Miracle League coming to Santa Rosa County

[PIXABAY.COM]

GULF BREEZE — The Miracle League of Santa Rosa County will hold an information expo at Tiger Point Community Center, 1370 Tiger Park Lane from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 6. Potential players, volunteers and donors are all welcome to come enjoy light refreshments and learn more about Santa Rosa County’s new Miracle League field, which will celebrate its first pitch in April 2019.

Homer, the Miracle League’s new mascot, will be at the expo to greet visitors and pose for pictures, while board members and volunteers will be on hand to share information and answer questions.

“We can’t wait to share our excitement with everyone who wants to play, volunteer or donate,” MLSRC president Shane Player said. “So many amazing children and adults in our community are waiting for the opportunity to play America’s game and feel the thrill of being on a team.”

The Miracle League will provide a place for people of all ages with special needs to play baseball. With a solid-surface field and buddies to help each player, everyone in the community can come together to play. The new field will be located at Tiger Point Park in Gulf Breeze and will serve Santa Rosa County and neighboring counties who may not have a Miracle League field in their area.

A board of dedicated community members has been working tirelessly for over a year to make this field a reality. The Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners has committed construction costs from the county and state, and groundbreaking will take place this fall with the field ready for play in the spring. More donations are needed to help with operating costs for the first year.

Nationally, Miracle League has been in operation since 2000, and currently there are 240 Miracle League organizations around the country. By removing barriers to playing baseball, Miracle League not only allows children and adults with disabilities to play, but promotes stronger bonds within the communities where they play. Everyone benefits, from players, to buddies, to fans.

This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Miracle League coming to Santa Rosa County