James' Feature News Article for Scholastic News Press Corps Application

A Miracle in Indiana, PA

By James

Now that the Miracle Field is built in Indiana, PA, many people in our community benefit.  The Miracle Field is a place for handicapped people to play baseball.  Nancy Helsel, came up with the idea to build the Miracle Field, she shares, “The first experience with the Miracle League field was in Cranberry. This field was built by Michael Sherry, my son. I knew from the first time I visited the Cranberry field I wanted to build one in Indiana.  When that time came I was fortunate to have another person also interested in building a field. We joined forces and started meeting with businesses, other groups, and individuals to raise the $600,000 to build the field.”   She also shared that, “The Miracle Field was built to provide individuals with special needs the opportunity to play baseball.  The YMCA of Indiana County runs the Miracle Field of Indiana County.”

The Miracle Field was built in the Spring of 2015.  The Miracle League field was built to give children and adults with disabilities a chance to play baseball on the field. Many of these children and adults have wanted to play baseball like others and now they have that chance.  

The YMCA of Indiana County runs the Miracle League of Indiana County.  YMCA staff members handle all of the players’ and volunteers’ registrations, assign teams, match Buddies to players, and run the games. The mission of the Miracle League of Indiana is to provide the opportunity for people with special needs a chance to experience playing baseball in an environment very similar to Little League.

“In the Spring of 2015, we had a four youth teams and two adult team. The individual with special needs on these teams were all given the opportunity to play baseball.  In addition, volunteers jor “buddies” have the opportunity to assist the players by protecting them, assisting in learning/playing (if needed) the game, demonstrating integrity and moral values and more.  Being a buddy can be very rewarding,” said Jennifer Villa a member of YMCA Board of Directors.  

  The Miracle Field is definitely benefiting our community by bringing the dream of playing baseball alive to those who otherwise would not have been able to play.  It is a miracle, right here in Indiana, PA!