History of the Miracle League of South Fulton
In early 2004 Meletta Clayton, Simmie Butler, and Lee Blitch, employees at Welcome All Park, proposed a program called "Buddy Baseball." The concept was born out of a lack of meaningful sports programs for special needs children in South Fulton County. They sought the help of the Park Staff, guidance from the National Miracle League, and the assistance of Dr. Jimmie Calloway, Clinical Associate Professor of Kinesiology and Health at Georgia State University, in forming a Miracle League in South Fulton. They received extensive training in how to run a safe and effective Baseball program for Special needs Children. With a core of 30 kids, parents, and volunteers, the first Miracle League in an urban setting was formed. Today the number of players in our program has evolved to well over 60 players.
Our mission is to provide an opportunity for all special needs kids to play Baseball in a safe and structured environment, to inspire team play and sportsmanship, and to provide a social environment for kids and parents to build lasting friendships. The disabilities of our "Special Needs Kids" range from Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, and Down's Syndrome to Autism Spectrum Disorders, the vast majority of which have never played Baseball or any other team sport. To accomplish our mission goals, we enlist the help of volunteers to assist the players in fielding the ball, batting, and running the bases. We play two innings for each team, everyone gets to bat, and there are no outs. At the end of each game, a group dinner is served, and the parents and players socialize. There is a spring and fall season that allows eight games to be played each year. The last game is followed by an awards banquet where each player receives an awards trophy.
We currently play our games in the Welcome All Park Gymnasium, but our ultimate goal is to build an outdoor rubberized field complete with a playground, splash pad, and concession stand. The cost of this facility ranges from $ 1.2 to 1.8 million dollars. To accomplish this goal, we hope to solicit help from County Government and private and corporate donors. To this end, we have elected a Board of Directors, obtained incorporation status, and now have achieved our 501 (C) (3) non-profit status.
"We dream big just like our players."
"Every Child Deserves a Chance to Play Baseball!
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