Every child deserves a chance to play baseball!

Since 2007, more than 800 participants have played baseball through the Carolina Miracle League. These games are about more than innings and runs. Many of these children and teens would never have the opportunity to participate in organized sports if not for Miracle Park, which hosts games for players facing mental and physical challenges.

Through these shared experiences, participants benefit from increased physical activity, bolster their self-confidence, bond with others sharing similar challenges, and have tremendous fun in the process. Families also benefit from the support network created through Carolina Miracle League, relying on each other for advice and resources. Over 700 buddies from all walks of life also give of their time to support our players during games each season – running the bases, retrieving balls, and providing assistance when needed. We also have help from many other volunteers each season.

If you haven’t yet experienced a game, either as a spectator, volunteer, or buddy, Carolina Miracle League invites you to experience this one-of-a-kind sporting event firsthand.

Who We Are

Carolina Miracle League is a charitable organization that provides children with mental and/or physical challenges an opportunity to play baseball as a team member in an organized league. There is something about playing the game of baseball that lights up youngsters’ eyes, but for children facing mental and physical challenges, that opportunity can often be a difficult first step. Carolina Miracle League allows these children to get out in the sunshine and enjoy playing the game of baseball in its purest form.

Todd can’t walk, but that doesn’t stop him from rounding second base. Rebecca has Down syndrome, but the Carolina Miracle League has given her more self-esteem than her parents ever dreamed possible. Joann can’t hear, but the cheers of his teammates have never been louder. Carolina Miracle League gives hundreds of disabled children something few dreamed possible: the chance to play baseball. Yet in all their joy and triumph, there’s still one thing missing – the ability to play the sport like everyone else.

These kids needed a place to play, so a specially equipped field called “Miracle Park” was built in Boiling Springs, South Carolina. This custom-designed venue incorporates a cushioned synthetic turf that accommodates wheelchairs and other walking assistance devices while helping prevent injuries. In other words, it provides a level-playing field where physically and mentally challenged children can hit, run, and catch – just like the best of them.

During each Carolina Miracle League game, every child has a chance to hit the ball and score a run. Each Carolina Miracle League player is assigned “buddies” who assist them in hitting the ball and “running” the bases. Buddies can be fellow schoolmates, parents, college students, business leaders, or anyone who wishes to volunteer his time to give a child the gift of baseball.

Learn About Our History

In 2001 the Disabilities & Special Needs Board of Spartanburg was presented a video that showed The Miracle League of Conyers, Georgia. The league only had special needs players on a custom-built field and was the first of its kind in the nation. The DSN board was inspired and amazed.

A visit was made to see the Miracle League field and to gather information on how they did it and what it would take for Spartanburg to have one for their special need’s citizens. After consulting with the Parks & Recreation Department for a partnership, a deal was made.

In 2002 the DSN board appeared before Spartanburg County Council to seek approval to build a field on Parks Department land. The board received unanimous approval from County Council with the stipulation the DSN board would have to raise all of the money for construction.

A steering committee was created in September 2002 with the following members: Bill Coffey, Sheriff Spartanburg County, Lynn Coggins, City of Spartanburg, Pamela A. Dean, DSN Board Member; Danny Holcombe, DSN Board Member, Tony Merriweather, SC School for Deaf & Blind, Liz J. Patterson, Charles Lea Foundation Member, Turner Sartor, Spartanburg Parks & Recreations Department; Todd Shriver, Mobile Healthcare, Phil Sinclair, SC House of Representative, District 35, and Jack Todd, SC School of Deaf & Blind.

Late 2002, the first Kick-Off Luncheon was held to inform the community of a need for a custom-build field for our special needs children and to solicit funding for construction.

In mid-2003 the first Exhibition game was held at Duncan Park to showcase the need for a custom-built field with a rubber surface to keep players with walkers and wheelchairs safe. The raised bases and dirt were not a good combination for our players., which was evident to see.

May 2006 the completion of a 71-space handicapped parking lot adjacent to the proposed field site was constructed.

November 2006, after 6 years of raising funds, construction of Phase I began. Construction was completed in March 2007.

The Carolina Miracle League Board of Directors were created in April, 2007 with Pam Dean as League Director, Sandra Gosnell, Secretary, Danny Holcombe, Treasurer, Lenny Mathis, Public Relations, Mandy Willis, Sponsorship Chair, Paula White, Registration Chair, Amanda Ingram, Special Projects Chair, Tony Revels, Facility/Equipment/Uniform Chair, Shay Berry, Team Mom Chair, and Eric Eberius, Buddy Chair.

Opening day was April 7, 2007 with 50 players on 4 teams and plenty of guests and VIP’s.

Phase II construction of the handicapped restrooms and concession building was started and completed in May 2008.

2008 Spring Season had 82 players on 6 teams.

Meet Our Team

Pam Dean

Executive Director

Elizabeth Dean

Assistant Director

TJ Norris

Chairman

Brandon Gibson

Vice Chair

Teshia Hair

Secretary

Sandra Gosnell

Treasurer

Hampton Hodge
Tammy Painter
Meredith Weathers
Jake Farkas
Lenny Mathis