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It was a picture perfect morning for some baseball, the sun shined down with a gentle breeze keeping the players and fans cool on opening day of the Miracle League of LaGrange. 

“Opening Day of the inaugural season of Miracle League of LaGrange was a phenomenal experience,” said Mary Beth Pelt, Miracle League of LaGrange president. “The community showed up in a huge way to celebrate our amazing athletes and their families. Local dignitaries, teachers, and other heroes cheered and celebrated some incredible people, so it was a fabulous day.”

Smiles, laughs, hugs and more than a few tears were shed as the athletes took to the field for the first time. Four teams consisting of 11 athletes apiece (with a few missing due to illness) took the field for a morning of fun. Each play was introduced to thunderous applause from a crowd that spilled over from the bleachers into the areas surrounding the field. Every individual that came out had a smile beaming from their face by the time the final player rounded third base and headed home.

“I wanted the first day experience to be a flurry of activity, so we purposefully didn’t have much practice time,” Pelt said. “Over the next few weeks, we will schedule some practice time to help hone in on our baseball and social skills. I also hope to recruit some more buddies to be sure each athlete has a one-on-one helper for each game.”

What made the morning even more special was all the “buddies” helping to facilitate the game. LaGrange High and Lafayette Christian’s baseball teams showed up and showed out in support of their fellow athletes.

“It was amazing to see more of them than our athletes — that meant our athletes were loved on in a bigger way than I could have ever imagined,” Pelt said. “I’ve watched a good many of those young men grow into amazing people and watching the way they loved our athletes was beautiful.”

This is just the beginning for the Miracle League of LaGrange. It has been a tireless effort by a great number of individuals to get this off the ground, but the work is just getting started.

“As much as we’re looking forward to those games, we’re also looking ahead to future seasons, and to the opportunity to send two athletes to our All-Star game in November,” Pelt said. “What’s up next is even more magic in the making! So many memories, so much laughter, and infinite miracles await us.”

Games are scheduled for every Saturday from now until May 20. While that will be the final day of the Miracle League season, the field will still be available to use during the rest of the year.  Anybody interested in learning more or registering as well as anybody interested in using the field can reach out to Pelt at mbpelt@icould.com or 706-594-4791. The field is located at the Lafayette Christian School Boyd Inclusive Athletic Complex off of Tom Hall Parkway.