Opening Day 2007 Pictures

     Organized youth baseball programs have always been an important Cincinnati tradition. Cincinnati Recreation Commission’s Adapted Baseball Program began in 1986. In the fall of 2004, the CRC’s Division of Therapeutic Recreation decided to join the Miracle League to become the first Miracle League of Greater Cincinnati. The national association is made up of communities across the country that sponsor baseball programs for individuals with disabilities. CRC’s Adapted Baseball Program had much in common with the Miracle League and its belief that every individual deserves a chance to play baseball.

     This innovative program offers athletes the chance to have fun, as well as participate in an organized and competitive league. Every effort is made to create a “true” baseball experience with minimal changes. Volunteers, children and adults are recruited to provide in field assistance for the athletes as needed. This helps promote positive interactions among individuals with and without disabilities. Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of this league is the impact on the lives of the athletes, their families and their community.

     Funding for the league comes directly from the generous donations of citizens and area businesses such as The Kid Glove Powel Crosley Amateur Baseball Fund, Elder High School, Rohm & Haas, D.A.G. Construction, and the Spina Bifida Association of Cincinnati. The financial support of these sources has made a profound and positive difference in the lives of athletes with disabilities.

     Future sponsorship will enable the Cincinnati Recreation Commission’s Therapeutic Division to continually expand, and achieve their goals; to provide all athletes the opportunity to develop their baseball skills, promote cooperative teamwork, promote construction of special facilities which meets the unique needs of Miracle League players and their families, and above all, HAVE FUN!!!

THE MIRACLE LEAGUE MISSION is to:

• Provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities to play Miracle League baseball, whatever their abilities
• Promote community support and sponsorship of Miracle Leagues
• Promote the construction of special facilities which meet the unique needs of Miracle League players and their families.

     In the Spring of 2005, the Miracle League of Greater Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Recreation Commission and the Cincinnati Reds Community Fund began working together in the hopes of building a synthetic turf field that will have individuals with and without disabilities playing in the same park!!!!

www.miracleleague.com
and
www.redscommunityfund.com