An organized baseball league for kids, ages 4-19, with ANY physical &/or mental disability: www.greenbaymiracleleague.com
Welcome to the Miracle League of Green Bay
Welcome to the Miracle League of Green Bay, made possible largely by the generosity of Green Bay's Dick Resch, after whom our field is named, "Resch Miracle Field", and by former Green Bay Packer Brett Favre & wife Deanna, for whom our recreation area is named, the "Favre Family Miracle Recreation Area". Our thanks to many, many others who are noted within. Photos are proudly included on this site.
The Allouez Optimists Miracle League of Green Bay is a non-profit organization that provides children with mental and/or physical challenges, ages 4 to 19 years, an opportunity to play baseball as a team member, with real uniforms, in an organized league, regardless of their capabilities. Founded in 2006, it is one of only two Miracle League programs in the state of Wisconsin to-date, with the other being in Kenosha.
League History
Dylan can’t walk but that doesn’t stop him from rounding second base. Jennifer has Down Syndrome, but the Miracle League has given her more self-esteem than her parents ever dreamed possible. Kaliegh can’t hear, but the cheers of his teammates have never been louder. These children are among the 5.2 million in our country with disabilities. The Miracle League gives hundreds of disabled children something few dreamed possible, the chance to play baseball. Yet in all their joy and triumph, there’s still one thing missing - the ability to play the sport like everyone else.
First Ever Baseball Complex for Children with Disabilities opens in Conyers, GA.
The idea of building specially equipped baseball fields was born in Georgia when a boy in a wheelchair showed up to play in a youth baseball program. One of the coaches took the boy as a member of his team. After that, Georgia's Rockdale Youth Baseball Association organized games for 35 players with special needs. Soon it became evident that, while the idea was extremely well received by the children and their families, conventional baseball fields were inadequate for children with disabilities.
The grassy turf was very difficult for their wheelchairs, walkers and braces to navigate, and bumps and irregular surface made moving around awkward and dangerous. This spawned the idea to build a field with a special surface that was safe and easy to navigate for those with disabilities. Dean Alford, and the Rotary Clubs of Rockdale County and Conyers, GA. stepped forward to form the Rotary Miracle League Fund to raise money to build a special complex of facilities. A field was designed with a custom synthetic turf and handicapped accessible dugouts, restrooms and drinking fountains. This was the beginning of what is now called "The Miracle League".
Physically and mentally challenged children are paired with able-bodied volunteer "buddies" who assist them in batting catching, throwing and running. Every child gets a turn at bat and in the outfield, and every child gets across home plate. The point of the game is less about baseball and more about fun! The benefits gained by everyone involved are tremendous. The child's self esteem grows, they make friends, become less isolated and "just become a regular kid, not a kid with a disability."
·Provide opportunities for children with
disabilities to play Miracle League Baseball,
regardless of their capabilities.
·Promote community support and
sponsorship of Miracle Leagues.
·Promote the construction of special facilities
that meet the unique needs of Miracle
League players and their families.
