All photos by Jamie Handy
The smiling faces and laughter emanating from a young group of individuals given the chance to play baseball despite whatever challenges they may face made yesterday's Southlake Miracle League Uniform Unveiling Ceremony one to remember.
According to the Miracle League's main focus, every child deserves to play baseball, and the Southlake chapter of the organization makes this possible for children with special needs in our community.
From buddies and coaches to family members and Texas Ranger shortstop Elvis Andrus, the more than 120 people in attendance at the event had the opportunity to engage with these kiddos and see first hand their excitement.
The main focus of the uniform unveiling, hosted by the Hilton Southlake and MC'd by Scott Murray, was to showcase the new Southlake Miracle League team uniforms for the inaugural season this fall, to be played on the new Miracle League fields And if the uniforms look similar to what the Texas Rangers sport during the season—it’s because they are patterned after just that.
The Texas Rangers have not only supported the Miracle League in financial ways over the years, but players give of their time off the field as well. For example, as mentioned earlier, Elvis Andrus, shortstop for the Rangers, was on hand to support these young players with both words of encouragement and hugs. And to get autographs. You read that right. Each Miracle League player has his or her own baseball card, and if you are lucky, they autographed one for you. (We collected quite a handful ourselves.)
As each Miracle League player graced the stage to showcase a uniform, he or she were welcomed with cheers, thumbs up and a theme song of their choice, which is played as the player approaches the batter's box.
Not your typical baseball game, a Miracle League game is played with a few concessions. But this in no way affects the spirit of the sport for these youngsters.
“Watching a Miracle League game is unlike anything you've ever seen. It really tugs at your heart,” says Coach Tammie Aeppli. “These kids are so positive despite their setbacks or circumstances.”
Ceremonies marking the Miracle League Southlake field completion will be held May 16, and the inaugural season begins this fall.
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