Parent FAQ's
What is the Miracle League of Long Island?
The Miracle League of Long Island is a league for special needs for children and adults that enables them to play baseball at a specially designed adaptive field. The Miracle League was started in Conyers, Georgia in 1997, and since then Miracle Leagues have been started all over the country. The Miracle League of Long Island located in Brookhaven is the first Miracle League located in Long Island.
My child has never played baseball or any other sport; can he or she participate in this league?
Every child, no matter his or her level of ability, can participate in the Miracle League of Long Island.
Where will the games be played and when?
All games will be played on the Miracle League Field located across from the Town of Brookhaven's Amphitheater located at 55 South Bicycle Path, Selden, New York 11748. The inaugural season will start on the weekend of September 11, 2010 and continue for six weeks. All league games will take place on weekends starting no earlier than 10:00 AM. Check back at the website for updates on schedules and league details.
How is the game played? How long is a game?
Typically each game lasts about two hours. They are non-competitive in nature, with each player batting, running the bases and scoring each inning. Volunteers will be assigned to each individual to assist throughout the game. There are no losers in this game, only winners with the score tied at the end of each game. The focus is more on participation than on winning. The teams will have 12-15 players.
Do I need to bring anything?
Only yourselves and whatever you require for the care of your child. Before the beginning of each season every participant will receive a shirt and cap that is to be worn at each game. They should bring with them a baseball glove to be used during the course of the game. There are accessible bathrooms. Please bring water with you to keep hydrated.
What are buddies and how do they help?
Each player will have a "buddy" at each game. This 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 will be given a Miracle League shirt for their participation. 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 12. The siblings, parents, relatives, and friends of players can be their Buddies.
How can I volunteer?
The Miracle League of Long Island will need lots of volunteers for the inaugural season, and to help us get the season underway. We'll need volunteers to help manage the league and teams and to help with league organization, publicity, and other activities. See our volunteer page for more information.
Are there registration fees?
There will be no player fees!!! The Miracle League of Long Island is extremely fortunate to have the generous participation of The Town of Brookhaven. The Town of Brookhaven has provided a site and the means to build the Miracle field. We welcome donations to help with the costs of operating the league, the uniforms and equipment.
How can I donate to the Miracle League of Long Island?
There are several ways you can help. View our donation page for information about donations and sponsorships.
Volunteer/Buddy FAQ's
What is a Miracle League Buddy?
BUDDY stands for "Because Unbelievable Dedication Deserves YOU!" 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 12 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.
Is there 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. ?There will be an orientation a half an hour before each game.
What is expected of me on game days?
They are expected to arrive at games forty 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 12. The siblings, parents, relatives, and friends of players can be their Buddies.Buddies have as much fun at the games as the players do!