Georgia Magazine - May 2019 - 21

Spencer Nichols hits off a tee in Macon.
Calen Collins prepares to hit
during a game in Macon.

AGUE OF MA
CON

COURTESY THE MIRACLE LEAGUE OF MACON

In 1998, youth baseball coach Eddie Bagwell invited a
player's 7-year-old brother who used a wheelchair to come to
games and practices, and the seeds of a dream were planted.
Soon other youngsters with disabilities in Rockdale County
joined in practices and asked if they could play, too.
"At first, they played on a traditional baseball field," says
Stephanie Davis, vice president of national programs for The
Miracle League. "But as the program grew to more than 35 players with special needs and disabilities, members of the community realized that the impediments of raised bases and other
limitations were preventing full enjoyment for the players."
Rockdale County businessman Dean Alford and the Rotary
Clubs of Rockdale County and Conyers decided to raise money

E MIRACLE LE

Small beginnings, big impact

to build a modified baseball field
designed for players with special needs
and disabilities. Bases, home plate and
other markers are level with the rest of
the field; the baselines are wider. The
field is made of synthetic rubberized
turf to accommodate players who use
wheelchairs, braces, walkers or crutches.
"The field is a typical youth size so
that players have the opportunity to hit
the ball over the fence," Davis says. "And
believe me: Home runs happen a lot."
Miracle League players proudly wear uniforms and are
part of real teams. Games are similar to T-ball; everyone on the
team has one at-bat per inning, and each team member's at-bat
continues until he or she gets a hit.
"There are no outs; every player gets a hit, runs the bases
and scores a run each inning," Riggins says. "If a player cannot
hit a pitched ball, they can hit it off a tee, with or without the
help of a buddy."
Players run the bases with volunteer buddies, who are also
there to give encouragement and to ensure the safety of players
by assisting them, if needed, as they round the bases. Buddies
may run alongside players, push them in wheelchairs or give
them physical support.

COURTESY TH

PHOTO INC.

Jalya Smith celebrates as she and her
buddy, Timothy Walden, score a run
during a game with The Miracle League
of Newton County in Covington.

COURTESY SCORE

Ashton and other people with
special needs and disabilities started
playing in 2015 on a standard field
provided at no charge by Ware County
Parks & Recreation. The program has
six teams, and games are played on
Friday nights. The stands are filled
with parents, siblings, community
members and friends.
"We're still working to raise
funds to build our field, but The
Miracle League is here to stay," Riggins says. "The positive impact it has
made on our community has been,
in short, a miracle."

Brice Chesnut and his coach, J.C. Dooley,
enjoy a moment during a game in Macon.
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Georgia Magazine - May 2019

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