MLSH began as Casey ’ s Clubhouse , before joining the national Miracle League franchise . It launched its first season in 2012 with 50 players . This year marks the 11th for the league , which now has more than 400 players and welcomes children from all over the South Hills .
There are many benefits for the kids in addition to just being able to experience the thrill of playing on a team . It improves physical skills and allows the athletes the chance to get some sunshine and exercise — much-needed time away from electronics . They receive support from the community and enjoy the social interaction with their teammates , coaches and the Buddies who help and encourage them throughout the game .
The Buddies are volunteers who help the athletes to participate . They must be at least age 12 , and there ’ s no upper age limit . Tim Gebhart , executive director of MLSH , notes that there are Buddies who are in their 60s . Sometimes football teams , volleyball teams and other groups volunteer at specific times , while others help as individuals on an ongoing basis .
In addition to regular season play , there ’ s a Spring Training Camp to get athletes ready , and even a winter conditioning program , Muscles for Miracles , which allows players to stay physically active throughout the year . Another program recently added is called The Next Inning , which offers job training .
The league built a new concession stand that is accessible , so current and former Miracle League athletes can work there and earn a salary for their service . Gebhart says there are about 40 athletes working at the stand , and five have gone on to secure jobs outside of MLSH . The program is so popular that there ’ s a waitlist .
One of the highlights of participating in the league is a travel program , where players can compete against other teams in the U . S . Last year they traveled to Cincinnati to play a Miracle League team there . This year they will be playing at the Ripken Baseball complex in Pigeon Forge , Tennessee . This amazing facility gives kids the chance to have a big-league experience playing baseball .
On Sept . 25 , MLSH will be holding a major fundraiser , Sean Casey ’ s Golf Classic , at Valley Brook Country Club in Canonsburg . Despite a busy schedule , Casey will be in attendance . As Major League Baseball fans probably know , Casey was recently hired by the New York Yankees as a hitting coach . The announcement was made the same day the MLSH announced the date for the Golf Classic .
Fortunately , it is an open date for the Yankees , and Casey will be flying in for the tournament and events , and then boarding a plane that evening for a game in Toronto on Sept . 26 . Although it will be a rough 24 hours , it was important to the former first baseman to be there to support the Miracle League athletes .
There are still spots open to play in the tournament , which features 18 holes of golf , a gourmet dinner , and the famous “ Story Time with Sean Casey ,” where he will relate funny stories from his time in the major leagues .
During that time , Casey was nicknamed “ The Mayor .” The moniker stuck because of his affable demeanor and his extensive charity work . These days , he is certainly the mayor of the Miracle League of the South Hills .
Gebhart says , “ This field that grew into a park has grown into a community , or better yet , a family . The impact of each gift , each volunteer , can be seen , felt , and even hugged . At this field , between these lines , miracles happen .” n
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