January 1, 2007

Joliet, IL - The Miracle League of Joliet has committed to build the first of its kind Miracle League Baseball Field for Children with Disabilities, in Joliet, IL.

There is something about playing baseball that delights children. But, for children facing serious physical and mental disabilities that opportunity can often be difficult to achieve. Baseball diamonds were not designed with wheelchairs and walkers in mind.

The Miracle League removes the barriers that keep children with mentally and physically disabilities off of the baseball field, and lets them experience the joy of America’s favorite pastime. Since the main barriers for these children arise from the natural grass fields used by conventional youth leagues, Miracle League teams play on a custom-designed, synthetic turf field that accommodates wheelchairs and other assertive devices while helping to prevent injuries.

The Miracle League is also about making new friends, building self-esteem and being treated just like other kids. To help the athletes, the Miracle League uses a “buddy” system—pairing each player with a volunteer. The result of this bond is not only beneficial to the player, but also the volunteer.

The Miracle League Association serves children between the ages of 3 and 19, who suffer from any physical or mental disabilities. According to the 2000 Census Bureau’s there are 5.2 million Children in our country who have disabilities.

The first Miracle League field opened in Conyers, Georgia in April 2000, with 35 children. Word spread and today there are 250 players in that league. Currently, throughout the country there are 143 Miracle Leagues, 41 completely rubberizedd fields, 61 fields under construction and more than 30 scheduled for ground breaking. By the end of 2012 the The immediate goal is to have 500 plus leagues throughout the United States that will serve 1.3 million children with disabilities.

With the permission of the City of Joliet, the field will be built on the grounds at Silver Cross Field in Joliet. Groundbreaking for the Miracle League of Joliet will be at noon, June 25, 2005 2006 at the Silver Cross Field. Opening day will be spring of 2007.

Our players may not be able to run the bases of or hit the ball as well as their healthy peers, but they have an incredible amount of determination to play baseball. We want to help them achieve that dream. Our capital campaign is just getting under way. The Miracle League of Joliet goal is to raise $768,030.00, in order to make this field of dreams a reality.