AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — I love baseball. I grew up sneaking a radio in my bed, after my parents tucked me in, to listen to George Kell and Ernie Harwell call the Tigers’ games. It was, and still is, one of the best memories of my childhood. I can still hear the commercials for Honey Baked Ham as I write this. (I was not sleeping, sorry dad). Baseball is not just THE American pastime, it is in my blood. I played baseball my entire childhood and then slow-pitch softball when I could no longer hit a fastball.

Fast forward to June 2016. I was invited to a game. And I went, somewhat out of obligation. I didn’t know one player that was playing, but what happened that day was a miracle. That game changed my outlook on baseball. Forever.

I watched as children of all different abilities, and disabilities, played the sport I love. And they were having so much fun that it brought me to tears, literally. This was the Easterseals Miracle League located in Southfield. They were playing on a special rubber-surfaced field that was friendly to wheel chairs, walkers and even the visually impaired. This field was the brain child of visionary Steve Peck. Steve built the field in 2004, 100% funded by donations from both individuals and companies.

What captivated me the most about that day was the “World Series” atmosphere that each player experienced. There was a booming sound system with walk-up music for every batter, a friendly voice (Steve’s) in the booth that knew every player, and their nicknames. And a first-rate concession stand where I may have indulged in one (or two) Ball Park Franks. This was baseball the way it was meant to be played!

My life was changed that day. I was hooked.

I started game-planning how we could bring this incredible experience to Orion for our often overlooked special-ability residents. We picked a spot in Friendship Park and set a goal to raise $100k and quickly realized that amount might move a little bit of dirt, nothing more. Rubber fields aren’t cheap. I promised the Township Board that we would fundraise to complete the project, but had no idea how.

Three months in, we were hovering around $15k in commitments and I was so down. Longtime Orion resident Scott Taylor took me out to lunch to encourage (yell at) me for being frustrated at our progress. He said we were going to camp out at the property together until we met our goal. I laughed, and then packed a bag:) On September 12, 2017 we showed up in his RV at Friendship Park. After dozens of calls, emails, Facebook live videos, and 24 hours, we had raised over $100,000! As usual, the Orion Community showed up! We were back on track. We partnered with Easterseals, The Daisy Project, Lake Orion Wiffleball Association, Cunningham Limp, Auger Klein Aller Architects, and Independence Township to reach our final goal to construct the field.

We broke ground in the fall of 2018 and on August 9, 2019 the first pitch was thrown by 92 year-old Orion resident Suzanne Baber who had read about our fundraising efforts in the local newspaper and hand delivered two $10,000 checks to me during our construction process because her late husband “would have loved to see this field”.

That night was a miracle. We had a Coast Guard flyover, a live band, the high school cheer team, thousands of fans, fireworks; but most importantly, we had baseball! Baseball for some who never thought they would ever have a chance to play, especially in this environment. In my nine years as Orion Township Supervisor, it was my proudest moment, hands down. To see the joy in the faces of the players, and the parents, was overwhelming. They were, and are, our VIPs.

Covid happened, and slowed us down a bit, but didn’t stop us. We just completed our second season at the field. It was more fun than should be allowed. I learned how to DJ and announce games. (I’m mediocre at best, but always include an impromptu dance party at some point during the game.) We also started construction of our fully-accessible concession / restroom facility that will serve the entire park while providing jobs to adults with special needs (and really good hot dogs)! This project, like the field, is being funded completely by donations.

We couldn’t have done any of this without the support of our amazing community. It’s truly miraculous, and because of you, miracles abound here! Allison Thurman runs the bases with her walker, under her own power, and with the biggest smile you have ever seen:) Johnny Byrne has his patented helmet flip after another Miracle League home run. And Zander Schons giggles as his brother Ozzie pushes him around the bases in his super cool wheel chair.

There’s still a chance to join in the fun! We need buddies, who partner with a player on the field during games. We need donors, to assist in completing the concession stand project. But most importantly, we need fans. Bring your family. Bring your friends. I dream about seeing the stands packed every game. I promise if you come once, you will become a season ticket holder. And the best news, admission is free! And if you ask nice, I might even play your song request. Miracle League. Come for a game, stay for the season.

For more information or to find out how you can get involved, check out our Facebook page “Miracle League of North Oakland” or send me an email [email protected].

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