More than once we’ve witnessed miracles as individuals get out of their wheelchairs or throw their walkers aside as they were determined to walk across home plate on their own”

Executive Director at Miracle League of Arizona Cassandra Switalski.

By Terrance Thornton
Twitter: @NVNEWSMAN

Intertwined within the fabric of American society is the common ideal all are created equal — or, at the very least, a level playing field of life exists where all can compete on fair terms.

And, no other sport emulates these ideas better than America’s Pastime: Baseball.

From its mathematical brilliance identified on the field of play to the one-on-one duel between batter and pitcher the sport of baseball is a beloved part of the American experience.

While many are not blessed with the ability to put a spin on a baseball like Fernando Valenzuela or hit 100 MPH pitches at a .400 clip like Ted Williams, those of us who were able to pick up a bat, a ball and a glove were given a fair share of time in the sun.

But not all are as fortunate to have had those experiences.

There are some children who cannot participate in the simple joys of the world, but for a few days a week the Miracle League of Arizona makes sure all children have the opportunity to discover the joy of baseball.

“The Miracle League of Arizona was created to provide a fun, safe, and adaptive baseball experience for individuals with special needs,” said Executive Director at Miracle League of Arizona Cassandra Switalski.

“Often isolated or with restricted opportunities, those with special needs get the chance to be on a team, make friends, and participate in America’s favorite pastime. Athletes get paired up with volunteers that aim to help each individual succeed. This covers everything from hand-over-hand assistance to high fives and words of encouragement. This is all offered at no cost to the participating families, as we are aware of the other high costs they may already have to deal with on a daily basis.”

The Miracle League of Arizona is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization serving children from all over Arizona at it’s Scottsdale location at 1130 E. Cholla Street.

“What started as 20 youth participating on a Saturday has grown into over 300 individuals playing across four days a week, within various age groups, three seasons a year, and even including competitive divisions,” Ms. Switalski pointed out of operations at Dan Haren Jr. Field.

“All abilities and ages are welcome, and we find that families travel from around the Valley to join us.”

Ms. Switalski says it takes a village to make the Miracle League of Arizona shine.

“Hundreds of volunteers give of their time to be coaches and one-on-one helpers for our athletes, as well as local baseball teams, companies, and civic groups,” she said.

“The organization strives to give our athletes that Major-league feel, which includes personalized jerseys with their names and numbers, a walk-up song and announcement when they come up to bat, and their very own baseball cards. We also partner with several special needs organizations that use our adaptive baseball facility to play ball on days of the week that our league is inactive.”

Miracle League of Arizona features a custom-designed, rubberized turf to allow easy maneuverability for wheelchairs, walkers and other devices. Miracle League officials explain dugout areas are spacious and flat and the facility features a fully-stocked concession stand for drinks, snacks and souvenirs, stadium-style seating, and ADA accessible restrooms.

“The Miracle League is so great because it gives individuals with special needs the chance to get out and be active, socialize with their peers, be part of something bigger than themselves, and be welcomed and included in the fun of the game,” Ms. Switalski said of the sought-after environment created for children with special needs. “Volunteers that give of their time also walk away with an increased knowledge of the special needs community as well as the reward of helping others, and a broadened perspective.”

The experience for families with special needs transcends the day-to-day responsibilities of living with disabilities — and, importantly, gives parents a chance to celebrate their children.

“For parents, it’s a wonderful way for them to celebrate their child and either play with them on the field or sit back and cheer them on while they connect with other parents,” she said. “The Miracle League washes away isolation and stereotypes with the power of friendship and play.”

It takes a village

A simple truth of the nonprofit sector is without sponsorships, donors and grant systems their efforts would likely not exist today.

The Fiesta Bowl Charities — and it’s army of volunteers, the Yellow Jackets — believe in the mission of Miracle League of Arizona and this current grant cycle provided the effort with a $25,000 grant.

“What Miracle League is doing for athletes of all ages is amazing,” said Jose Moreno of Fiesta Bowl Charities. “They are demonstrating to the community that disability is not an obstacle to engage in the game of baseball and have fun! They are teaching so many about the importance of inclusion.”

The feeling of inclusion bursts around athletes, volunteers and parents helping to build confidence in children who may not have experienced those thoughts before.

“Through encouragement, friendship, and celebration, athletes that participate in the league gain confidence, improve their physical skills and strength, and leave the ballpark with a sense of pride,” Ms. Switalski explains.

“Friendships that start at a game blossom into lifelong relationships off the field. Physical, mental, and health challenges are forgotten as athletes are motivated by their peers and are simply having fun. We have had several athletes accomplish more with a season of Miracle league than they have in a year of physical therapy.”

For those involved, they say, the experience is transformative.

“More than once we’ve witnessed miracles as individuals get out of their wheelchairs or throw their walkers aside as they were determined to walk across home plate on their own,” Ms. Switalski said. “Several of those athletes are now playing ball completely unaided by chairs or walkers, as they’ve developed the strength and balance season after season.”

Mr. Moreno says from his experience, Miracle League of Arizona is an exemplification of how modern American society should operate beyond fields of play.

“Miracle League is vital to the entire community because it brings families together, it builds friendships, and allows athletes to gain a stronger sense of pride in the game they love playing,” he said. “Miracle League is a hidden gem in the Scottsdale community, one of the most unique stadiums in the country and amongst the national Miracle League network.”

Financial support from Fiesta Bowl Charities matters, Ms. Switalski contends.

“Thanks to the generosity of Fiesta Bowl Charities, we are able to provide our athletes an even more realistic major league experience as the grant dollars go towards a new video board at our stadium,” she said.

“On top of personalized walk-up music and an announcement when they come up to bat, they will also have their name and photo up on the big screen just like at Chase Field. All 300 of our athletes deserve that chance to feel like a baseball all-star. Thanks to Fiesta Bowl Charities, we are able to make those opportunities a reality.”

No matter what, Mr. Moreno says he believes all ought to be included in all aspects of life.

“Individuals with a disability want to be and have a right to be included, so what Miracle League is doing to support that is amazing,” he said. “They are showcasing how important it is to have inclusion for all, at whatever skill level that person has.”

Go to miracleleagueaz.com