NSU’s baseball team will give back to the community by participating in a program called the West Pembroke Pines Miracle League on Sept. 26.
The Miracle League program gives physically and mentally disabled children the chance to play baseball. When Miracle League first began eight years ago, Director of Athletics and former NSU head baseball coach Michael Mominey assisted the league by bringing NSU’s baseball team to volunteer every year. Current Head Coach Gregory Brown has kept the tradition alive.
“My job as a coach is to help young men not only graduate, but to learn life lessons through the game of baseball, and the Miracle League is just another way of accomplishing this task.” Brown said. “Miracle League makes me a better person, which makes me a better coach. But, I am just the facilitator. It’s really our players who are doing all the work, and I get to just sit back and admire it all.”
The baseball team has been a part of the Miracle League since its start and volunteers annually. Brown said the Miracle League is a reminder to his baseball team of just how lucky they are.
“I often wonder, who is helping who when we are with the children. I’m always so fascinated by how much our team gets out of the experience,” he said, “The message of servitude has been one of our underlying core values. Getting our guys to give back, especially through the game of baseball is such a great opportunity.”
Ryan Woodrey, MBA in management student and member of the baseball team for five years, said participating in the Miracle League reminds him of when he was a kid and baseball was just for fun.
“When you play a sport for any university, it’s almost like a job. You have to constantly think of scholarships and school work all while focusing on the sport you love,” Woodrey said. “So when we are with the children, it’s so humbling. You can just tell how excited they are to get out there. None of them want to wait for the game to start. They just want to play. They don’t care about the rules.”
Brandon Sedell, junior education major and member of the baseball team for three years, also feels inspired by the children of the Miracle League.
“Seeing kids in wheelchairs going from base to base or watching a child swing the bat with one hand — it’s just amazing,” Sedell said. “Taking part in an event that gives a child a chance to do something they normally wouldn’t be able to do shows how lucky I am and also how special the game is.”
Brown said that the experience is also amazing for the children’s parents.
“It’s time out of their week where they can just let go and let their kids have fun,” Brown said. “I’m always amazed of how thankful they are for our players; it’s a great experience for all.”
Woodrey said the event is a great way to spend a Friday night.
“It’s something you do and you’re happy you did it,” Woodrey said. “You feel like you touched someone and you keep the feeling with you forever.”
Brown said he feels that the children involved in Miracle League are part of baseball team’s family.
“The best thing is that we see the same children year after year,” Brown said. “They have nicknames and all so that’s a neat experience to witness. These kids are growing up in front of our eyes.”
Volunteer service hours for the Miracle League are also available to the public. To find more information about Miracle League, visit wppomiracleleague.com
