A group of dedicated volunteers have decided to further the idea of a “miracle league” in Blair County.
Their goal is to fulfill a desire to bring recreational baseball to mentally and physically disabled children,.
The goal of the group is to build a “field of dreams,” in other words, a baseball field that will allow children who normally wouldn’t be able to play baseball to swing a bat, hit a home run and round the bases.
One of the first steps for the league was to become a member of the Miracle League Association which is headquartered in Atlanta, GA, according to a press release issued by Miracle League of Blair County, Inc. board member Sue O’Brien of Tyrone.
The local project is a joint effort by the Miracle League board and the Kiwanis Club of Eldorado.
O’Brien said discussions about the new league began sometime late last year. She said her daughter, Donna O’Brien of Tyrone is also involved as a board member for the Miracle League.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for children who otherwise wouldn’t be able to play,” said O’Brien. “We truly believe they, as should all kids, should have the opportunity to play, and this program gives them that chance.”
In a play on the “build it, they will come” phrase popularized in the “Field of Dreams” movie, O’Brien said, “(this is a case of) they have come; now we need to build it.”
According to the press release, plans call for a field to be built adjacent to the Kiwanis Club’s Teener League field in the 6100 block of California Avenue in Altoona. Although the field will be located there, children from throughout central Pennsylvania, including northern Blair County, will be invited to join Miracle League teams.
Board president and Eldorado Club member Joe Reed noted the international theme of Kiwanis is “serving the children of the world.”
“We think this is an excellent project to embrace that theme and provide children throughout the central Pennsylvania area with an opportunity to play baseball,” said Reed.
He explained initial support for the project has come from the Eldorado Club as well as the Blair Golden K, the Kiwanis Club of DuBois and several individuals.
“This shows that we live in an area that truly cares about children and youth,” said Reed.
He also said the local organization was given 501(c)3 status with the Internal Revenue Service, which makes all contributions tax-deductible.
Reed explained the Miracle League games will be played on a cushioned, natural rubber field where all elevations are at the same level, allowing children in wheelchairs, on crutches or with other disabilities to play without danger.
“(If you see a Miracle League game) you would never forget it,” said Reed.
In preparation for the league in this area, Reed visited several fields in Alabama and Georgia.
“This field will be the first in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and we are really anxious to get started,” said Reed.
The league’s board is hoping to start construction on the field in the spring of 2005.
“It’s an incredible financial challenge for us,” said Reed. “But, it’s a real challenge we are willing to undertake.
“Sometime ago, New Pig Corporation vice president Doug Hershey spoke to the Eldorado Kiwanis Club about his company and his business philosophy,” said Reed. “One of the things he told us was that we shouldn’t be afraid to take ‘big bold steps.’
“When you think about the scope of this project and the $400,000 we need to build this field, we really are taking a ‘big bold step’ to build this field and start the program,” said Reed.
“However, if you have ever seen these children play baseball-a sport they traditionally are not able to play-if you would ever see them hit the ball and score a home run, you would know why we are doing this,” concluded Reed.
