Article: Thank You, Miracle League

[Sean Franken]

I’m going a bit off-topic this week. No John Jaha, no Seinfeld references, no tomfoolery (An underutilized word by the way). I’d like to bring attention to an organization that is near and dear to my heart, The Miracle League.

I remember vividly when I was first signed up to play organized baseball as a kid. I remember my uncle taking me shopping for my first baseball glove. I also remember getting a pair of flip-up sunglasses, just like the Major Leaguers wore. I was ready to play ball. Every kid deserves the chance to play baseball, and the Miracle League allows that to happen.

The Miracle League offers kids with disabilities the chance to play baseball. They get to pitch; they get to bat; they get to play in the field. There’s an Opening Day. A PA announcer introduces each player as they come to bat. There’s walk-up music. There are informs of Major League teams. They play the National Anthem and concession stands. Miracle League gives these kids an authentic baseball experience. 

The league is filled with amazing volunteers, from league organizers to coaches, to buddies. The buddies pair with a player and assist and encourage them while batting, running the bases, and playing the field. The players and the buddies are truly the heart and soul of Miracle League.

I first became aware of the league while watching my cousin play in it. Something about watching it really affected me. I wanted to be a part of this organization that gave these awesome kids the chance to play baseball. I started volunteering with Miracle League Green Bay as a coach back in 2017. My wife volunteers with me. Every summer, for an hour a week, I’m in awe seeing the joy on the kids’ faces when they get a hit and score a run as the entire park cheers them on. The smiles are infectious. No matter what is happening in life, that hour each week is pure happiness. Not just for the players but the other volunteers and me. Every kid I’ve coached has had an impact on me. I would encourage you to check and see if there is a Miracle League in your town. If so, catch a game, or better yet, volunteer. You won’t be disappointed.

In closing, I wanted to say thank you, Miracle League. Thank you for allowing me to coach these amazing kids. It truly has changed my life. When I started volunteering, I worked in banking for the better part of seventeen years. My experience in Miracle League made me realize I wanted to do something more in my career. I took a job at a Non Profit and am now the Director of the Employment & Training Program for adults with disabilities. We provide workplace training skills and assist in job development. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Most importantly, thank you for providing these kids the opportunity to play baseball. Thank you for providing joy and happiness in these kids’ lives. In a world where they may have been told that their opportunities are limited, you help show them that their opportunities are LIMITLESS. 

 

 

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[Seth Stohs]

I really enjoyed this. Thank you for sharing, and thank you for being a good example of what we all could do. 

[Seth Stohs]

I really enjoyed this. Thank you for sharing, and thank you for being a good example of what we all could do.