by Joao Bicalho
Staff Writer
When coach Eddie Bagwell invited Michael, a disabled child, to play baseball on his team, he did not have a clue how far that pitch would go. In 1998, one year later, the Rockdale Youth Baseball Association (RYBA) near Atlanta formed The Miracle League, which provides equal opportunity for all children to play no matter what their disabilities.
With 35 players initially, the league grew to over 50 players in 1999. There was a need for disabled children to play in team sports and they expressed their wish not only to play, but also to dress in uniforms, make plays and enjoy their passion for the game like any other child.
With the help of community volunteers and local companies in the Atlanta area, the first Miracle League complex was built in April 2000. The facility — paid for and built by the Georgia Rotarians — is for children with disabilities who require special needs to participate in an athletic event.
When the Rotary Club of West Jacksonville needed a centennial project, they decided to join their fellow Georgia Rotarians’ initiative. They also joined efforts with the West Duval Youth Association and the City of Jacksonville to build a Miracle League field.
Four years later, the members of the Miracle League of Jacksonville were out on their own field doing what they love: playing baseball.
“I get a lot of reward myself,” said Cary Hanson, president of the league.
Hanson’s efforts to make ends meet for the league are many. He has often taken money out of his pocket to buy signs, fliers or anything the league needs.
“We started the league with no money,” said Hanson.
The league started with 21 kids and today has 31 on four different teams. There is no age limit to be a player and some are as old as 50, he said.
The league charges a small contribution for people to play, but no one is ever turned away because of financial issues, he said.
“Everybody plays,” said Hanson, who got involved with the league by doing the research. “I’m hooked.”
Volunteers who experience the joy and the excitement of a game usually recruit their spouses, he said. Many of the players have never played in any organized team sports, he said, and their enjoyment and appreciation is quickly obvious.
“When they play, they have genuine excitement,” said Hanson.
One of the players, Andy Abreu, laughs all the time when he is playing, he said.
“It is so contagious,” said Hanson. “He will hug everything.”
Another facet of each game the players seem to enjoy is the introductions.
“Some will stop, take a bow and keep playing,” said Hanson. “And if I forget to announce them, they let me know.”
The impact felt by the players is anything but ordinary. According to Hanson, their minds sharpen and their dispositions improve. Such change is caused by the simple fact that a game is also a mental activity and players have to concentrate on what they’re doing, he said.
From the side lines, parents aren’t indifferent. Many experience the same feelings their children have when they are playing.
“They see their kids doing things they had never done before,” said Hanson. “Parents are crying.”
Each player has a “buddy” on the field, he said. The buddies will assist players with anything they need: hitting, running, picking up a ball.
“They get encouragement from their buddies,” said Hanson, adding the players start developing a relationship with their buddies. The same players have the same buddies every week. Encouragement learned in the field translates into improvements in life.
Game day can come as early as 6 a.m. for those who have to commute and many of the players have long rides.
“Players come from all the surrounding counties,” said Hanson. “They come from 60 miles away to play and they do it.”
Saturday afternoon, the League gathered at Oak Crest United Methodist Church to celebrate the end of the season. Coaches, athletes and buddies received awards as family members looked on.
The Gallaghers were especially thankful. Mary Ann and Robert have two sons in the League, Michael and Andrew. Mary Ann said the League makes Michael and Andrew feel normal.
“It’s complete freedom,” said Mary Ann.
She also said the League gives them the chance to make new friends and get to meet everybody. She also noticed that while they play, team members look out for each other.
“It’s amazing,” said Mary Ann. “It’s truly amazing.”
Robert appreciates the opportunity he has to have both sons playing in the same League.
“It’s great to have something like this available, you know,” said Robert, adding the special design of the field puts all of the players on the same level. “On a baseball field, they beat their disabilities because that’s an environment where they’re all equal. No kid is out. All kids win.”
The League relies on the support of volunteers and sponsors during each season. Not only do they help keep the gates opened financially, but they also invite families of disabled children to join the League and experience the thrill of a lifetime, he said.
According to Hanson, there is no league that compares to the Miracle League of Jacksonville.
“It’s a league of their own,” said Hanson.
Photos by Joao Bicalho
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