Memorable Moments in the Making.
With the World Series trophy claimed for another year by its new champions, baseball season is at an end for 2025.
With the pros stealing most of the limelight during autumn, those most deserving of it can be found at Miracle Field in Cranberry Township, PA. Jacob, who lives in Valley Community Services’ North West region, is one of those individuals.
Miracle League Baseball is a ballgame unlike any other – giving intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals of all ages the chance to play organized baseball as part of a team.
Every Spring and Fall, teams of Southwestern PA’s Miracle League Baseball descend arrive in Cranberry on week nights.
Miracle Field is aptly named, being one of very few ballparks in the state that is specially designed to comfortably accommodate individuals with disabilities. There is ample room to fit wheelchairs through gates in the fence, and in the dugouts, for instance.
It is largely thanks to the charitable organizations involved with the Pittsburgh Pirates, that this field has come to fruition, and that the league itself has operated in this region for 17 years.
With four separate divisions, Miracle League allows individuals of various ages and abilities to all experience the thrill of stepping up to the plate.
Jacob, and other team members of the Yankees, are guaranteed to be at bat two times per night. In addition to swinging at the ball, they’re able to warm up by using the on-deck circle while a teammate is at bat.
Additionally, for three out of the four divisions, every player is allowed to have a buddy on the field with them. Jacob enjoys being able to practice fielding with his buddy, which is usually a VCS DSP!
A night at the ballgame isn’t complete without singing “Take me out to the ballgame” and shaking hands with the other team in sportsmanship.
At the end of the night, Jacob was able to bat in a run for the Yankees, ensuring that night’s competition with the Athletics was a close one!