Miracle League breaking ground on baseball field
The Miracle League Baseball program is a specially designed program for children with disabilities which allows children four years of age and up to play America's most beloved pastime. The field includes special features such as a synthetic turf to prevent injuries, wheelchairs-accessible dugouts and a completely flat surface to eliminate barriers to walkers, wheelchair bound and/or visually impaired players. Any child with a diagnosis may play, and the mission of the Miracle League is to include every child in games no matter his or her special needs.
Special rules include that every player bats once an inning, all base runners are safe. Every child scores a run before the inning is over (last one up gets a home run), youth and adult volunteers serve as "buddies" to assist the players, and each team and each player wins every game.
Though new to Northwest Arkansas, the Miracle League of Arkansas has been active in the Natural state for several years with events in the Central portion of our state. Several Major Leaguers with Arkansas ties have supported their events, including Philadelphia Phillies' pitcher Cliff Lee, Los Angeles Angels' pitcher Dustin Moseley, New York Yankees' pitcher A.J. Burnett, and others. Those players will be returning to Arkansas for thier upcoming benefit on December 5th.
The Naturals are honored to welcome the Miracle League of Arkansas into our local community and are excited to have the new field down the street from Arvest Ballpark. Find out more about the Miracle League and what you can do to help by visiting www.MiracleLeagueAr.com.
The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark, located in Springdale. The 2010 season begins on Thursday, April 8th. Visit our website, nwanaturals.com, for information on season tickets and ticket plans.