The Miracle League of Southwestern PA

Frequently Asked Questions For Miracle League Parents

What is the Miracle League of Southwestern Pennsylvania?

The Miracle League of Southwestern Pennsylvania is an organized baseball league for special needs children which enables these children to develop socialization skills and have fun by playing baseball at a field specially designed for them. The Miracle League of Southwestern Pennsylvania is a registered 501(c)(3) charity founded in 2007. The field is being built as part of the baseball complex in the new park Dick’s Sporting Goods Sportsplex at Graham Park in Cranberry Township. Opening Day for the Miracle League is scheduled for May 2, 2009. Registration is scheduled to begin on September 1, 2008. The national Miracle League organization was started in Conyers, Georgia in 1997 and since then more than 90 Miracle League fields have been built all over the country and another 100 are under construction or in various stages of development.

My child has never played baseball or any other sport; can he or she participate in this league?

Every child, no matter his or her level of ability, can participate in the Miracle League of Southwestern Pennsylvania. For the first season (2009), players must be no younger than 5 years of age and no older than 18 years on or before August 30, 2009. Based on the level of interest after the first season, additional age categories may be added in the future.

Where will the games be played and when?

All games will be played on the Miracle League Field located in the baseball field complex of the Dick’s Sporting Goods Sportplex at Graham Park in Cranberry Township. The field and park are currently under construction. The inaugural season will start on May 2, 2009 and continue for nine weekends. All league games will take place on weekends starting no earlier than 8:00 AM. Check back at the website for updates on schedules and league details.

How is the game played? How long is a game?

Typically each game lasts about two hours. They are non-competitive in nature, with each player batting, running the bases and scoring each inning. Volunteers called “Buddies” will be assigned to each individual to assist throughout the game. There are no losers in this game, only winners with the score tied at the end of each game. The focus is more on participation than on winning. Each team will have 12-13 players.

Do I need to bring anything?

Only yourselves and whatever you require for the care of your child. Before the beginning of each season every participant will receive a shirt and cap that is to be worn at each game. They should bring with them a baseball glove to be used during the the game. A full service concession stand is located next to the field and ADA-compliant restroom facilities and a family changing area are also available.

What are Buddies and how do they help?

Each player will have a “Buddy” at each game. This Buddy is there to protect the player from balls, assist the player in batting and running the bases and to be a friend on and off the field. Depending on the availability and number of Buddies, the plan is to have them assigned to the same child for the whole season. Buddies will be given a Miracle League shirt for their participation. They are expected to arrive 30 minutes before the start of the game and to notify the Miracle League Buddy coordinator at least twenty-four hours prior to the game if they will not be able to make a game. Buddies start at age 12. The siblings, parents, relatives, and friends of players are eligible to be Buddies.

What will the new Miracle League field be like?

The Miracle League field in the Dick’s Sporting Goods Sportsplex at Graham Park in Cranberry Township will be totally handicapped accessible. It will have a synthetic surface that allows easy use of wheel chairs, walkers, and other adaptive devices. There are is also convenient access to restrooms and parking.

How can I volunteer?

The Miracle League of Southwestern Pennsylvania will need a variety of volunteers for the inaugural season, and to help us get the season underway. Volunteers will be needed to be managers, coaches, Buddies, umpires, team parents, and for general help like registration, equipment and field maintenance. Go to the volunteer section of the website to register for any of these activities.

Are there registration fees?

We welcome donations to help with the costs of operating the league, the uniforms and equipment. No child will be turned away because of an inability to pay. A registration fee amount has not been set yet.

How can I donate to the Miracle League of Southwestern Pennsylvania?

There are several ways you can help. Go to the Donate area of the website for more information.