Anyone who has gotten cynical about the direction of baseball in recent years needs to learn about the Miracle League. Even a brief look at this special organization will remind even the most skeptical fan of the real importance of sports and sportsmanship.
The league, founded in Georgia in 2000, gives youngsters with mental and physical disabilities a chance to enjoy playing America’s pastime. Miracle League teams play on custom-designed rubberized turf fields with flat surfaces and bases to accommodate players in wheelchairs or on walkers or crutches. Players also use specialized bats tailored to their particular needs.
A few years ago, the Miracle League came to Jefferson County when a field was built in Leeds. But there was no league in the Over the Mountain area until Shay Hammonds and several other area residents became determined to change that situation.
“About four years ago, I was looking for volunteers to work at the (Miracle League) field in Leeds,” said Hammonds, a Hoover resident. “And I decided that we needed one in Hoover.”
So Hammonds, along with Matt Bearden, Kim Harwell and Phil Nichols, met with Hoover officials, who pledged their support. But of course, they needed money.
“We needed to raise $300,000,” Hammonds said. “And it was tough because the economy was bad.”
But private businesses and individuals chipped in. Top contributors included the Daniel Foundation of Alabama, Hill Crest Foundation, Publix Super Markets and Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama. The city of Hoover matched and exceeded what was raised, contributing $320,000, and soon a Miracle Field was under construction at the Hoover East Sports Complex near Old Rocky Ridge Road.
The Over the Mountain Miracle League began its first fall season two years ago and is currently in its second spring season.
“We have participants with all sorts of disabilities and teams that begin for 5-year-olds and range all the way to adult,” said Hammonds, who currently is the league’s treasurer. “We have adults in their 50s who play. And we’ve had great financial support from the business community and with volunteers.”
The Miracle League uses a buddy system, which pairs a player with an able-bodied peer.
“The buddy goes out on the field and helps the player run the bases or scoop up the ball,” Hammonds said. “More importantly, the player and his buddy achieve a bond that can’t be described. They become best friends.”
Daniela DeLuca’s son, Lucas Kalba, is 8 years old and playing his third season in the Miracle League.
“The buddies are so generous to give their time,” DeLuca said. “When a player needs help, the buddies are right there with an extra hand and a huge heart.”
Volunteers are needed for all aspects of the Miracle League operation — from being player buddies to field maintenance to even spectators in the stands — and Hammonds is grateful for all of them.
“Sometimes I get overwhelmed by the generosity of our volunteers,” she said. “Occasionally I get nervous that we won’t have enough volunteers for a certain event – but they always come through.”
In the Miracle League, there are really no opposing teams, and certainly nobody is on a losing side, DeLuca said.
“Everyone is an all-star, and every parent, friend and sibling is every other player’s biggest fan,” she said. “Our children are successful in so many ways. While physically they have challenges, when they are playing in the Miracle League those challenges don’t stop them at all. Lucas loves the coaches because they are so great and are nice to every player.”
As is the case with all parents of Miracle League players, DeLuca appreciates the work of all involved.
“The field is a remarkable gift from the donors, the city, the community and volunteers,” she said.” Never have we seen something so unique and special designated just for these well-deserving players.”
After a day of fun at Miracle League, everyone leaves feeling like winners.
“When we walk away from the game we feel good, strong and blessed,” DeLuca said. “We love this league and adore all who made and continue to make it possible.”
Brian Tyndal, 16, played in the St. Clair County Miracle League before joining the Over the Mountain League two years ago.
“The league means the world to us,” said Pam Tyndal, Brian’s mother. “Brian gets to be like any other kid who has the chance to have teammates and the opportunity to play ball. He has a great time and looks forward to every game.”
Tyndal said she expects her son to participate in Miracle League as long as possible.
“I think Brian will probably be playing in the 50-year-old league one day,” she said, smiling.
The Miracle League doesn’t have championship teams in the conventional sense but instead has a season-ending ceremony to reward all players for a job well done.
“At the end of the year, we give out medals to all of our athletes,” Hammonds said. “But mainly we want them to know that we are so proud of them and that they are loved.”
No player in the Miracle League will ever reach the major leagues, but their experience is beyond priceless.
To learn more about the Over the Mountain Miracle League, go to www.otmmiracleleague.org.
