Miracle League of the Mid-Ohio Valley plans fifth demo game
Valerie Richards helps her daughter Jaenelle Richards practice batting prior to the start of Miracle League Demonstration Game hosted in May at Bennett Stump Field in Parkersburg City Park. (File photo)
From left, Miracle League athlete Sutton Cupp receives instruction on holding a baseball glove from her brother Caylor Cupp prior to the start of a Miracle League Demonstration Game in May at Bennett Stump Field in Parkersburg City Park. (File photo)
From left, umpire and local children's sports coach Darrell Miller walks athlete Emory Johnston back to the pitching mound during the Miracle League's Demonstration Game held at City Park in May. (File photo)
Valerie Richards helps her daughter Jaenelle Richards practice batting prior to the start of Miracle League Demonstration Game hosted in May at Bennett Stump Field in Parkersburg City Park. (File photo)
From left, Miracle League athlete Sutton Cupp receives instruction on holding a baseball glove from her brother Caylor Cupp prior to the start of a Miracle League Demonstration Game in May at Bennett Stump Field in Parkersburg City Park. (File photo)
From left, umpire and local children's sports coach Darrell Miller walks athlete Emory Johnston back to the pitching mound during the Miracle League's Demonstration Game held at City Park in May. (File photo)
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PARKERSBURG - For the third consecutive year, The Miracle League of the Mid-Ohio Valley will stage a demonstration baseball game for athletes with disabilities.
The Miracle League's fifth demonstration game is set for 5 p.m. Saturday at Bennett Stump Field in Parkersburg City Park.
The fall game comes after the local Miracle League's best-ever turnout in May, with nearly 24 players participating. The group’s first ogranizzational meeting was held in early 2024.
Discussions are underway with a local youth sports organization to create a permanent home for the Miracle League, while fundraising and awareness efforts for the organization continue.
The public is invited to attend Saturday's game. There is no admission, but donations are requested. Athletes are asked to arrive at 4:30 p.m. on gameday for registration. All proceeds support The Miracle League of the Mid-Ohio Valley. UnPuzzled Parents Connect will also provide water and snacks to the athletes and families at no charge.
The Miracle League is once again partnering with The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley to host the event. The Arc supports the game through participation of volunteers from their People First of West Virginia organization and with behind-the-scenes event support.
Nearly 24 athletes are registered, with a few first-time participants planning to play. The game is open to both athletes who've never competed in the Miracle League and those who've participated in any of the prior demo games; there is no age limit. Those interested in registering a player are asked to email league President Brian Lee at mov.miracle.league@gmail.com.
In addition, the local organization is looking for high school athletic teams interested in becoming "buddies" for the Miracle League athletes. These buddies would assist players who might need extra help with batting or playing the field. Buddies for this game do not have to be baseball or softball players. Coaches interested in getting their teams involved are asked to e-ail Lee at the address listed above.
More information for families and prospective participants in the upcoming demonstration game, as well as upcoming board meetings, can be found on the organization's Facebook page, The Miracle League of the Mid-Ohio Valley. Those interested are also welcome to inquire about joining the board to help plan the league's next steps.
Miracle League is a national organization that started in Georgia in 2000. There are more than 350 Miracle League organizations in North America, serving more than 450,000 children and adults.