Put them in coach. They’re ready to play. Disable baseball players in Brainerd can now get off the sidelines and into the action at Brainerd’s new Miracle League baseball field. The field’s special surface is designed to enable better mobility for disabled players in wheelchairs or other restraints.
James Wallin, Brainerd Mayor, says, “Just an absolute jewel within our city as far as having a facility that will be able to accommodate those less fortunate, handicapped or whatever reason that they normally would not be able to play ball to come out here and to be a part of the entertainment that they can only watch on TV.”
Brainerd Miracle League visionary, Darlys Every, says, “Well it means a whole lot to me. It’s a dream come true. About four years ago I went to a disabilities convention and saw their Miracle League down there. And talked to Kevin Thoreson about it. And wanted to know if one of these would go in Brainerd and he said sure. So here’s the result of the dream.”
Disabled ball players will now get to experience the feeling of playing the game they love while swinging for the fences midst of a community baseball environment.
Tony Sailer, Brainerd’s Parks and Recreations director, says, “The location is surrounded by two other baseball fields. They wanted the Miracle League players to be a part of the whole baseball experience. They didn’t want them set aside somewhere else and make them feel that they’re not wanted. They’re going to be wanted here at Bane Park. They’re going to be part of the whole thing.”
The inspiration for Brainerd’s Miracle League, Every, says this field is a dream come true for him. He plans to stay on the sidelines, but this time he’ll be able to watch kids, like him, in wheelchairs get the opportunity he never had to play ball.
Every says, “Oh just spectator I imagine. Mainly encouraging the kids, trying to get more kids to come down and participate. Watching and the smiles on their faces and you saw that here today. There’s pretty happy kids when they hit the ball and run. That’s the best part of the whole game.”
The city is forming leagues for the field and the first game is right around the corner.