A Real Field of Dreams

There was a slight breeze blowing towards the outfield. All the participants listened and sang to the playing of the Star Spangled Banner. Then the words rang out all were waiting to hear, “Let’s Play ball!”

The Yankees took the field while the Phillies were in the dugout getting ready to bat. The first batters name and age flashed on the scoreboard in the outfield as his name was called over the loudspeaker. Cheers and applause rang out. As he was wheeled by a volunteer (called angels in the outfield) to the plate, he smacked his plastic bat on the ground getting ready to take a mighty swing. The players in the field were helped and protected by their own “angel” as the pitcher gets ready to softly toss the rubber ball.

As you can tell, this was no ordinary baseball game. All get to bat, no one gets out, everyone scores a run, and all games end in a tie. The field is constructed of a composite material to allow wheelchairs and walkers easy maneuverability. This is the Miracle League!

“Isn’t it depressing?” people ask me. “It must be so sad to watch” is spoken by others. Nothing could be further from the truth! I admit, I was a bit skeptical the first time I volunteered to be an Angel in the Outfield. But then I witnessed all the smiling faces, from kids and parents alike. These kids may have special needs, but the emphasis is on special. Wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, autistic, down syndrome, even oxygen tanks with tubes hanging by their side, all that mattered was it was game day!

My first day I was paired up with a 5 year old named Greg, who had been badly burned and even wore a plastic mask. Initially, I was a bit nervous, even though all angels are given instructions before every game. But my nerves quickly vanished as he backed away from me and asked me to throw with him. You see, the rules are loosely followed. Fun and safety are the primary goals for this league.

After Greg fielded a ball, I performed my best “end zone dance” after which he proceeded to roll his eyes and proceed to show me how it was suppose to look! I never looked back. I went to volunteer whenever I was free to do so. It was such a rewarding, heartwarming, and FUN experience. Each time I went, Greg would search for me to be his “Angel”. What a rush. I felt a sense of joy when he showed up for one game without his mask and was healing. How wonderful it felt when his mom sought me out after a game and thanked me for being so nice to her son and how much fun he always has with me.

If you are looking for the real “Field of Dreams”, find a Miracle League near you, or if there isn’t one, start a drive to build one in your area. I promise you, if you build it, they will come!

To learn more go to The Miracle League

BK , founder SingleDadLife.com

“Life is measured not by what you do, but what you do for others”

Miracle League Opening In the Lehigh Valley, PA