Patrick Sharrock and his mother Cindy Sharrock.
When Patrick Sharrock, who was born with “brittle bone disease” (osteogenesis imperfecta), began playing baseball with the Miracle League in Whitfield County in 2012, family friend Kim Chapman was his “buddy.” The adaptive baseball league invites people of all skills and abilities to a modified field to make it fun – and accessible – for all.
“The buddy encourages them [Miracle League ball players] and helps them at bat,” explained Cindy Sharrock, mother of the now 14-year-old Patrick, who is a freshman at Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High School.
Today, Chapman is president of the board for Miracle League of Chattanooga, a group dedicated to bringing the unique opportunity to downtown Chattanooga.
“She was just so inspired by the children playing and Patrick. Kim said, ‘We need a league in Chattanooga,'” Cindy Sharrock said.
The group still needs to raise funds to complete the field at Warner Park, which hosted a groundbreaking May 25.
To that end, several fundraisers are coming up.
Local real estate group The Edrington Team is hosting the inaugural Charity Golf Tournament to benefit Miracle League of Chattanooga. The Oct. 25 event is being held at Windstone Golf Club in Ringgold and includes breakfast, golf, giveaways, prizes, win-a-car hole, drinks and lunch provided by Texas Roadhouse.
Cost is $400 for a team of four. Sponsorship opportunities are available as well.
To register visit miracleleaguegolf.pgtb.me/t0W97v.
Cindy Sharrock said US-101 has teamed up with national syndicate iHeartRadio for Concert for a Cause being held Nov. 11 at Track 29 to benefit Miracle League of Chattanooga.
She is also part of the “Moms of Miracles” fundraising effort, a group of parents who have started a GoFundMe page.
“We set the fundraising goal at $200,000,” she said. “We really hope to open [the field] in the spring. The Miracle League of Chattanooga would be a benefit to a lot more than children. It would be beneficial for adults too like wounded warriors.”
Patrick said when he goes out to play ball with the Miracle League, he feels safe.
“Everyone gets a home run in Miracle League,” said his mother. “No one strikes out. There’s no outs.”
Patrick’s dream is to play ball in Chattanooga, so that his parents don’t have to drive him to Dalton, he said. Always a jokester, he uses the field to try and spread smiles. His mom said he forgets about his condition when he turns into his comedic self and begins telling jokes.
“His signature move is he rounds third and throws his baseball helmet down,” she said with a smile.