Pirates Charities and Miracle League of the South Hills kick off a brand new season at the Miracle League field in Upper Saint Clair.

Miracle League of the South Hills is supported by Pirates Charities and Casey’s Clubhouse, Casey’s Clubhouse was founded by Sean Casey, in the South Hills of Pittsburgh to give children of all abilities the chance to play baseball.

Casey’s Clubhouse is a part of The Miracle League Network, an organization that provides more than 80,000 children and young adults the opportunity to play baseball every year. There are already more than 200 leagues and 100 rubberized fields nationwide, with plans for an additional 100 fields.

The Pirates Charities Miracle League of the South Hills is carrying on the mission statement of all Miracle League fields: “Every Child Deserves A Chance to Play Baseball.”

Miracle League brings the game of baseball to children who may have never had the opportunity to play on a real field. By building a custom-designed field with a cushioned rubberized surface to help prevent injuries, wheelchair accessible dugouts and a completely flat surface to eliminate any barriers to wheel-chair bound or visually impaired players, the field has eliminated the challenges that prevent many children from playing the game of baseball.

Games take place every weekend and provide mentally and physically disabled children and teens with the ability to play baseball, make friends, and have a fun time.

In addition to giving kids the chance to play the game Miracle League is dedicated to bringing together children through the “Buddies” program.

Miracle League Buddies are assigned a player for each game. The buddy is there to protect the player from balls, assist the player in batting and running the bases (if needed), and to be a friend on and off the field. Buddies receive a Miracle League Buddy t-shirt for their participation.

Buddies are youth (ages 12 and up) and adults who play or enjoy baseball and softball-or just like to have fun. These include family members and local youth and civic groups to mention a few. Though we call them Buddies, many people refer to the volunteers as Angels in the Outfield.

The duty of the buddy is to provide aid to the players, protect the players, and help the coaches. The buddy program is meant to provide Miracle League players with a friend and helper during the game, as well as someone to protect the players from stray softballs and other players.

Miracle League of the South Hills is a wonderful organization and provides a unique opportunity for children to play baseball who might otherwise have the opportunity.

To volunteer to be a buddy, visit the Miracle League of the South Hills website here.