“Play ball!” were the magic words Saturday as a brand new season of the Miracle League of the Okefenokee took place on their new “Field of Dreams”.
Opening day festivities were held last Saturday at the new field located at the Trembling Earth Sports Complex, 2110 Recreation Drive, Waycross.
The Miracle League provides a baseball and cheerleading program for local children and adults with disabilities.
The grand opening began with players and cheerleaders taking a Champion’s Walk from the parking area onto the field. The walkway was lined with family, friends and fans cheering the participants along the way.
For many of the players and cheerleaders it was the first time that they had seen the field and there were many smiles and much excitement in the air.
After a brief ceremony, the games started and the fun began. Before each game a ceremonial first pitch was thrown by special friends of the Miracle League. For game one it was made by Clay Thomas and his family, game two by Stacey Perritt, representing Dancing with the Southern Stars, and game three it was made by Jeffery Joyce, representing the Monroe Foundation. Besides baseball, Leadership Waycross Alumni 2022 partnered with the Miracle League to provide several food trucks and other entertainment. It was a great day for the Miracle League.
The league has raised money for the past six years to build an accessible Miracle League field and the field finally became a reality this year.
Whether playing baseball or cheerleading, participation in the Miracle League gives participants a chance to have fun, fellowship with their peers, and be a part of a team. The League is the only outlet of its kind for many in our area. The Miracle League implements special rules to ensure all players are successful: each player is always safe on base, each player always scores and players are given any support they may need from community volunteers who serve as buddies.
Serving Ware and surrounding counties, the new artificial turf baseball/softball field is the first of its kind for children and adults in wheelchairs along with traditional games.
The Miracle League of the Okefenokee baseball and softball field renovation allows players from Ware and seven surrounding counties to transcend their mental or physical disabilities while participating in baseball. The new surface provides accessibility for wheelchairs and allows pristine field conditions in any weather. The surface has dual use as a softball or baseball field while meeting the needs of the Miracle League.
