registration. This fee covers the cost of a team T-shirt, a baseball cap, insurance and a trophy. This way, teams such as the Cardinals, Cubs, Yankees and Royals can really feel and look like a team. Each player gets a trophy at the end of the season.
    
Price explained that Miracle League is a success-based program. For that reason, some of the rules are a little different than spectators may be used to seeing. Every player bats one time during each inning. All base runners are safe. Every player scores a run before the inning is over and the last batter gets a home run to bring home all the runners on base. This way, each team and every player win each game.
    
Price said Miracle League benefits those with special needs by giving them a chance to socialize and to learn teamwork. She said many of the participants learn real athletic skills and how to cooperate with others.
    
“It’s a feel-good situation for them,” Price said.
    
Likewise, buddies enjoy helping others and being part of the camaraderie that comes of working so closely with their teammates.
    
“It’s a two-way street,” Price said. “It’s fulfilling to everyone.”
    
Though the fall season is already underway, Price will be taking registrations in February or March of 2008 for the spring season. For more information on Miracle League of Edmond or to volunteer as a “buddy,” call Margo Price at (405) 850-7603.

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