At a glance it may seem like a typical ballpark with the crescendoing of enthusiastic cheers and buzz that only the game of baseball can spark.
But a closer look reveals there is something distinctively exceptional with not only the venue but the athletes around the diamond.
And that’s what elevates The Miracle League of Arizona and its ballpark from the field.
“There’s a lot more thought, logistics, and work that had to go into the creation of our stadium,” says Danielle Downs, executive director of The Miracle League, a nonprofit dedicated to providing a safe, successful, and enjoyable baseball experience for kids, teens, and adults with disabilities or special health care needs.
The centerpiece of this mission is an adaptive and accessible stadium that removes barriers that otherwise would keep individuals off the field. Wheelchairs, walkers, and braces are easily welcomed, and safe, quiet, and closed spaces accommodate athletes with behavioral and mental health care needs.
“Our whole goal is inclusivity, and any athlete can participate at any level,” Downs says. “There are no limitations.”
Since opening in 2011, the North Scottsdale stadium has served athletes numbering in the tens of thousands.
There are adult and youth leagues with competitive and recreational divisions. The league can accommodate ages 4 to 99. Athletes are paired with a volunteer buddy for one-on-one support.
There is a spring and fall season every calendar year. At the end of the spring season in mid-May, there’s an all-star game complete with a home run derby and rings to commemorate the event.
Currently, the league has more than 400 ballplayers on 28 teams, each resembling all but two Major League Baseball teams, down to the uniform and colors. Athletes sport jerseys with their names across the back, have their photo and name appear on the video scoreboard, and choose their own walk-up song that plays as they approach the plate—just like the pros.
“We pride ourselves on a big-league experience,” Downs says.
Athletes pay nothing to join. The public can attend games for free and everyone has the opportunity to purchase snacks and drinks from the concession stand. Donations are appreciated.
The nonprofit is one of more than 350 Miracle Leagues worldwide and the only one in Arizona. Founded in 2001 in Georgia, the idea picked up steam and made its way to the Grand Canyon State, where Dan Haren Sr., father of former Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Danny Haren, was named as Arizona’s executive director.
Along with Danny, currently a pitching strategist for the Diamondbacks, Dan approached the team with the concept of creating a baseball stadium designed for children with special needs. A significant grant from the Diamondbacks Foundation plus a fundraising campaign made this field of dreams come true.
The organization’s year-round efforts include partnering with schools and other nonprofits and baseball leagues to provide playing and educational opportunities. This happens in addition to the games, which constantly set the stage for impactful moments with athletes in the spotlight.
There’s Eva, 16, who uses a wheelchair and has been with Miracle League for years. She had always wheeled up to the plate, but her goal was to be able to walk to her at-bat.
Her physical therapist worked with her all summer and on opening day last fall, as her walk-up song played over the sound system, Eva did just that.
Downs also recalls Ben, 9, who is able to walk slowly but uses a wheelchair for fear of falling in front of the crowd. His parents tried to persuade him to get up out of his chair and try but were never successful.
One day at the ballpark, Ben told them he wanted to walk that day.
“He wanted to bat and move around without his chair. It was the first time he ever initiated the desire to get out of his chair,” says Downs.
These are just two of the more than a million uplifting stories that have taken place with the league and its ballpark over the last 14 years, according to Downs.
“And that type of miracle happens all the time here,” Downs says. “It’s so special … This is about so much more than baseball.”
“Our whole goal is inclusivity, and any athlete can participate at any level.”
“We pride ourselves on a big-league experience.”