Miracle League Baseball Season

On Saturday Blake and I headed out to the miracle league baseball field. James and other Wichita Falls Fireman were buddies for the game. Below is the article from the news paper.

Miracle League celebrates beginning of baseball season

It was opening day at the ballpark and the crowd celebrated by singing along to “Take me out to the Ball Game.”
The song kicked off the 2009 season for the Miracle League on their new field, next to Memorial Stadium.
The project, spearheaded by the Junior League of Wichita Falls, has been in the works since 2004. In September, the group broke ground for the field and Saturday morning a celebration kicked off opening day, starting with the first game.
The Astros and the Yankees stepped onto the newly built, handicap-accessible field at 9 a.m. The game was followed by an opening ceremony.
Fans crowded the stands and the field as members of the Junior League talked about the project.
“It started as research as part of our community plan,” said Rachelle Cooper. “From there, we have raised half a million dollars.”
The field is specially designed to accommodate players with special needs. It’s for people between 3 and 21 years old with disabilities.
One of the biggest differences in the Miracle Field versus any other playing field is the ground. Instead of being bases tossed into the dirt, it is a special substance, that can be squeegeed the morning after a rain, making it possible for children in wheelchairs to take the field.
After the ceremony, members of the Sheriff’s Posse served up hamburgers and hot dogs then the second group of teams took the field.
As the Rangers and the Twins found their seats in the dugouts and the players took the field, Miracle League “buddies” were there to grab their hands and take them around the field. “Buddies” play the game with the children, staying by their side to be their support.
The Miracle League season will continue Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Phase two of the project includes building a concession stand and family rest rooms. Work on that phase will start in the summer.