The Miracle League of Southwestern PA
Miracle League - Fast Facts
What is the Miracle League?
Miracle League baseball provides children with all ranges of mental and physical disabilities a chance to experience
playing the sport in a league-based environment.
What is the Miracle League’s Mission?
The league’s mission is to:
- Provide opportunities for children with disabilities to play Miracle League baseball, regardless of their abilities.
- Promote community support and sponsorship of Miracle Leagues.
- Promote the construction of special facilities that meet the unique needs of Miracle League players and their families.
- Provide opportunities for children with disabilities to play
How long has the Miracle League been in existence?
The first Miracle League field opened in 2000 in Georgia. Presently there are 180 Miracle League Organizations across the country including Puerto Rico, 80 completed rubberized fields, and 100 fields under construction.
Is there really a need in this area?
According to 2000 census statistics, nearly 90,000 disabled children reside in Butler County and the surrounding counties of Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Clarion, Lawrence, Mercer, Westmoreland and Venango alone.
What are the requirements for children to participate?
Any child with special needs can play.
What is a buddy?
“Buddies” assist Miracle League players. Miracle League Buddies are volunteers ranging in ages from elementary school to senior citizens. Buddies provide safety first and enthusiastically play baseball with their special needs player and encourage them to have fun. Buddies are not parents. Parents are encouraged to enjoy the game from the stands!
When will construction on the field be finished?
The field will be complete in Spring 2009.
Where will the field be located?
The field will be located in the baseball complex of Graham Park, in Cranberry Township, PA. For more information, visit the Cranberry Township Athletic Association Web site at http://www.ctaaonline.com, or the Cranberry Township’s Web site at www.twp.cranberry.pa.us/infrastructure/graham.htm
How to donate, volunteer?
For more information on the Miracle League of Southwestern Pennsylvania, please:
Visit: www.miracleleagueofsouthwesternpa.org.
E-mail: info@miracleleagueofsouthwesternpa.org,
Call: Mike Sherry at 724-831-7392.
What is unique about a Miracle League Field?
Surface:
- Sofscape Rubberized Turf
- ADA compliant
- Complete accessibility
- Prevents injuries
- Completely enclosed for participants safety
What are the specifications of a Miracle League Field?
Dimensions:
- Playing field: 10,568 sq. ft.
- Overall: 14,900 sq. ft.
- Baselines: 50 ft.
- Centerfield fence: 125 ft. from home plate
- Pitcher’s mound: 33 feet from home plate
How is Miracle League Baseball played?
- Each player gets to bat each inning
- Each player gets to circle the bases to score a run each inning
- Every player scores and is never called “out!”
- Two innings per game
- Teams use a 9-inch soft-core safety baseball with synthetic cover
Media Inquiries – contact Melanie Finnigan at 412-965-2096 or via e-mail at chaine5@aol.com.