Let's Play Ball with Miracle League Baseball
Overview:
The Miracle League through the YMCA allows people of all ABILITIES play organized baseball. Players with diverse-ABILITIES dress in uniforms, make plays in the field, and round the bases, just like their peers in standard baseball leagues.
This is a great chance for our SBK kids who love sports to play with some new team members, however, no sports experience, equipment, or knowledge of baseball is necessary. Players will have a range of abilities and volunteers age 10+ are paired with a player to assist during the game as player partners. In the past, we even had the chance to dress up as the mascot, Homer! It's all about making it a great experience for the players and their families.
This project has been a favorite among SBK families, and we are excited to be headed back to play ball on Wednesday, July 30th from 5:45 to 7:00 pm! Please note this date is updated from what was originally published in our July newsletter.
What to expect:
One of the most important elements of a Miracle League game is the "player partner" program. Each player is paired with a friend to assist them on and off the field during a two-inning game.
Check out this brief video from TMJ4 to see what you can expect.
Note: usually there is a formal game, but sometimes when fewer kids show up they do drills instead. Please know that any role your family plays is meaningful to the participants!
Capacity & Age Recommendations:
Player partners must be age 10+ years per the YMCA, but all ages are welcome to come cheer! We have committed to bringing 15 player partners (kids or adults) and can bring as many fans for the cheering section as want to join in the fun.
What to wear:
Dress in clothes comfortable to play ball. We love it when you wear your SBK t-shirts, but player partners typically are offered a YMCA volunteer t-shirt as well if you'd like one. You can bring a baseball glove if you want, but this is not required.
Project Leader: Vanessa Eisenmann
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
This project is open to members* for the first week of registration, and we're happy to welcome guests if we have additional space in the week leading up to the project. Please only sign up if you know you can attend. We understand illness and emergencies do come up so if you register and can no longer attend, please let us know ASAP so we can fill your spot.
A big thanks to our Project Leader Vanessa for leading this project, and thank you for lending a little hand!
Amanda Barnhart
Board President
*While we rely on member donations to keep the good work going, we never want the $40/family/year to be a hurdle to volunteering with us. If you are in need of assistance, we do have a limited number of scholarships available that are 100% confidential, just email and ask!
