Most people take it for granted that they will have a park or playground to participate in athletic events competitively or just for fun. But for those who have disabilities, it is a miracle if they can find a safe and secure place to take part in and enjoy their favorite sports activity.

After three years of planning and preparing, and thousands of dollars of donations, The Miracle League of Pensacola can finally say with satisfaction and pride, "Let's play ball!"

It is little short of amazing that the league last week offered its first game for disabled young people, allowing them to participate in a full-fledged baseball game on a baseball diamond specially designed to accommodate their needs and desires.

The doubleheader baseball game launched the start of the 2005 spring season that certainly brought many smiles to the children's faces and tears to eyes of the parents who watched their youngsters in full baseball uniforms compete and play on their own baseball field.

The Miracle League offers children and young adults who have disabilities the unique opportunity to play baseball on an organized team, something that could not have happened if not for the generosity of donors who helped pay for the construction of the specially designed baseball diamond.

We salute all the businesses, organizations and individuals who stepped up to the plate to donate and raise the nearly $400,000 that was needed to help make this dream a reality for disabled children in our community.

The baseball field -- Mitchell Homes Miracle League Park in the John R. Jones Athletic Complex -- has a rubberized, cushioned synthetic turf that allows children who are handicapped to run and play without fear of injury.

Founded in Conyers, Ga., the Miracle League built the first baseball field for handicapped children in the nation. Following its lead, the Miracle League of Pensacola gives children in our area the experience and excitement of participating in the great American pastime -- baseball.

To be sure, there is something special and enchanting about playing the game of baseball that lights up youngsters' eyes. Playing baseball, however, presents a challenge for children with physical and mental disabilities. The Miracle League gives these special children the opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and experience the pure joy of playing baseball. After all, every child deserves a chance to participate in athletic activities if they can.

"If we can give these parents memories to go on forever -- everything else you can lose, but you cannot lose the memories," said Larry Thompson, who helped to bring Miracle League to Pensacola.

Indeed, the Miracle League brings joy and smiles to young, disabled children and memories for their parents that will last a lifetime.

©The Pensacola News Journal

April 30, 2005