Becoming a buddy at Miracle League

Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of attending the first Emerald Coast Miracle League baseball game of the season. A couple of my good friends, Dana and Bruce Koep, volunteer with the League. I went along to find out more, and I was glad I did. The experience was great.

The Miracle League, part of Panama City Beach Parks and Recreation, is a baseball league for special-needs players. According to the League’s website, registration is open to players, ages 3 and older, with any type or degree of disability; player registration is $35, and financial assistance is available. The 2017 spring season, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Panama City Beach, runs through April, with most games played on Saturdays.

During each game, players can be accompanied on the field by a buddy. I signed up to be a buddy with my friend, Dana, and I was given an official buddy T-shirt to wear. Dana’s husband, Bruce, co-coaches one of the teams with his father. Bruce has siblings with special needs, which is how he and his family became involved with the League.

Each game has two innings, and each player gets to take the field twice and bats twice. Buddies take the field with their players and help make sure players are not hit with wayward balls, as well as help players get the ball and throw it. At the end of the game, players line up for high-fives. Players finish up with a drink and a snack.

My experience at Saturday’s game was wonderful. It was great to be a part of something that clearly brings such great joy and excitement to these players. The smiles on their faces is well worth the time. The Miracle League is always in need of people to volunteer as buddies for the games. Anyone interested in more information can go to www.panamacitybeachparksandrecreation.com. The Miracle League can be found under the Activities & Sports tab.

— Phoebe Isaac

Four Crossed Logs intern

professional communication major