Miracle League of San Diego provides children with mental or physical disabilities the opportunity to play baseball as a team member in an organized league in a safe and inclusive environment for participants to significantly develop physical, social and mental abilities. But it’s really so much more…

Miracle League of San Diego is hundreds of dedicated players, parents, coaches, buddies, fans and volunteers that come together on Saturdays to support, encourage and inspire each other. It’s what happens when everyone is included and diversity is embraced. It’s a true community.

In a unique partnership with the County of San Diego Parks and Recreation Department, and with the support of the San Diego Padres, MLSD built the first ADA accessible ball field of its kind in Southern California. The $1.2 million field was funded with public and private funds and grants. The field surface is Mondo’s Super X, a flat rubber mat that ensures that children with special needs can safely play ball. Upgrades include the electronic scoreboard and PA system that provide a unique and memorable experience for the athletes and their many fans.

MLSD is more than just baseball. MLSD increases the physical activity and social connectedness of children with disabilities so they can enjoy the physical, emotional and social benefits of participating as a valued member of a team.

Miracle League of San Diego hosts two baseball seasons every year – a Spring season that runs from March through May and a Fall Season that runs from September through November. Each season consists of 8 games, with different teams playing each other every week.
All games are played on Saturdays, at the Engel Family Field, and last for one hour, with the first game beginning at 10:00 a.m. and the last game at 2:00 p.m. (There are no additional practices.)

Each team has 2-3 volunteer coaches, and each player is assigned a volunteer buddy who provides encouragement and assists with hitting the ball and rounding the bases.

At the Miracle League, everyone is a winner…because during each game, every child is given the opportunity to bat, every child scores and every team wins because all of the league's two-inning games finish with tied scores.

Miracle League of San Diego functions successfully due to many generous volunteers. There are many ways to get involved in Miracle League during the season and off-season. At the field on Saturdays we have volunteers that help with games —coaches, buddies, and umpires. We also have great volunteers that run our grill and snack shack, where treats and Miracle League gear are sold. There is always a need for volunteers on game days — the absolute best way to experience what MLSD is really about.

• Game Day Volunteers -- Game days are the most critical aspect of the organization. Many volunteers are needed to make game day operations run smoothly.
• Coaches -- are volunteers ranging in age from high school to senior citizens. Coaches provide guidance, encouragement, and compassion as well as organization. There are three coaches per team and there are no practices.
• Buddies -- are volunteers ranging in age from elementary school to senior citizens. Buddies provide safety first, enthusiastically play baseball with their special needs athlete and encourage them to have fun! They make a season-long commitment to their player, follow the "Buddy Pledge" and can receive community service credit.
• Team Parents
• Scorer’s Table
• Pitchers
• Information/check-in volunteers -- help provide information to fans and visitors, and sell Miracle League gear. Information/check-in volunteers should be at least 12 years old, or accompanied by an adult.
• Umpires -- provide support and encouragement to athletes as they round the bases and assist with safety and equipment. Umpires should be at least seven years old, or accompanied by an adult.
• Jack’s Snack Shack – help to serve game day treats and drinks. Snack shack volunteers should be at least seven years old, or accompanied by an adult.
• Food Preparation and Grill -- help to prepare and serve hot dogs and chicken sandwiches to the fans. Grill volunteers should be at least fifteen years old, or accompanied by an adult.
• Field Set-Up/Clean-Up

To learn more about Miracle League of San Diego, please visit our web site.

Contact:	Annette Eros
Title:	Executive Director
Phone:	(619) 231-8852
Email:	Contact Us
Website:	www.miracleleagueofsandiego.org

Ongoing Activities & Events:

Miracle League of San Diego hosts two baseball seasons every year – a Spring season that runs from March through May and a Fall Season that runs from September through November. The current fall season runs from September 26 through November 21, 2009. Each season consists of 8 games, with different teams playing each other every week. All games are played on Saturdays, at the Engel Family Field, and last for one hour, with the first game beginning at 10:00 a.m. and the last game at 2:00 p.m.