Miracle League Santa Rosa County hosts Opening Day
It’s time for fall ball y’all! The Miracle League of Santa Rosa County is preparing to bring yet another season of baseball-for-all to Tiger Point Park this September.And the 501(c)3 nonprofit is calling on the community to step up and be a part of the fun. We are looking for volunteers for the fall season.
At a Miracle League game, everyone bats. Everyone runs home. There are no winners or loser, only memories. The first phase of construction of an adaptive ball field at Tiger Point Park was completed earlier this year, just in time for the first pitch April 27.
For players like 9-year-old Midway resident Michaela Hellyer, last season was an opportunity to get active in an environment catered to her unique needs. Michaela is an energetic social butterfly with down syndrome who loves dancing and music. She recently entered third grade.
“My favorite part is the smile that lights up her face,” her mother Kim Hellyer said. “Everybody has the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. If you want to play baseball, you should be able to go out and play baseball. The fact that the community supported it so much and provided the field has been amazing.”
Miracle League of Santa Rosa County also offers leagues for adults with disabilities, a chronically underserved population for recreational activities.
To keep making that game day magic happen, Miracle League needs volunteers to serve in a number of roles, including as buddies.
Buddies are an integral part of the Miracle League game. These volunteers are paired one-on-one with players for the entirety of the game. They go on the field with their player and assist them in play including hitting, fielding the ball and running the bases. Training is provided on-site prior to the start of games.
These volunteers must be in sixth grade or older, and they need to pre-register online weekly for shifts they wish to serve. Shifts are a minimum of two hours, and group volunteer opportunities are available.
The Fall Ball Launch informational meeting is scheduled for Sept. 5 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Tiger Point Community Center.
The fall season is set to begin Sept. 17 for the adult league, Sept. 19 for major league (ages 12-20) and Sept. 21 for minor league (ages 4-12). Game times this season will be Tuesday and Thursdays at 5:45 and 7 p.m. and Saturdays at 8 and 9 a.m.
Returning players, coaches and team parents will remain on the same teams. There are no additional fees for returning players.
Those interested in joining Miracle League as a player or volunteer can attend the Fall Ball Launch and sign up at MiracleLeagueSRC.org.
For interview opportunities, please call Board President Shane Player at 850-294-5663. Field photos also available.
About
Miracle League of Santa Rosa County is a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in 2017 with the mission of baseball for all. We are completely volunteer run and donation supported. The program serves children and adults of northwest Florida with all levels of ability, offering a fun and safe atmosphere. Our field is located in Tiger Point Park. At a Miracle League game, everyone bats. Everyone runs home. There are no winners or losers, only memories. MiracleLeagueSRC.org
