Miracle League Field: Guaranteed high fives & big smiles

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - With its adaptive turf -- Miracle League Field: Schmidt Family Park -- is truly a field of dreams for player Jacob Fountain.

“It’s really like -- really good not the grass in this -- messing up my wheels and making me slow -- I can just roll,” said Jacob.

His coaches in the Buddy Ball league are USA medical students.

“Just watching them grow from year to year and seeing how they just develop as people besides the athletic aspect of it,” said Joseph Ogles, USA Medical Student.

On hand for opening night -- the Alabama Baseball Coaches Association -- chipping in another $10,000 donation. ALABCA Executive Director Barry Dean was there for the big check presentation before the first pitch was thrown.

“And I got so fired up when I was down here. I couldn’t just emcee -- I had to add $10,000 to the pot for this this year and that makes us a $30,000 total sponsor -- which is a triple. When I played baseball I could only hit singles. And I’ve always wanted to be on a triple level,” said Dean.

It’s money that will go a long way for expansion.

“Two more fields -- which are planned -- regular fields -- a softball field and regulation baseball field. Lee: So, more dreams -- more miracles? -- Yes, this is truly a dream happening -- it’s amazing to see what it’s turned into,” said Donnie Brown.

Just a few years ago -- the field off Johnson Road in West Mobile was just a pile of dirt. Now it’s home to cheers and good ole fashioned rivalries.

“I like how our name is the Giants because I feel like we’re probably going to beat the team over there. -- Lee: That’s the goal. -- Yeah, that’s the goal,” said Andrew Timberlake, Giants #14.

I’m good at aiming and throwing far! I have a good arm,” said Reign, Giants #5.

Helping these young athletes navigate the diamond are baseball players from Baker and Blount High Schools.

“Lee: What’s the experience been like for you guys? -- It’s great -- giving back to the community and it’s fun hanging out and meeting new people and just enjoying the game with these kids,” said Brisyn Driskell, Baker Baseball Player, 9th Grade.

Giants player #6 -- Vincent Dennis -- needs no help -- he’s already a pro!

“Lee: You hit it hard. -- I did hit it hard because I’m kind of the strongest on the team. So, I just tried my best,” said Vincent.

Oakland A’s #9 was also running the bases -- all the way home!!!

“Lee: You’re pretty fast -- Yeah. Lee: How fast are you? -- 20-million... Lee: Like fast as lightning. -- Yeah,” said Lynden McCaslin, Oakland A’s #9.

The love of the game was alive and well at Miracle League Field -- guaranteed smiles and high fives!

“Lee: Your players are having a good time. -- Oh yes, they are. They are having a good time. Some of these kids prob doing a little better than my kids on the field. It’s a great opportunity and great atmosphere. Lee: They’re probably learning things from these young athletes too. -- Yes, we are both learning from each other -- that’s what baseball is all about,” said GT Tolbert, Blount High School Head Baseball Coach.

With 62 participants on this season’s Buddy Ball roster -- games will be played through May -- featuring four teams: The Giants, A’s, Colorado Rockies, and Detroit Tigers. Meanwhile, donations are still being accepted for maintenance of the park as well as to expand.

The Miracle League of West Mobile: Schmidt Family Park officially opened in October with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a celebratory jamboree game. This baseball field—the first of its kind in Mobile County—was made possible through a partnership between the Schmidt Family, Mobile County Public Schools, Mobile County Commission, South Alabama Pecan, South Alabama Utilities, and many other community supporters who stepped up to the plate to make this dream a reality.

The field features a synthetic rubberized surface to accommodate wheelchairs and other assistive devices, with double-wide base paths for extra maneuverability. Adjacent to the field, an inclusive playground offers accessible swings, slides, fitness equipment, wheelchair ramps, and even a zip line, ensuring fun for all.

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