Story By John Mann
Kick off another spring season for The Miracle League of Albertville, and registrations are open for both athletes and volunteers.
“It was great last year and we just continue to grow every season,” Miracle League Coordinator Lisa Hansford said. “It’s an opportunity to play a sport that is inclusive and allows play without judgement or making fun. It’s one big family, we call it our Miracle League Family and the athletes look forward to it as much or even more that everyone out here playing baseball or softball.”
The Miracle League provides a baseball style experience for both children and adults with physical or mental limitations. Games last around forty five minutes each over two innings, with each athlete getting a chance at bat and to run the bases. Ages 5 to 99 are welcome to take part, and volunteer “buddies” are on hand to provide assistance for each athlete.
The next season, which will take place during April and May, is open for registration until January 17, with no cost to participants. Registration only requires filling out a form and showing up to play. So far there have been 134 athletes and seventy-seven volunteers registered, nearly matching last fall’s participation of 209 athletes.
With so many athletes planning to take part the biggest need for the Miracle League right now is volunteers to serve as buddies, which were in short supply next year. Hansford says that the main thing is that volunteers are just ready to serve.
“You just need a servant’s heart,” she said. “It’s the most important thing that we provide; without buddies we can’t provide the help the athletes need. Buddies will help their athlete when they go to bat, go out and stand with them on the field and just provide as much or as little help as they need.”
Games for the Miracle League take place at the Miracle Field at Sand Mountain Park in Albertville, but the league isn’t limited to just residents of Albertville or even Marshall County, but anyone who wants to be a part of the game and meet new friends regardless of ability level. The field features custom designed turf and can accommodate wheelchairs and assistive devices as a way to prevent injury and meet any athlete’s needs.
For anyone who has never taken part in the Miracle League but wants to find out more, Hansford says that the best way to experience what they do is to come out and see a game for yourself.
“Come out and watch us play and see what it’s about,” Hansford said. “Things will happen from there and we get a fair number of people who just like to come and watch. One of the best things I hear from families is that when it’s game day their athlete will wake up, put the jersey on and wear it all day because they are anticipating coming to play. That’s how much it means and especially when we have a lot of buddies it’s everyone’s favorite days of the week.”
More information about the Miracle League of Albertville can be found on their Facebook page under “The Miracle League of Albertville.” There you can find links to the registration page for both athletes and buddies. Registration is done online, but you can also request help from the main desk of the Sand Mountain Park Fitness Center. Sand Mountain Park is located in Albertville at 109 Solitude Avenue. For more information contact Lisa Hansford at 256-302-4847.
