As a nonprofit 503(c)(3), the league shares the love of the game with physically and/or mentally challenged individuals almost every Saturday from May to the end of August.

This mission was emphasized Saturday morning when about 100 kids were expected to play ball, according to founder and president Joe Reed.

“It’s needed,” he said. “This is the one sport anyone can play.”

Making miracles happen

David Fraundorfer helps his daughter Maura, 11, hold the bat before she takes a swing. Mirror photo by Colette Costlow

The Orioles and the Phillies went head to head at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning, and participants readied their bats and wore their mitts.

Events and public relations coordinator Tobi Rispoli said every individual gets to try their hand at some baseball positions, including outfield and batting, but no one strikes out.

And the league doesn’t hold try outs or practices for their two-inning games. Currently, they have six teams of 12 to 14 players, and they take sign ups year round, she said.

“Anyone at all who feels their child belongs here is welcome,” she said, mentioning that those interested can reach out through their website and/or Facebook page.

However, Rispoli said they’re always in search of volunteers to allow the parents some time to sit back in the bleachers and watch their kids play.

Phillies player Jordyn McIntire, 9, (right) dances with Altoona Curve’s Loco before the game Saturday. Mirror photo by Colette Costlow

“It’s all volunteer work for maintenance of the field and the grounds,” she said.

The Altoona Curve is another supporter of the miracle league, as Rispoli said “The Curve has adopted us and we adopted the Curve.”

Because of their baseball commonality, she said Curve players will stop by for a few games throughout the season and work with the Miracle League players. The Curve and the Miracle League is also hosting an upcoming fantasy camp where Curve players will teach campers some baseball tips and tricks.

“I just can’t say enough about how supportive they are because they are community oriented,” she said.

The Curve also plays a large hand in making the Miracle League players feel good about themselves both on and off the field, she said, which is what the program is about.

“What it does for their self esteem, and their confidence is just a really great thing to see,” she said.

Positive players

Jordyn McIntire of Tyrone was excited to see Loco Saturday morning, as the two danced on the field before the game.

“That (Loco) was my favorite player,” Jordyn, 9, said.

Beth McIntire said her daughter, who has autism, loves the league because she can play how she wants. It was Jordyn’s fourth year playing on a team, and her favorite on-field activity was running.

She can’t wait to come back each year, McIntire said.

The Miracle League enables individuals like Jordyn to have fun playing baseball, McIntire said.

“Any other team would have to go by the rules,” she said. “They don’t go by the rules. They just let them play and have fun, and let them have the best day.”

Known to many as the “mayor of Miracle League,” Quincy Sims was found on the sidelines that morning cheering on his fellow teammates, even if they were on opposing teams.

He said he likes to cheer people on and play baseball.

His mother Jessica Sims of Bedford said that her son suffered an in utero stroke two days before he was born that claimed 60% of his brain. While doctors told the family he only had 10 days to live, she said Quincy recently celebrated his 13th birthday.

Quincy is confined to a wheelchair, and she said Miracle League players and families not only accommodate his condition but also relate to him and make him feel included.

“It’s not just good for the kids, but it’s also good for the parents,” she said.

The Miracle League even has its own in-house singers, including Altoona resident Jakob Shaffer, 23.

“I like to sing the National Anthem and “Take Me Out To The Ballgame,”” he said, adding that he sings the anthem before the start of the game and sings, “Take Me Out To the Ballgame” in between innings.

Longtime league supporter and coach Tammy Mincin was also found in the outfield beside Shaffer with her husband and son, Tyler, 28.

This is their 19th year involved with the league, Mincin said, mentioning that her son was eager to get out on the field and play baseball at a young age, but he couldn’t play on a regular team due to his CDLS learning disability.

“And his first word was ball,” Mincin said. “So I knew he wanted to play ball.”

Tyler has been an avid player since then, as he was featured in a few Miracle League commercials. He currently plays center field for the Phillies team.

Being a coach also has its perks, Mincin said, as she gets to see the players develop each year on a field accommodating to physically and/or mentally challenged participants.

“There’s (nothing) like it in the world,” she said. “All kids are welcome to come and play, whether they can walk or are in a wheelchair.”

Mirror Staff Writer Colette Costlow is at 814-946-7414.