Miracle League plans to bring all-accessible baseball field to Southwest Michigan

You've probably heard of the Kevin Costner movie "Field of Dreams," but in Schoolcraft the Southwest Michigan Miracle League hopes if they build a field the dreams would come; The Miracle Field.

The Miracle League is a national organization that builds all accessible fields for kids of all abilities. Southwest Michigan Miracle League board President Jud Hoff said the field would have a familiar look to it while still being accessible for everyone.

"There is a specially designed and built baseball field made out of a rubber surface much like a track would be at a high school." Hoff said.

The Miracle Field would create a field that kids and adults of all ability levels would be able to enjoy America's pastime.

"We're primarily focused on creating a barrier free environment that allows kids that need assistance of a wheelchair or walker, or those that are visually impaired to come play baseball." Hoff said.

While it would be the first of it's kind in Southwest Michigan, there are over 300 Miracle Leagues around the world, including Nate Hurwitz Field in Rockford, Michigan, that opened in 2013. After a trip up to Nate Hurwitz Field, Hoff and his team knew they wanted to bring that experience to Schoolcraft.

"It literally took five minutes and we we're sold and we said we've got to do this." said Hoff.

Much like Rome, the field won't be built in a day. The Southwest Michigan Miracle League is looking to raise over $1 million in order to make thousands of dreams come true. Fundraising will start this weekend with activities for the whole family to enjoy.

"We're having a wiffle ball tournament, cornhole, concessions and we're hoping to see about 500 people here. We have a six team tournament and the winner gets $300, just family fun and it is an introduction into what we're trying to accomplish." Hoff adds.

The ultimate goal is $1 million, to break ground in the spring of 2020 and to have the inaugural season later that year.

The entry fee to Saturday's wiffle ball tournament is $5 to get in the gate and donations are welcome to help the Southwest Michigan Miracle League reach their goal. The tournament will be at The Dome Sports Center in Schoolcraft, the future home of the Miracle Field. If you would like to donate or volunteer for the Southwest Michigan Miracle League you can find all the information on their website.