Sharing America's favorite pastime with as many families as possible is the idea behind Miracle League of Chattanooga.
"Miracle League is a national program with more than 300 chapters across the country," Mike McGauley, vice chairman of the board for Miracle League Chattanooga, said by phone.
He said the program's focus is to provide baseball and other team sports to individuals with mental or physical challenges, regardless of age.
"The numbers are stark," he said. "People don't realize that these individuals account for 10-12% of the total population, and when you look at Hamilton County with about 400,000 residents, you can see that looks like something close to 40,000. Most of our players are younger, but we have some that are in their late teens and 20s, too. There's no limitation when it comes to that."
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Tori Glover, program director for YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga, said the program is run by the Downtown YMCA and hosts its games and events at the Rotary Field in the Miracle League Complex at Warner Park.
"It truly touches the lives of its participants and their families, " she said by phone. "Seeing our players be successful in the ways they want to be means so much. Miracle League is noncompetitive, so every player gets the chance to hit the ball, run the bases and take turns playing the outfield and cheering on their fellow players. It's a whole experience."
She said parents are able to sit in the stands and cheer for their children, and players select their own "walk-out song" to play as they take the field and an announcer comes over the intercom to call their name.
This year marks the fifth anniversary for the Chattanooga chapter, which was the first to begin in Tennessee, according to McGauley. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Miracle League families and their guests, as well as members of the community in the area, are invited to the free anniversary celebration at the Miracle League Complex to enjoy food, games photo opps and more.
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Contributed Photo by Miracle League of Chattanooga /Miracle League of Chattanooga provides baseball and other team sports to individuals with mental and physical disabilities."Families that want to sign up a player can do so at any time," Glover added. "If you miss the event on Saturday, you can still register and be able to play the first game Sept. 24."
Miracle League of Chattanooga offers both fall and spring seasons that play for six weeks apiece with special events built in, including tournaments and all-star games, McGauley said. Other teams also come in to play with the Chattanooga players during select events and games.
Families can register by contacting Glover directly at 423-266-3766 or tglover@ymcachattanooga.org or visiting ymcachattanooga.org and clicking on the Miracle League tab. The fee is $65, and McGauley said there are scholarships available for anyone who has a financial need.
"We don't ever want finances to be the reason that someone doesn't get to play," he said.
Players are paired with a buddy for the season who assists with everything from hitting the ball to helping run the bases or whatever is needed. Glover said that while some families come with their preferred buddy, the program provides buddies for every player as needed and that it's a great opportunity for members of the community to volunteer.
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"Our goal this year is to really increase awareness about what the Miracle League is and the services we offer," Glover said, adding that anyone interested in volunteer opportunities should contact her directly.
McGauley added that while Warner Park is very visible, Miracle League officials find that many people aren't aware of the Miracle League Complex, and this year, they hope to grow their program and visibility.
"We anticipate about 100 players this season," he said. "We fell off on our numbers a little during the pandemic, but we've come back with most of our families and have more new families joining us this year, and we'd love for that to continue."
Email Brandi Dixon at bdixon@timesfreepress.com.