Every Child Deserves a
Chance to Play Baseball
"The Miracle League" is a charitable organization that provides children with mental and/or physical challenges an opportunity to play baseball as a team member in an organized league. There is something about playing the game of baseball that lights up kid's eyes, but for children facing physical and mental challenges, that opportunity can often be a difficult first step. The Miracle League gives these children the opportunity to get out in the sunshine, and enjoy playing the game of baseball in its purest form.

Dylan can’t walk but that doesn’t stop him from rounding second base. Jennifer has Downs Syndrome, but the Miracle League has given her more self-esteem than her parents ever dreamed possible. Kaliegh can’t hear, but the cheers of his teammates have never been louder. The Miracle League gives hundreds of disabled children something few dreamed possible, the chance to play baseball. Yet in all their joy and triumph, there’s still one thing missing - the ability to play the sport like everyone else.

These kids needed a place to play, so a specially equipped field called the "Field of Dreams" was built in Atlanta Georgia. This custom-designed venue incorporates a cushioned synthetic turf that accommodates wheelchairs and other walking assistance devices, while helping prevent injuries. In other words, it provides a level-playing field where physically and mentally challenged children can hit, run, and catch- just like the best of them.

The Miracle League provides every child an opportunity to hit the ball and score a run. Miracle League team members are assigned “buddies” who assist them in hitting the ball and "running" the bases. Buddies can be fellow schoolmates, parents, college students, business leaders or anyone who wishes to volunteer their time to give a child the gift of baseball.

Almost 7,000 web sites have some reference to The Miracle League!.

Meet Kevin Thoresen, the founder of MLMN. I know that Kevin will probably want me to take out this section on him, but I have the last say, because only I have the keys to the web site. I heard about Kevin on a Thursday, met with him on a Friday, and here I am. Kevin is on a mission. He wants to build fields so EVERY kid can play baseball. Kevin volunteers his time. So far everything is donated. That way all the funds and effort go toward building fields.

Kevin, his fields, and the Miracle League are about using what we have. This means building adaptive fields so EVERYONE can play ball and have some fun. Fields and equipment are only part of the story. We need players, parents, fans, and player buddies. We need communities. This is your Miracle League.

The excitement about MLMN is unbelievable. I have a nephew who wants to help with the web site, kids who want to get their scout groups involved, a neighbor in the Rotary club that wants to give a talk on MLMN. If you want to help, please contact MLMN. EVERYONE can help in a unique way.

Our good friends the Minnesota Twins are already helping in a big way. As a third generation Twins fan (my son is the fourth), we think they look pretty good this year. I'll have to catch a noon game at the dome (don't tell my boss). That way I can enjoy some MLMN games in the evening.