Special by: Pam Huggins, United Cerebral Palsy of Northwest Florida

Pensacola now has its own version of Angels in the Outfield yet it is far more down to earth than the popular family movie by the same name.

Pensacola's angels in the outfield are the "buddies" who volunteer to play Miracle League with a partner who has a developmental disability.  The buddies are on the field with the players to help and to protect the players.

United Cerebral Palsy of Northwest Florida and Miracle League teamed up to present a workshop to help buddies better understand the abilities and needs of players with developmental disabilities.  Buddies of all ages, their families and coaches participated in the training on Monday, September 12. 

Led by Trudy O’Brien and Lynn Carper of UCP, the session taught techniques to allow players with disabilities to participate in the baseball games as fully as possible.  Buddies were made aware of protective maneuvers and were also thanked for the most important thing they bring to the game, enthusiasm along with a sincere willingness to become friends with the players.

Categories of disabilities, wheelchair safety, and methods of communications were discussed. O’Brien and Carper explained the importance of communicating directly with a person with a disability.  Participants were also advised on proper terminology and on terms to avoid such as "crippled," "handicapped," "afflicted," "lame," and "deformed."  It is demeaning and discouraging to use such terms.  Using terms such as "person with a disability," "person who uses a wheelchair," or "physically disabled" shows more understanding of the situation.

With the help of buddies, the six teams in Miracle League kick off the second season of the model program on Saturday, October 1, with three games.  Games will continue each Saturday the entire month of October.  For more information on attending or participating, call 433-7404.