Miracle League’s Field Of Dreams

SPECIALLY DESIGNED FIELD ENHANCES PLAY

SPRINGDALE — The typical baseball diamond wasn’t designed to streamline the flow of wheelchairs, walkers and crutches as base running traffic or protect a visually-impaired player trying to make a catch.

Realizing this, the founders of the Miracle League envisioned developing a baseball field to accommodate their mission of providing opportunities for all children to play baseball regardless of their ability.

“It was difficult getting up that early on Saturday morning but once you got there it was real heartwarming,” said Farmington’s Josh Mueller, referring to a Miracle League game the Cardinals participated in during the spring.

“It’s a really cool organization.”

The Miracle League Arkansas website describes the process as a response to meeting the needs of disabled children, who had expressed a desire to dress in uniform, make plays in the field and round the bases like other kids.

Some basic differences separate a Miracle League baseball field from a regular youth field.

According to the Miracle League Arkansas website, the Miracle League field is made of a recycled tire product in a tile form designed to prevent injuries, which also accommodates wheelchairs and walkers that many Miracle League players use for mobility.

The special surface is designed to cushion players from falls and guard against injuries. The entire field and dugout is barrier free and completely flat — welcoming participation.

Spencer Boudrey, of Farmington, was paired up with his cousin, Kole Smith, 12, and cherished the time spent with Kole on the Miracle League field.

“It means a lot. I’m big on family. I’m busy with sports but I want to spend as much time with him as possible. I thought being his buddy was one way to do it.”

Kole has watched Boudrey compete in football and baseball for the Cardinals and Boudrey appreciates the support.

“He’s always cheering, he always has a lot of energy, he’s very loud and he loves to smile.”

“It was special to do something back for the community,” said Farmington first baseman Hayden Sutton.

For Sutton, a slugger who earned a starting spot on the Cardinal varsity as a sophomore, capitalizing upon the opportunity was like hitting a payoff pitch for a home run.

“Seeing the smiles on those kids faces. They love the game of baseball and so do we.”

This time around, Sutton was more excited about witnessing a home run than hitting one.

“One of the kids hit a home run and all the fans, the crowd, they raided the field. You could tell it was real special for them. They all got up, started clapping and took photos.”

The play was not lost on Sutton, who realized the moment and memories were made possible through the participation of volunteers.

“He’s never going to be able to do that without our help.”

MARK HUMPHREY ENTERPRISE-LEADER Headed for first. Farmington’s Adam Ness digs in to help a wheelchair-bound Miracle League player safely reach first base after assisting with a hit as Cardinal first baseman Hayden Sutton, who played catcher during the game, looks on. The Cardinals...