Baseball league opens for special needs kids and adults
By John Cargile
Northport Gazette Staff Writer
June 9, 2010
There's a reason Jeff Walker of Coker might have been wearing sunglasses Saturday as the Miracle League of Tuscaloosa ceremoniously opened its baseball field for kids and adults with special needs.
The sunglasses kept the sun out of his eyes, but they also shaded a tear or two as he watched about 40 kids and their families participate in opening day games at Sokol Park North.
Walker and John Miller of Tuscaloosa, the two visionaries of the Miracle League, saw their dreams unfold on a beautiful new synthetic rubber baseball diamond that cost about $130,000 to the non-profit organization.
"We have about 40 kids and eight teams so far," Walker said. "There will be more people to sign up once they find out about us. This is more than just a Tuscaloosa league. It is meant to grow with families coming from over West Alabama to participate."
In opening ceremonies, the Miracle League received $13,000 from two private companies. The Thirsty Turtle Club & Big Al Backstreet Lounge donated $8,000, and Tuscaloosa Eye Care donated $5,000 to the league.
It was Walker's daughter, Suzanne Gaston, who first introduced her father to the Miracle League.
"My daughter lived in Pell City before moving to Northport with my grandson, Bradley," Walker said. "While she lived in Pell City she found a park in Moody dedicated to providing baseball to children with special needs. I drove up several times during the past few years to watch my grandson play baseball." His son has been diagnosed with autism.
Both Miller and Walker work for the Tuscaloosa Fire and Rescue Department.
"I work in logistics and John was given office duty after a shoulder injury," Walker recalled. "When he saw a photo of Bradley playing baseball he asked me what it was all about. When I told him about the Miracle League in Moody, he wanted his son, Brylan, to participate, too."
It was decided that if Moody could provide a Miracle League team then Tuscaloosa could too, Walker said.
After three years in discussions with public and private companies and individuals, the Miracle League became a reality.
The motto of the Miracle League is, "Every child deserves a chance to play baseball." Walker said other activities will also take place for special needs children, adults and families.
"We have enough land to build a few Gazebos for picnicking," Walker said "We also have plans for a concession stand. Families can come and spend the day at the park."
For 10 year old Zachary, Shackelford of Northport, Saturday was the first time to play organized sports. Asked if he was excited, he replied with a resounding "yes."
Bradley Gaston, who attends University Place in the special education department, is probably the veteran of Miracle league baseball. The eight-year-old has been playing since he was four.
"He started out in moody when he was about four," said Walker. "So, I guess he is the veteran in the league."
The field is dedicated to LeeAnna Grace Cunningham, one of the Miracle League's special needs kids.
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