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On Saturday mornings each spring and fall at Bicentennial Park, something extraordinary happens. The sound of walk-up music echoes from the Miracle League Field, followed by raucous cheers as each player steps up to the plate. But this isn’t your average baseball game. It’s a place where every child, teen and adult with disabilities is celebrated like an all-star.
This year, Miracle League Southlake celebrates its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of transforming lives through baseball, inclusion and unshakable community spirit.
A Field Where Everyone Wins
Founded in 2015, Miracle League Southlake is part of a national nonprofit movement that began in Georgia in 2000. Its mission is simple but powerful: give children and adults with disabilities the chance to play baseball in a safe, welcoming environment, and to surround them with a community that celebrates their strengths.
“The motto is that every child deserves a chance to play baseball,” says Mike Hutchison, president of the Southlake chapter. “Our players range from age five to over 50. We play two innings, everyone bats and the last batter always hits a home run. All games end in a tie - and in lots of joy.”
The field itself, which officially opened to much fanfare - and the help of the Texas Rangers - in 2013, was specially designed with a rubberized surface to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers. With 19 teams and over 260 players in the most recent season, the league has grown exponentially from its first year when organizers hoped for 75 players and ended up with 150.
“We were shocked in the best way,” recalls board member Joanne Terrell. “It was one of those good problems. We had to immediately rethink our setup to handle that many kids and volunteers. But we figured it out. We always do.”
The Power of Buddies
At the heart of Miracle League’s magic is the “buddy” system - a one-on-one pairing of players with volunteers, often local teens. Buddies don’t just assist on the field - they build lasting friendships.
Gabriella Tesoriero, a Carroll alum and former National Charity League volunteer, recalls the bond she formed with her buddy, Xavier. “We were paired together every game for two years. He loved dance battles and Fortnite. We had so much fun, and I learned how to be more patient, compassionate and open-minded,” she says. “It really got me out of my comfort zone.”
For many other high school athletes, volunteering with Miracle League is a transformative experience.
“We wanted to bridge the gap between the neurotypical community and the disability community,” Joanne explains. “And it worked. By week three of our very first season, kids at Carroll who used to pass each other without a word were high-fiving each other in the halls.”
Stories of transformation are woven into every game day. Both Mike and Joanne recall the same unforgettable moment from an early season: a young girl who was nonverbal and had never spoken before picked up a ball and said her first word: “Ball.”
“There wasn’t a dry eye,” says Mike. “Mom was crying, we were crying. That’s the kind of thing Miracle League does. We can’t cure what these kids are going through, but we can give them joy.”
The players’ excitement each Saturday is palpable.
“We’ve had parents tell us their kid wakes up five hours early, already dressed in uniform,” says Mike. “We also do a Parents Day, where the players can thank their parents for showing up. And then we feed everyone. We want this to be a break, a celebration - not another thing on a long list of hard things.”
Coaching With Heart
Coach John Finlayson, known to most as simply “Coach Johnny B,” has been there since the beginning. A former collegiate player and longtime Southlake resident and business owner, he was recruited by the then-president of the Southlake Parks Development Corporation, John Slocum, before the field was even built.
“I coach the Majors - the adult league - and I’ve had some of my players for the full ten years,” Johnny says. “They’re like family now. They root for each other, show up with smiles, and honestly, I don’t know who gets more out of it - them or me.”
While some divisions require buddies, Coach Johnny’s players are mostly self-sufficient. But that doesn’t mean the joy is any less.
“You see improvement, growth and real competition,” he adds. “They want to play, and they want to win. It’s beautiful.”
Ultimately, Miracle League is about more than baseball. It’s about belonging.
“These kids get to be on a team, wear a uniform, and hear their name called with walk-up music just like the pros,” says Mike. “We give them socks, windbreakers - even wristbands. They wear it all with pride.”
More Than a Game
Miracle League’s growth wouldn’t be possible without the tireless support of volunteers, sponsors like the Texas Rangers, and community organizations like National Charity League (NCL), Young Men’s Service League (YMSL) and Students and Athletes Serving Others (SASO). On any given Saturday, you’ll find over 150 buddies, dozens of coaches and dugout parents keeping things running.
“I’m not a morning person,” Joanne laughs. “But when I get out there and see those kids, I remember exactly why I do it.”
She estimates that about 95% of teams have been “adopted” by volunteer groups who commit to showing up weekly. Others sign up through the league’s website as individuals and are matched with a team. Some become “permanent buddies,” coming every Saturday, season after season, forming close bonds with their assigned athlete.
“Some kids need two or three buddies - we’ve had kids with endless energy who literally run back and forth the entire game,” Joanne adds. “It can be a workout! But it’s worth it.”
And when the baseball season ends? The friendships and impact linger.
“It’s not just for the kids,” Coach Johnny says. “The volunteers, the parents - everyone leaves feeling better. You show up thinking you’re doing something good for someone else, but you get so much more in return.”
Looking Ahead
As the league enters its second decade, the focus remains on keeping the joy alive -- and making room for even more miracles.
“We’ve never turned anyone away,” Mike says. “And we never will. We’ll figure it out, grow a little more each year and keep showing up. That’s what community is.”
For those who haven’t yet experienced the magic firsthand, the invitation is open.
“Just come out and watch one Saturday,” says Coach Johnny. “You’ll get it. You’ll be hooked.”
As Gabriella put it best: “You realize how much these kids can do, and how much fun you can have just showing up. It really is a miracle.”