Miracle League Steps Up to the Plate
To Bring Baseball to Area Kids with Disabilities

SCHOOLCRAFT, Michigan, May 1, 2019 – A new local nonprofit aims to help southwest Michigan kids with disabilities take to the field and enjoy America’s favorite pastime.

The Southwest Michigan Miracle League (SMML) is raising $1.1 million to build a custom-designed baseball field in southwest Michigan for kids with physical, visual and other disabilities. Fundraising kicks off with a community event featuring a whiffle ball tournament along with cornhole games, raffles, concessions and much more. The fundraiser will be hosted by SMML’s Youth Board and happens on Saturday, May 11, 2019, from 5-8 p.m. at The Dome Sports Center, 12733 US-131 in Schoolcraft.

SMML recently received tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. Jud Hoff, President of SMML, said earning nonprofit status kickstarts the organization’s drive to bring a Miracle League Field to the region.

“We’re eager to make this Miracle League Field a reality for kids regardless of their abilities to compete,” said Hoff. “Every kid should have the chance to experience the fun and camaraderie of playing baseball on a field all their own. The Miracle League provides a break from their everyday challenges and barriers, allowing them to relax and be a kid.”

SMML is a member of the Miracle League, a national organization that provides opportunities for kids with disabilities to play baseball. It also promotes community support and sponsorship of Miracle Leagues, as well as construction of special facilities that meet the unique needs of Miracle League players and families.

A Miracle League Field is a custom-designed field with a cushioned, rubberized surface to help prevent injuries, wheelchair-accessible dugouts, and a flat playing surface to eliminate any
barriers to wheelchairs or visually impaired players. SMML plans to build a Miracle League Field near The Dome Sports Center and Next Level Performance on US-131 in Schoolcraft that would be open to players throughout southwest Michigan.

Hoff said the May 11 event will introduce area residents to the Miracle League and invite financial support for the proposed field. The entry fee for the event is $5 per person. All proceeds from the event will go toward building the Miracle League Field.

To learn more about SMML, visit the website at www.swmimiracle.org or the Southwest Michigan Miracle League Facebook page, or contact the organization at [email protected].