9:47 AM Wed, Jul 16, 2008 | Permalink
Paige
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Towards the end of last season, I was pretty burned out on baseball. I growled while driving to practices and I moaned sitting in the uncomfortable stands in 110 degrees. Let's just say I didn't have a winning attitude.
All of that changed when I met the players and parents from the Miracle League. The Miracle League offers kids the opportunity to play baseball regardless of their disability. Their motto is "Every Kid Deserves to Play Baseball". On this league, players who cannot physically bat or run are assisted by "buddy's" - thus allowing every child a chance get up to bat. I attended their last game of the season. The parents cheered for every batter - even the kids on the opposing team. No one yelled at the ref. No one whined about the heat. The kids would walk or be assisted up to the plate - excited, and thrilled about being up to bat. They didn't come to win - they came to play. It was - well, FUN.
The experience changed my attitude towards baseball and changed my life. Something as simple as baseball is taken for granted by most of us. But for these players - it means everything. Through the Miracle League, they are able to experience what it means to smell a baseball glove, bat a ball, and run the bases. This experience is part of the American fiber and no child should be denied.
After spending a day out on the Miracle League field, my attitude towards baseball changed. Yes, every child deserves to play baseball - but it is a privilege that none of us should take for granted.
www.mldfw.org
Paige, thank you so much for creating this amazing segment on the Miracle League- I've watched it several times (never with a dry eye!) and I'm constantly amazed at our children who never give up & enjoy life so much, and I'm equally amazed at the unselfish adults who help make this happen. Thank you for doing such a beautiful segment! I love watching your segments that are real, applicable, and uplifting. Keep it up!