Grant makes ‘Miracle’ grow

When kids step—or wheel, use a walker, or are guided—up to plate at Florida’s Violet Field, they are on an even playing field—both literally and figuratively.

Literally, because Violet Field is home to the Kiwanis Club of Gulf Beach Miracle League and is specially designed to accommodate young players who have mental and/or physical disabilities. The barrier-free surface is completely level and made of a soft rubber material, eliminating tripping hazards and allowing players to use their wheelchairs, braces, crutches, and walkers as they round the flat, painted-on bases or guard the outfield.

And figuratively, because for many Miracle League baseball players, being on that field is one time they feel as though they are just like everyone else.

“They know for that short time—that hour-and-a-half—when they are playing Miracle League baseball, they are not different. They are equal with everyone else,” says Kiwanian Eddie Lee. “(The players) are just as happy as they can be, and they all have huge smiles.”

Violet Field was built after the Kiwanis Club of Gulf Beaches amassed the necessary US$330,000 needed for its construction, and a portion of the funding came from a Kiwanis International Foundation grant.

“Sheer joy. That’s what you see when you witness children playing Miracle League baseball,” says Kiwanis International Foundation President Stan Storey. “There is no doubt Miracle League makes a difference in children’s lives; and that is exactly why the Kiwanis International Foundation exists: to assist Kiwanis International in serving the children of the world.”

The program threw out its first pitch this past March and saw about 100 youth during its first spring season. Eddie says there will be 125 participants in the fall season, which begins in September, and 150-175 by November.