What is the Miracle League of Westchester?

The Miracle League of Westchester is a league for special needs children and adults that enables them to play baseball at a specially-designed adaptive field. The Miracle League of Westchester was founded in 2006. The field was built in 2006 through an initiative from County Executive Andy Spano and the County Board of legislators. The Miracle League was founded in Conyers, Georgia in 1997, and since then Miracle Leagues have been started all over the United States. The Westchester League is the first in New York State.

What is a Miracle League Buddy?

Buddies are a vital part of the success of the Miracle League. Each Miracle League player is assigned a buddy for each game. The buddy is there to protect the player from balls, assist the player in batting and running the bases, and to be a friend on and off the field. Buddies receive a Miracle League shirt for their participation.

Once you participate, you see that being a buddy allows you not only to make a difference in a special child’s life, but also to create a positive awareness in yourself. And you’ll find that being a buddy is lots of fun!

Who is eligible to be a Buddy?

Buddies are children (ages ten and up) and adults who typically play or enjoy baseball and softball—or just like to have fun in a sprit of giving. They come to the Miracle League from the Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts, local youth leagues, high school teams, college teams and through religious youth groups, to mention a few.

How do I become a Buddy?

Buddy registration is held year-round. You can download registration forms found under Volunteers.

What is the idea behind the Buddy Program?

Being a buddy allows parents, children and volunteers to come together to help special needs children. The Buddy Program has great impact on all participants. Buddies and players alike learn valuable skills like patience, understanding and compassion.

What is required to be a Buddy?

Buddies should be energetic, committed and enthusiastic for each game. Although we don’t require it, we encourage buddies to keep a consistent schedule, allowing for Miracle players to grow more comfortable with their new friends.

Do I stay with the same player all season?

Depending on their availability, buddies are assigned to the same child or team for the whole season. However, we also welcome buddies who may not have assigned players, but who cover where needed.

Is their special training involved?

Yes, each buddy is required to complete a basic skills training course. This “sensitivity” training provides guidelines, suggestions, and direction on how to have fun and make the experience safe and enjoyable for our Miracle children.

What is expected of me on game days?

They are expected to arrive at games thirty minutes before the start of the game and to notify the Miracle League Buddy coordinator at least twenty-four hours prior to the game if they will not be able to make the game. Buddies start at age 10. The siblings, parents, relatives, and friends of players can be their Buddies.

Buddies have as much fun at the games as the players do!

Can I receive credit for service hours?

Yes, students of all ages can receive credit and, if necessary, a written recommendation towards their service hour requirements for school or other group upon completion of a full season. Whether you need it for a grammar school, high school, or college internship, the Miracle League will sign-off as long as you participate in the program as outlined here.

How can I help raise funds for the Miracle League of Westchester?

A number of Buddies from out first season have initiated fund-raising activities at their schools and places of worship. Try a sale or a walk for the Miracle League…or whatever creative idea you can think of.

How can I donate to the Miracle League of Westchester?

There are several ways you can help.  Individual donations can be made through our secure PayPal service right here on our website.  Just return to the home page and click the donate button on the bottom right.  Donations will then be instantly sent to the Miracle League.  Otherwise checks can be made out to Miracle League of Westchester, Inc. and mailed to our headquarters at 20 Haarlem Avenue White Plains, New York 10603.  All donations are tax deductible.