The Miracle League of Southwestern PA

Miracle League of Southwestern PA™ to Build Region’s First Field for Disabled Children

PITTSBURGH, PA — March 10, 2008 — The Miracle League of Southwestern PA™ is working to create a unique baseball league and playing field specifically for a special group of children who may otherwise never get the chance to play.

The Miracle League of Southwestern Pennsylvania’s (MLSWPA) is a registered 503(1)(c) charitable organization that is dedicated to providing special needs children the opportunity to play baseball as a team member in an organized league. In addition to providing the opportunity to play organized baseball in an environment similar to those that their brothers, sisters and friends play in, the League provides these children with an opportunity to develop critically important socialization skills that have proven to be highly valuable in their long-term psychological development.

The MLSWPA's primary focus is to raise funds to build a specially designed field made of a rubberized surface that allows children who depend on wheelchairs, crutches and walkers to safely navigate the field without risk of possible injury due to ruts or uneven surfaces.

“Watching a child’s eyes light up when they hit a ball for the first time, or round the bases of a field is priceless. But for children with special needs, that opportunity can be a very difficult first step,” said Mike Sherry, president of MLSWPA. “We hope that people can help us make sure this becomes a reality for the thousands of children in southwestern Pennsylvania who could benefit from a field like this.”

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. MLSWPA is open to any special needs child who wants to play.

Affiliated with the national Miracle League Baseball organization, the MLSWPA reached an agreement with Cranberry Township in September 2007 to integrate a Miracle League field into the township’s Dick’s Sporting Goods Sportsplex at Graham Park. Construction costs for the Miracle League Field will be paid for through corporate and private donations and is expected to open spring 2009. Once the field is built, Miracle League play at the field be organized and operated on an annual basis by the Cranberry Township Athletic Association (CTAA).

The players’ enthusiasm has continued to grow over the years and Miracle League parents tell stories of how their children insist on playing despite bouts with kidney stones, broken bones, and recent hospitalizations. For the kids – the thrill of playing, the cheers from the stands and the friendships they develop make the Miracle League Field an oasis away from their everyday battles.

“Despite the logistical challenges we face, I’m confident we’ll be successful because these Leagues are being organized all over the country and we certainly feel that the resources exist in Southwestern Pennsylvania to support this endeavor,’ Sherry said. “This League can mean as much to the parents who care for children with disabilities as it does the children themselves. We are hoping to make a difference for a lot of children in this area who face insurmountable challenges every day of their lives.”

For more information about MLSWPA, please visit www.miracleleagueofsouthwesternpa.org.