Making A Miracle Happen

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Story Created: Apr 29, 2010 at 6:17 AM CDT

Story Updated: Apr 29, 2010 at 6:17 AM CDT

April 28, 2010

Miracle League fields, over 200 of which have been constructed across the United States in the last 11 years, enable developmentally disabled children and adults to participate in baseball and softball on a completely flat, cushioned rubberized playing surface. Currently, the Miracle League serves over 80,000 children and young adults.

The local site is at 1354 Airport Road, across from Gabe Lozano Golf Course. It's part of a 49-acre city-owned property surrounding Corpus Christi State Supported Living Center.

A three-year effort to raise funds for the Miracle League Field culminated with
The Miracle Dinner Under the Lights last September at Whataburger Field. Astros icon and future Hall of Famer Craig Biggio was keynote speaker. Biggio and Hall of Famer and Texas Rangers president Nolan Ryan interacted with fans during a question and answer session. In all, over 600 tickets were sold and patrons enjoyed a 130-item "World's Biggest Sports Auction."

Honorary chairmen for the event were Reid Ryan, CEO and Founder of Ryan-Sanders Baseball, Whataburger Chairman and CEO Tom Dobson and Corpus Christi mayor Joe Adame.

The Corpus Christi Hooks Field of Dreams initiative, in conjunction with Corpus Christi Rotarians - initially Rotary Club of Corpus Christi Evening - drove marketing and fundraising for the project with annual functions like the South Texas Winter Baseball Banquet and Astros Caravan Luncheon. Whataburger Pancake Breakfasts benefiting the Miracle League and giving by countless companies and individuals also pushed the program forward.

"We had a terrific group of people come together to make the lives of special- needs children better," Ryan said. "My family and Ryan-Sanders Baseball are grateful for each and every person who gave their time and financial support. We can't wait to see these kids play."

Miracle League board president Brian Devaney piloted a leadership group of 11 through the fundraising and administrative processes. The financial requirement to break ground was $500,000.

"We had truly remarkable partners," Devaney said. "Ryan-Sanders Baseball, Whataburger and the Dobsons, Gloria and Ed Hicks... the list is extensive and we appreciate the hard work and generosity of those who stepped up and made it happen. The City of Corpus Christi leased the land in order for us to move forward. Billy Delgado of Engineering Services and Leon Bazar of Human Services were especially helpful."

Other board members include Darron Bergstrom (VP/treasurer), Gail Hoffman (secretary), Terry Arnold, Bruce Boswell, Polly Harris, Scott Heitkamp, Diane Lowrance, Elisa Macias, Jim Mailhes, Jim Scoville and Harold Shockley.

"There are two memories that will stay with me forever," Arnold said. "One is the happiness and excitement of special-needs children and their parents when we share the Miracle League reality of playing baseball. The other is the fabulous turnout we had last September 17... our community coming together to make this project a reality."

Barrier-free dugouts, concession stands and spectator seating will complement the playing surface. KJM Commercial is the contractor, AGCM the construction manager.

Children on crutches, walkers or in wheelchairs can maneuver throughout the complex. Miracle League players often have "buddies" assist them around the bases.

Soccer and football fields, a small amphitheater, modular skate park and an air strip to fly model airplanes are also part of the site plan.

-CC Hooks

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