Miracle League Baseball offers social outlet for the disabled across Alabama by Aaron Tanner
With all the bad news in the world lately, here is something positive occurring in the state of Alabama for individuals with a disability.
April 2020’s edition of Alabama Living magazine includes a feature story written by Pamela A. Keene about Miracle League Baseball and its impact on our state’s citizens. In 2011, the Parks and Recreation Department Director for the city of Troy, located south of Montgomery, desired to bring Miracle League Baseball to his city. The organization successfully raised funds necessary to build a baseball field specifically designed for people with a disability, such as using synthetic rubber turf instead of natural dirt and grass.
Today, there are fourteen Miracle League chapters in the state of Alabama, including here in Huntsville, that offer special needs teens and young adults a social outlet for making friends along with getting exercise and spending time outside. Many of the players had little to no social outlets before Miracle League formed.
The best part is the college athletes from universities across the state who volunteer to help give pointers for throwing and catching a baseball and running to different bases. Every player gets a turn at bat and an opportunity to score a home run. Many who participate report having their confidence and self-esteem boosted through the program.
Click here to read the article. Also, share in the comment section below about your experience with Miracle League Baseball or any other athletic program for disabled people in our community.