Miracle League of Joliet begins 11th Fall Season

The excitement and inspiration of the Miracle League of Joliet’s Opening Day returns this weekend for the kickoff of the 2019 Fall Season beginning Saturday, September 7th through Saturday, October 12th.
The Miracle League of Joliet provides an opportunity for local and regional children with disabilities to play baseball regardless of their skill levels. Players must be at least 4 years old. The maximum age for new players is 19.
Fall registration is closed, but visitors and their families are encouraged to watch the free games played on the specially-constructed baseball field located in the northeast corner of the DuPage Medical Group field located at 120 East Clinton Street in downtown Joliet. Handicapped parking spots are located directly in front of the field on Clinton Street.

“Miracle League games last two innings each,” said Sharon Ferro, Executive Director of the Miracle League of Joliet. “All players bat, run and score with assistance from their Buddy.” Each player in the Miracle League is assigned a volunteer “Buddy.” A Buddy must be at least 12 years of age and is assigned to same player for the six-week season. Buddies assist players on the field, helping them bat, field and keep them in the game. They also help players who need assistance walking, running, or getting around the bases in a wheel chair. Volunteer Buddies are always welcome but are required to attend a prior training prior to the start of the new season.

The more traditional Instructional League is for a group of players who are at least 10 years old and desire to play baseball in a more competitive atmosphere where balls and strikes are called, and three outs are allowed per inning. “You might say we have all the bases covered when it comes to providing children with disabilities a chance to play ball,” Ferro said.

The cost per child to play in the Miracle League is $45 per child/per season, or $75 for per child for both the spring and fall seasons and includes a baseball cap, shirt, insurance and an award presented at the end of the season.

The Joliet Miracle League is a registered non-profit 501c3 organization. For more information on how to participate or become a volunteer, visit miracleleagueofjoliet.com or call 815-258-3799.