Sean Casey , founder of Miracle League of the South Hills .
The Miracle League is a national nonprofit organization that started in Georgia in 1999 . The Miracle League of the South Hills ( MLSH ) was founded by former professional baseball player Sean Casey , who grew up in the South Hills . He has played with the Reds , the Indians , the Red Sox and the Pirates . Casey gives his thoughts on why founding this league was so important to him personally . “ I ’ ve been able to accomplish so many cool things in my life , from All-Star games to the World Series . Being a part of the Miracle League of the South Hills has been my favorite and the most rewarding . We have built a community where all are welcome , no matter the ability , and created an environment of fun , inclusion , and family .”
MLSH began as Casey ’ s Clubhouse before joining the national Miracle League franchise . It launched its first season in 2012 with 50 players . The league now has more than 400 players , and welcomes children from all over the South Hills , including Jefferson Hills , Pleasant Hills and West Elizabeth .
There are many benefits of participation for the kids besides being able to experience the thrill of being on a team . It improves physical skills and allows the athletes the chance to get some sunshine and exercise along with muchneeded time away from electronics . They receive support from the community and also 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 . There is a minimum age of 12 to be Buddy , but no upper age limit . Tim Gebhart , executive director of MLSH , notes that there are Buddies in their 60s . Sometimes football teams , volleyball teams and other school groups get together to volunteer , while others help out 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 in the offseason .
A program that ’ s been added in recent years is called The Next Inning . The Next Inning employs about 40 Miracle League athletes in the accessible concession stand that was built especially for them . The group of league athletes and former athletes get the chance to earn a salary for their service . Five of the program ’ s athletes have gone on to secure jobs outside of MLSH . The Next Inning is so popular there is a waiting list to participate .
One of the highlights of the league is a travel program , where players are able to compete against other teams in the U . S . In the past , they have traveled to Cincinnati , Ohio , and Pigeon Forge , Tennessee .
During his time in the majors , 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 .”
For more information , visit miracleleaguesouthhills . org . n
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