How to Get Involved
How do Miracle League games work?
Each game is approximately one hour and two innings in duration. Every player bats and every player scores, ensuring a tie score at the end of the game. Announcers are provided with index cards about each player so they have ample material to highlight every player at bat. Participants are asked to arrive fifteen minutes before each game. There are no practices and games are played on Saturdays only. Teams play an average of eight games per season, and each Saturday incorporates a fun theme such as “crazy sock day”, “superhero day”, and “crazy hat day” among others! We accept players ages five and up, and create teams of similarly-aged children. At Engel Family Field, we currently have 14 teams, while at Bell Middle School we have 8 teams, but are continually looking to grow our organization.
Buddies
We are extremely proud of the bonds formed between our buddies and players. Before the games start every Saturday, buddies arrive early to greet their players with a smile and a hug. Hands are held leading players onto the field, walking them up to bat, running the bases, and many times, just because. Over the course of each season, buddies learn exactly what kind of support their athlete needs, and in turn learn more about themselves.
- Buddies’ self-confidence grows on a parallel path with that of the players.
- Many of our buddies have been inspired to learn sign language or choose special education as their college curriculum as a result of their involvement in the Miracle League.
- Most of our buddies stay paired with the same player season after season and often develop friendships beyond the field.
- We also offer the opportunity to assist as a floater buddy where you fill in with players whose full-time buddy is absent, or need additional assistance. Please register as a floater buddy if you believe you will miss more than 3 games per season.
- Buddies 18 years and older will be subject to basic background checks. When you register, you will be required to provide additional information to conduct the background check.
Register today using the links below!
Coaches
Coaches are an essential part of the Miracle League of San Diego. We have at least three coaches per team who are responsible for team orientation, assigning and reassigning buddies as needed, pitching to the players, corresponding to the team via email and phone, and ensuring safety on the field.
- You may register as a coach if you are at least a Junior in high school. Coaches are also responsible for assisting in opening and closing the fields for the first and last games each Saturday.
- We ask that coaches arrive 30 minutes prior to game time and must participate in a coaches meeting approximately two weeks prior to the start of each season.
- Coaches 18 years and older will be subject to basic background checks. When you register, you will be required to provide additional information to conduct the background check.
Register today using the link below!
Group Volunteers
Jack’s Snack Shack and Grill volunteers help serve game day treats and drinks. Jack’s Snack Shack and Grill positions are for group volunteers only.
- Volunteers should be at least ten years old to umpire or keep score, 12 years old to run Jack’s Snack Shack, and at least 15 years old, or accompanied by an adult, to run the Grill.
- The scorekeeper manages the scoreboard panel and assists the announcer during the game. Score Keeper positions are for group volunteers only. Scorekeepers should be at least 10 years old.
- Gear/Brick Sales volunteers sell Miracle League gear and promote the ‘Walk of Champions’ brick campaign. Gear/Brick Sales positions are for group volunteers only. Gear/Brick Sales volunteers should be at least 10 years old.
- Please contact MLSD Program Director Kyle O’Malley, [email protected], to reserve your group volunteer day.
Players
- We welcome and encourage players whether they have an intellectual or physical challenge or both.
- We accept players ages five and up, and create teams of similarly-aged children. Each player is paired up with one buddy on their assigned team. Together, the player and buddy build friendships while playing the sport of baseball in a fun, safe environment.
- Early bird registration is $75, while late registration is $100. Player scholarships are always available. To apply, please email Kyle O’Malley at [email protected] with a formal request.
Register today using the link below!
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