The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
PLAYING ON THEIR OWN FIELD OF DREAMS
Miracle League opening means individuals with all types of disabilities can now play baseball
Pitches were thrown and bats were swung for the first time at The Lake Health Miracle Park during the inaugural baseball game for the Miracle League of Lake County.
The Miracle League in Lake County started almost two years ago with a dream that every child, no matter their ability, should have the opportunity to participate in one of America’s favorites pastimes and play ball. With the help of many businesses donating time, funds or services, and the communities in Lake County coming together in various fundraising efforts, the dream came to fruition when the opening day ceremony was held on July 28, followed by the first three games.
There was an air of excitement that spread through the crowd as the national anthem was sung, the ribbon was cut, speeches were made and the first pitch was thrown out.
The opening ceremony started with a Presentation of Colors by Cub Scout Pack 50. The flag presented — which will be flown at the ballpark — flew over the U.S. Capital Building and was provided to Miracle League by Congressman David Joyce.
Jean Gillespie from Deepwood sang the national anthem.
Eastlake Mayor Dennis Morley gave the welcome and opening remarks.
“Today is the day we have been waiting for,” he told the crowd. “It’s time for our group of special people to ball.”
He explained that he had been privileged to be part of the dream, making presentations about it over the past couple of years and not one time had he walked away not feeling good.
He believes that the field and playground have been a long time coming to Eastlake and Lake County and he is proud to have it in Eastlake
Morley went on to acknowledge and thank may of the key people who helped make the ball park possible including Mark Rantala, executive director for the Lake County Port and Economic Development Authority who originally approached him with the idea, The Miracle League Board of Directors, all those who contributed and the community partners.
Judy Moran, executive director of the Miracle League Board of Directors, welcomed everybody to a dream come true.
“This facility has been two years in the making and we could not have done it without the generous contributions of our community partners,” Moran said. “This is a place that is truly all about the kids.
Moran described the Miracle League by saying it removes the barriers that keep children with mental and physical disabilities off baseball fields.
According to Moran, Miracle League lets the kids enjoy the spirit of the game.
“The Miracle League is about making new friends, building self esteem and being treated just like any other athlete,” Moran said. “I am very proud to have been a member of team that made this possible right here in our own back yard. This park is a wonderful addition to the city as well as the county and will make each athlete feel as though they have found their home.”
Mark Sutherland, vicepresident public affairs for Lubrizol Corporation, believes there is nothing like an opening.
“When Mark Rantala first approached us on this project it was a very easy decision for us,” Sutherland said. “This is a unique and needed investment in our community and we were very glad to participate.”
Mike Mayher, board chairman for Lake Health, described the ball park as beautiful for the community and acknowledged the community support for it.
“I can’t thank you enough for being here,” Mayher told the crowd. “Lake Health is so proud to be part of this venture.”
Dave Wiles, president of CT Consultants, told the crowd they normally lay water lines and sewers and don’t often get to be part of a creative project like this and it was going to be awesome to see the results of all the hard work the people at his company put in.
Jen Yorka, assistant general manager for the Lake County Captians and secretary for the Board of Directors, said the city of Eastlake and the Lake County Captains are glad to have the ball park in their city.
The opening ceremony ended with the ceremonial first pitch thrown out by Mayher and Andrew Vogt of Lake Health and was caught by Morley.
Parents, many who dreamed of their child playing baseball but never thought it would be possible, began eagerly awaiting for the games to start.
James Keifer, whose son Malcolm played baseball for the first time, described the ball park and the Miracle League as the greatest thing ever.
“It’s really hard to keep your emotions in,” he said. “It’s fun, its great to be able to watch him play just like his big brothers. He’s (Malcolm) been waiting for this moment for a long long time and I’m glad the field is finally here and that we can take advantage of it.”
Prior to the Lake Health Miracle Park being constructed, Keifer did not think Malcolm would ever play.
“We were hoping that someday he would be able to walk and play and run,” Keifer said. “This has given him the opportunity to do it now so its great.”
Ray Henderson, who never dreamt his daughter Aubri would ever play baseball, describes the experience as a good time with happy faces for all the kids.
“I think it’s a good thing and I hope it continues on,” Henderson said. “I love it. Words just can’t describe it, to see her being part of a group of her peers, it’s just a good thing.”
Michael Milicia is his daughter Jessa’s game buddy. Each player has a buddy right there with them in the game who is able to offer guidance or assistance when needed and cheer them on.
“We were real excited when this beautiful park came out,” Milicia said. “It’s wonderful to see all these kids and adults.”
Kids and young adults — many who had spent previous baseball seasons sitting the sidelines watching their siblings play while wishing they could play ball — stepped onto a field designed just for them and many for the first time played ball. The dream became reality as they hit the ball and made their way around the bases and scored runs. The Lake Health Miracle Park became their own field of dreams.
Malcolm who uses a mobility assistance device said it felt good to be out playing baseball and he really likes it and can’t wait to play again.
Jessa, who previously played in the Eastlake Leagues until they stopped, could hardly contain her excitement as she talked about hitting the ball again and making it to third base. When asked if she was looking forward to next week’s game, she smiled big and excitedly answered yes.
Lake County Commissioner Daniel Troy said he thinks this is fantastic. Troy, who grew up in the area, recalls playing little league or just a pick up game. He believes when you are a kid, there is nothing like playing baseball.
“To give the opportunity to these kids to let them experience something like this is wonderful,” Troy said. “This is just something we all remember all throughout our lives. This gives them the opportunity to participate in the great American pastime, baseball. When I see the smiles on these kids faces today it makes it all worth it.”
Marty Risko, Board of Directors said he was looking forward to everyone having the opportunity to play baseball.
“I see smiles from ear to ear on everybody and everybody having fun,” Risko said. “Everyone is just enjoying themselves.”
Morley, who is glad the opening day is here, said this has been a long time coming.
“As we sit here and watch the games and walk through the crowds and see these parents who are just so happy and thanking us for the kids having somewhere to play now,” Morley said. “Just look at these kids, its just overwhelming to watch them play.”
Moran said she couldn’t be any happier.
“This truly is a dream come true,” Moran said. “It’s a game changer for their kids usually the special needs child sits out and watches their brothers an sisters and not they are the ones playing. Their smiles are so big they are infectious.”
Currently there are six teams in the Miracle League, four kid’s teams and two adult teams.
It’s undecided if they will play a second season in the fall. Moran said she would like to see games go on until it gets too cold to play.