What is Miracle League of Central Illinois?
The Miracle League of Central Illinois is a league for special needs children and adults that enables them to play baseball on a specially designed adaptive field. In 2023, Miracle League of Central Illinois and Town of Normal partnered to provide the program to a wide range of participants and increase the resources available to both organizations.
What if the special needs individual has no experience in playing baseball or any other sports?
Regardless of whether your individual has prior experience in baseball or any other sport, they are welcome to participate in the Miracle League of Central Illinois.
Where will the games be held and when?
All games will be played at Uncle Bills Field, directly behind the Corn Crib stadium and part of the Heartland Community College campus. The address is 1000 W Rabb Road Normal, IL 61761. The field is operated and maintained by the Town of Normal, Parks and Recreation.
We currently have our season split into halves. A Spring season between April – June and a Fall season between late-August and October. Because of the needs of some of our participants we take a break in the hottest part of the summer. Our season is set 12 game total.
What is the Miracle League Field like?
Our Miracle League field is a small 150ft field baseball field designed to be accessible to everyone through the use of a synthetic surface that allows the use of wheelchairs, walkers, and other adaptive devices.
Are concessions available?
Yes! We have a very nice concession building. We offer basic drinks and snacks. We also offer some basic Miracle League Central Illinois merchandise for sale. We have bleachers, picnic tables, and restrooms on site. We have room for those who would like to bring lawn chairs.
How is the game played and how long are the games?
Each game lasts about 45-60 minutes. They are non-competitive in nature. Each player will be given the opportunity to bat, run the bases, and play in the field each inning for 2 total innings. Volunteer buddies are available to players based on need and are there to assist throughout the game. There are no losses in our games, only winners, with each game ending in a tie.
Do I need to bring anything?
Bring whatever would be needed to care for your child. Gloves are not needed but can be worn in the outfield. Bats and balls are provided at the field for each game.
What are the buddies and how do they help?
Volunteer buddies are assigned to each team to help assist the flow of the game. Buddies are there to protect players from injury in the field or while up to bat, and to be their friend on the field and in the dugout. Buddies will be a minimum of 12 years old. All players must assign and emergency buddy on their registration in the event of a volunteer shortage. Buddies are volunteers and therefore NOT AUTHORIZED to touch players or assist in any medical help that may be needed for an individual.
How can I volunteer?
The Miracle League of Central Illinois is always in needs of volunteers. Most of our buddies come from local schools, sports teams or civic organizations.
Coaches are always needed each season, minimal knowledge of baseball and coaching is needed and provides an opportunity for all interested. Coaching entrails helping players into the field and up to bat, keeping the dugout organized and ready to play and being friendly to all involved.
How will I know if a game is cancelled because of weather?
Unfortunately, we do have to cancel games from time-to-time. We always keep the needs of our players in mind when making the decision to cancel a game. Information on a possible cancellation will be updated via the Parks and Recreation Weather Hotline – 309-433-3434 (prompt 1)
