Miracle League of Joliet Sets Date for Registration and Open House
August 24, 2007

Joliet, IL - The Miracle League of Joliet, dedicated to providing children with mental or physical challenges the opportunity to play baseball, is pleased to announce that registration will soon commence for its inaugural season, which begins May 2008.

The Miracle League is a national organization dedicated to removing barriers so that children with physical and/or mental disabilities can experience the joy and excitement of playing baseball. An officially sanctioned chapter of the national organization, the Miracle League of Joliet is dedicated to bringing these baseball dreams to reality for the special needs children in our area.

Registrations will start on September 30, 2007. An Open House and registration will take place on Sunday, September 30 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Silver Cross Field, home of the Joliet Jackhammers, 1 Mayor Art Schultz Drive, Joliet (enter on Clinton Street). There will be volunteers on hand, including baseball players from The University of St. Francis, to play ball with the children that are registering.

The registration fee is $35 per player and provides for a team shirt, hat, and end-of-season trophy. Payment and all forms are due at the time of registration.
“We’re really looking forward to our first season, and want to bring baseball to as many children as possible,” said Sharon Ferro, Executive Director. “We are grateful for all the support our sponsors have provided thus far.”

For those unable to make it to Silver Cross Field on September 30, registration may also be completed by mail. Forms can be printed from the Miracle League website www.miracleleagueofjoliet.com and mailed to the league office at 320 Water Stone Way - Suite 100, Joliet, IL 60431. Those without Internet access can contact the league office at 815-258-3799 and request forms be sent by mail. In 2008, the league will have both a spring and fall “season.” Early next spring, players will be contacted with their team assignments and the inaugural season will begin in May.

The Miracle League of Joliet will play non-competitive games, with volunteer umpires allowing each child on base and scoring at home plate. Each game will have two innings, there are no practices, and all players will receive a trophy at the end of the season. To ensure the safety of all players, we will use a 9-inch soft-core safety baseball or a whiffle ball, and a special ball will be available for players whose sight is impaired. Each team will have a coach, an assistant coach, and a team mom. Also, each player will be paired with a volunteer “buddy” for the season. The buddy will protect and assist the player, as well as give encouragement.

In addition to players, the Miracle League of Joliet is looking for people who are willing to donate their time to be coaches, team moms, and buddies. Buddies can be fellow schoolmates, college or high school students, athletes, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, or any individual or group who wishes to volunteer their time to give the child the gift of baseball and a smile that touches us all. Anyone can be a buddy – the requirements are a willingness and desire to help a child experience the joy of playing baseball.

Additional details about Miracle League, registration, the season, and volunteer and donation opportunities will be posted on the Miracle League website www.miracleleagueofjoliet.com.