PLAY BALL!
Blessed with beautiful weather, an excited crowd gathered for a much-anticipated and very special Saturday morning of enjoying America’s favorite pastime.
The Miracle League of Greater Flint is a barrier-free baseball league for children with physical or cognitive disabilities. After nearly a decade of working to make it happen, the MLGF kicked off its inaugural ten-game season, making a dream come true for the 63 players and their families.
During Miracle League games, each player has a volunteer buddy by their side as they get two at-bats, and everyone crosses home plate once. The 15,500 square-foot adaptive field is topped with a rubberized material and built-in bases for safety. For many of the kids, it was their first time wearing a baseball uniform, playing on a team and hearing their name announced as they stepped up to bat. There were plenty of excited “high-fives” to go around!
“It was really awesome!” exclaimed Fundraising Chairperson, Bernie Romain. “The reaction of the kids was most important, but it was also amazing for the parents and others there.” Romain’s grandson Brian Caine founded the MLGF, and was there to proudly throw the ceremonial first pitch to Chad Young, representing Mundy Township. Representing the local Disability Network, local sports supporter Judge Duncan Beagle Jr. threw a simultaneous first pitch to Steve Polega, Asst. Superintendent of Special Education, Genesee Intermediate School District (GISD).
According to the GISD, there are over 10,000 children with some form of disability in Genesee County and few local options that provide equal access to recreation and exercise. Constructing the MLGF field is a step toward equality for those who have limited options for play and physical activity.
For more info and the schedule, visit michiganmiracle.org/greaterflint
