LET’S PLAY BALL

John Hill

That phrase will be ringing out in the near future as the Muskingum Valley Miracle League nears completion of a new ball diamond on property adjacent to the Starlight Program campus on Newark Road. The property was leased to the Miracle League group by the County Commissioners in 2007 to build the field and facilities to offer children and young adults an opportunity to participate in the game of baseball. The sports complex should draw participants from several regional counties.

The Miracle League idea began in Georgia several years ago in an effort to provide a place and means for children with disabilities to play organized baseball with their peers.

The idea has spread throughout the country and through the efforts of Fred Grant and Caribeth Legats with the help of several community clubs and individuals through public and private funding, this dream will become a reality for many children and young adults in the Muskingum Valley area.

The concept is simple. Teams of children and young adults will play baseball on a totally accessible field with the assistance of “buddies” to help them as needed while friends and family watch. This simple idea has taken much planning and work of the Miracle League Board of Directors including Dan McVey, Bill Hill, Tim McLain, Del Dunlap, Mike Lynch, John Hill and Caribeth Legats. This group has guided the planning of the  accessible facility including the rubberized surface, bleachers, lighting, support building housing restrooms and snack bar and the parking area.

The construction began last fall and should conclude this summer. Opening day ceremonies will be planned to kick off the use of the field. Teams will be organized soon and volunteers will be recruited to help. If any one is interested in participating as a player or as a buddy, please contact Caribeth Legats at 740.453.0315.