Miracle League goes to bat for challenged kids

EDMOND — When it began in 2000, the Miracle League of Edmond had a roster of just 10 players. The children divided up and played on Sunday afternoons on whatever field was available.

Things have changed.

Founded by Margo Price as a way for developmentally challenged children to play baseball, the league now has 90 players from across the metro area. Families from as far away as Tonkawa and Ponca City play and the league now has a $100,000 field — handicapped-accessible and padded with recycled tire pieces — at J.L. Mitch Park.

Price started the league because she wanted her autistic son James, now 18, to be able to play like other kids.

James, who was recently voted Mr. Edmond North High School, said he likes to see his friends and watch the other games, but his favorite part is letting loose and throwing the ball.

Though the field and the rules are different, the key to the league is normalcy, coach Jeff Wedel said.

"It's neat that over the years, a lot of these boys have been together doing other social activities,” he said. "It's neat that they can kind of come together. It's a social get-together as well as playing baseball.”

Wedel wants the players, including his son Mark, 13, who has Down's syndrome, to experience the game like everybody else — almost.

Miracle League games are different from other baseball games, because everything is so positive, he said. Parents aren't timing how long their child is on the field. Everybody cheers when a run is scored, regardless of the team, and people notice.

"The other kids and parents want to stop and watch,” he said. "You can see them watching and look at the reactions to our kids playing ball. The smiles just creep across their faces.”

Price said the contact with the rest of the community is a big part of the experience.

"One of the reasons I wanted to play the games at night is because it's the same time as other little league games,” she said. "The parking is a nightmare, but it's great. We're not hiding in the corner.”

Some people are scared of developmentally challenged children, thinking they are fragile or might lose control, Price said. Being out in the world helps not only the Miracle League players, but helps change perceptions about what they can do in the community.

"These kids have normal personalities and desires like you and me,” she said.

Volunteer Mickey Stufflebean said when he heard about the Miracle League, he had to get involved. He hasn't been disappointed.

"There's never a night I leave the field that I don't think about how much I get out of the experience,” Stufflebean said. "I am blessed by those nights and when I come home, I can't wait to tell my wife.”

Stufflebean started volunteering last year. Every Tuesday he's out on the field with the kids, making sure they don't get hit and helping them run the bases.

Those interested in signing up players or becoming a volunteer can call Price at 850-7603.