Southwest Michigan nonprofit builds accessible baseball field for kids with disabilities

The Southwest Michigan Miracle League, a local nonprofit organization, raised funds to build a custom baseball field designed for kids with physical, visual and other disabilities.

On Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020, SMML hosted a celebration at the new field, dubbed the Miracle Field.

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“Unfortunately, due to COVID, we had to delay our official opening until the spring," SMML President Jud Hoff said. "But we didn’t want this major milestone to go by without thanking and acknowledging the many people and organizations who helped us get here.”

According to a statement from SMML representatives, the new field boasts cushioned, rubberized surfaces to help prevent injuries, wheelchair-accessible dugouts and a flat playing surface to eliminate barriers to players with visual impairments or in wheelchairs.

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Additionally, community volunteers would work with each Miracle League player to help them enjoy the game to its fullest.

Hoff said Saturday's celebration was a way to thank donors and the community for making it possible to bring the Miracle League to Southwest Michigan.