Welcome to the Miracle League of Green Bay, made possible largely by the generosity of Green Bay's Dick Resch, after whom our field is named, "Resch Miracle Field", and by former Green Bay Packer, Brett Favre & wife, Deanna, for whom our recreation area is named, the "Favre Family Miracle Recreation Area". Our thanks to many, many others who are noted within. Photos are proudly included on this site. The Allouez Optimists Miracle League of Green Bay is a non-profit organization that provides children with mental and/or physical challenges, ages 4 to 19 years, an opportunity to play baseball as a team member, with real uniforms, in an organized league, regardless of their capabilities. Founded in 2006, it was one of only two Miracle League programs in the state of Wisconsin, with the other being in Kenosha. HISTORY
In 1998, Rockdale Youth Baseball Association’s coach Eddie Bagwell invited the first child with a disability to play baseball on his team; Michael, a seven-year-old child in a wheelchair, attended every game and practice while cheering on his five-year-old brother playing America’s favorite past-time. And in 1999, other children with disabilities were invited to play baseball on a typical baseball field within the baseball complex of the Rockdale Youth Baseball Association (RYBA). The players had expressed the desire to dress in uniforms, make plays on the field, and round the bases just like their mainstream peers. The league began with 35 players on four teams that first year. It was decided that:
- Every player bats once each inning
- All players are safe on the bases
- Every player scores a run before the inning is over (last one up gets a home run)
- Community children and volunteers serve as ‘buddies’ to assist the players
- Each team and each player wins every game
The main concern was the playing surface, presenting potential safety hazards for players in wheelchairs or walkers. The Rotary Clubs of Rockdale County and Conyers stepped forward to form the Rotary Miracle League Fund, Inc., a 501 (c) 3 organization. The new organization had two objectives: (1) raise the funds necessary to build a special complex with facilities that meet the unique needs of the Miracle League players, and (2) assist in the outreach efforts for Miracle Leagues across the country. With the help of community volunteers and corporations, the design and construction of the first Miracle League complex was underway. The complex would include a custom-designed field with a cushioned rubberized surface to help prevent injuries, wheelchair-accessible dugouts, and a completely flat surface to eliminate any barriers to wheelchair-bound or visually impaired players. The design also included three grass fields, which could be converted to the synthetic rubber surface as the league grew. In addition, accessible restrooms, a concession stand, and picnic pavilion were included in the design
The first of its kind Miracle League Field broke ground on December 31, 1999, and The Miracle League complex was completed in April 2000. On opening day, the Miracle League rosters had grown to over 120 players. The players raced around the bases and chatted with their teammates in the dugouts as they celebrated. Nicholas Slade, a player who had been in a coma just a week before, threw out the first ball. The players’ enthusiasm has continued to grow. By spring 2002, over 270 players filled the Miracle League rosters. The parents tell stories of their children insisting on playing despite bouts with kidney stones, broken bones, and recent hospitalizations. The thrill of playing, the cheers from the stands, and the friendships they develop make the Miracle League Field an oasis away from their everyday battles. Our umpire describes this as the only league where no one ever gets mad at him or her.
“Buddies” assist Miracle League player. These buddies are mainstream children who play baseball, youth church groups to mention a few. As a result, the parents, children and volunteers are all brought together, special needs and mainstream alike, in a program, which serves them all through service to children with special needs. The program is opened to children from any community and, until April 2002, was one of a kind. The publicity from these media events, coupled with positive word of mouth, raises awareness among the families of children with special needs and allows the Miracle League Association to take the program across the country. Presently there are over 300 Miracle League Organizations across the country. The Miracle League is proud to serve over 200,000 children and young adults with disabilities.
