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.

The Turner Sartor Volunteer of the Year Award

2007 – Neil & Diann Strange

2008 – Debbie White

2009- Paula Owens, Judi Davis, Patricia Black

2010 – Aya Matsui

2011 – JoAnn Cannon

2012 – Vikki Varn & John Owens

2013 – Alex Wilson

2014 – Vicki & Amanda Armistead

2015 – Samson & Gary Gambrell

2016 – Ron Kendrick & Ron Arnold

2017 – Zac Nelson

2018 – Freida Martin

2019 – Ericka Hammett

With great appreciation we recognize your strong support.

2008 Spring – BJ Heath

2008 Fall – Ron Kendrick

2009 – Tyler Kirby

2010 – Keegan Daniels

2011 – Cory Elmore

2012 – Ron Kendrick

2013 – Danny Gosnell

2014 – Hayley Melba

2015 – Scott Pasatiempo

2016 – Darren McAbee

2017 – Jeremy Tate

2018 – Jan Hughey

2019 – David Swank

We recognize your dedication & commitment