HAMILTON: In the Miracle League, all are winners

HAMILTON — The score is always tied at the end of the game. The focus is on participation and inclusion rather than winning. These are the rules of baseball on Miracle Field.
The Rotary of Robbinsville/Hamilton Townships embarked on a $250,000 capital-raising program in 2004 to cover the cost of building the barrier-free baseball diamond known as Miracle Field. The field allows individuals with disabilities to move freely around the bases and throughout the field regardless of any physical and/or cognitive limitations they may have. These individuals are part of the Miracle League in New Jersey.
The league is in its ninth year, according to Dan Sczweck, executive director of the Miracle League of Mercer County.
"We will have four teams compete this fall, beginning on Opening Day Sept. 13," Mr. Sczweck said. "First game is at 11 a.m."
Each game lasts one hour and is non-competitive in nature, with every player batting, rounding the bases and scoring each inning. Volunteers (buddies) are assigned to each player to assist and provide encouragement throughout the game, both in and out of the dugout. The teams have 8–12 players.
Girls and boys as young as the age of 5 and adults up to the age of 99 are eligible to participate in the Miracle League of Mercer County regardless of their level of ability or experience.
"The best part about the program is that it’s not just to serve Mercer County but whoever is interested in the area," Mr. Sczweck said. "People come from Pennsylvania, northern New Jersey, Delaware. It’s something that goes beyond our borders of Mercer."
Miracle League athletes get to experience being part of a team, supporting each other and developing positive, encouraging relationships. Their success on the baseball field translates into improved self-esteem and confidence while developing their physical and social skills.
"It’s a really interesting and fun program, just giving them the opportunity to go out there, put on a uniform and a hat and be part of a team, go around the bases and have a good time," Mr. Sczweck said.
Miracle League benefits reach far beyond the players. Family members get an opportunity to relax, watch, support and celebrate their children’s success on the field while developing lasting friendships with other members of the Miracle League community.
"It’s great for parents because for that period of time they get to be just parents seeing their kids smile," Mr. Sczweck said. "It’s a very rewarding thing."
Volunteer coaches provide support and encouragement to all players and "buddies," which are also referred to as "angels in the outfield," get to experience first-hand what it means to give back to the community and experience a true inclusive environment as they support and encourage their players and team.
"It’s absolutely about more than just baseball," Mr. Sczweck said. "It’s really about community, family, everyone coming together and having a good time."
All games are played on Miracle Field at the Hamilton Area YMCA Sawmill Branch. All league games take place on Saturdays, with spring season games played from April to June and fall season games played from September to October.
The field, a cushioned synthetic turf to prevent injuries, provides easy mobility around the bases without obstruction and allows players to enjoy games in a safe and unencumbered fashion. The base paths, bases, batters’ box, pitcher’s mound, and home plate are painted on the surface. This design eliminates barriers for players who are visually impaired, use a wheelchair or walker, or use any other type of mobile device.
The dugouts, concession stand, picnic pavilion, and restrooms are wheelchair accessible. All surfaces are completely flat to eliminate any barriers to wheelchairs, crutches, braces and those who are visually impaired. The field also includes an electronic scoreboard and lights for evening games.
The parking area is circular for easy drop-off and pick-up for players with multiple handicaps and van parking spaces are available.
The donation of land from the Hamilton Area YMCA helped get The Miracle League of Mercer County underway. The Miracle League of Mercer County is governed by a board of directors that consists of members from the Rotary, Miracle League, and Hamilton Area YMCA. The Hamilton Area YMCA oversees the operation of the league.
The Miracle League relies on the support of sponsors and donors to build a positive, inclusive environment that serves children with disabilities as well as everyone in the community.
"People can support the Miracle League through donations and we’re very much heavily reliant on volunteers — ‘angels in outfield’ and coaches — or come out and help us at the snack stand or sell merchandise or just come out and be part of the experience," Mr. Sczweck said.
The Miracle League of Mercer County will hold its 2014 Golf Outing on Sept. 29 at Old York Country Club in Chesterfield, with registration starting at 11 a.m. Proceeds from the golf outing, which is the only annual fundraiser for the organization, will be used for ongoing programs and maintenance of the field.
For more information about The Miracle League, visit miracleleaguemercer.orgrhrotary.org or call 609-581-5810.