Heartwarming baseball game held in Benton, KY

BENTON, Ky. (KBSI) – A heartwarming baseball game and great friendships took place at the CFSB Field of Dreams in Mike Miller Park thanks to the Miracle League.

“There are so many kids out there who never even dreamed that this would be a possibility for them to be a part of a team and to play baseball,” said Britney Moss, director of Marshall County Parks Department and Miracle League of Western Kentucky.

She says the Miracle League is a national program and specialized facility that caters to kids and adults with any type of physical or mental disability and brings them out and gets them to enjoy a game of baseball.

“Their parents just get to be fans, and they get to be out there cheering their kids on and it’s a really special moment for them as well,” said Moss.

Moss says what makes these games so unique is that the fields have no grass or dirt which allows individuals who use assistive devices like wheelchairs and walkers to be able to get out on the field and participate with no obstacles.

“Our first season, last season, we had 44 athletes from eight different western Kentucky counties,” said Moss. “So, we were thrilled with that kind of response.”

She says she’s excited to see the growth in numbers since the program is more often found in larger cities. So, its rare for this league to happen in rural areas.

“So, it was very important to us, when we started the Miracle League, that we make it a regional thing,” she said.

One of the favorite parts of the league is what they call “the buddy system” which means every athlete is partnered with an able-bodied mate. Whether it is a volunteer from the community or a high school athlete, someone helps them swing a bat or run a base.

“It’s the most life-changing this to see a child wheeled or run their way across home plate for the first time,” said Moss. “There’s not a dry eye in the house.”

She says the connection between each person and team is another great part of the league and that the bonds made are priceless.

“It’s just so special to see them, not only be a part of the team and maybe meeting other athletes that also have challenges but to see them forming those relationships with their buddies that would be outside their typical social circles,” she said. “It is just an amazing thing to witness and be a part of.”

For anyone who missed opening day, and are in southeast Missouri, southern Illinois or western Kentucky, the league will continue through June.