Miracle League continues at local YMCA

By Rick Henly on Monday, July 13th, 2009 |

The Huntington Miracle League continued on Sunday afternoon at the Huntington YMCA and an enjoyable time was had by all.

The league for special needs children is overseen at the 'Y' by Tim Allen. But the whole Allen family takes turns at helping out in different ways. Both Tim and his wife, Penny, along with their children, Derek, Whitney and Zach all find ways to make the experience more enjoyable for all of the boys and girls.

The game, similiar to a coaches pitch game, has Tim throwing underhanded pitches to all of the competitors who can hit them. There are no strikes or balls. Just fun. The batters swing until they hit the ball and then run as far as they can before the ball gets back to the pitcher. The defensive players each have an 'angel' (volunteer) that helps them get to the ball and make the play. Some competitors are even in wheelchairs and their 'angel' pushes them down the baseline after they hit the ball off of a tee. Each athlete is also given a shirt and cap that they get to keep at the end of the season.

On Sunday there were kids from the Padres, Royals, Astros and Nationals making up the two teams to play each other. A lot of hitting, running and scoring brought many smiles to everyone's faces. And the stands in the 'outfield' of the YMCA gymnasium were filled with many happy relatives and friends as the kids made contact with the ball. A lot of applause from the stands made the kids try even harder.

Each game is three innings long with all players batting, running and scoring. No one cares what the final score is because everyone is just there to have fun. It's one of the quickest ninety minutes you're bound to experience.

Derek Allen was announcing the game today in the gym. He knew every child's name and added some humorous color commentary whenever he could. Allen said after the game that they (the Allen family) do it "to give the kids a feeling of what it's like." His sister Whitney added that "We're in our fourth year and Huntington County was the first in Indiana to implement this."

"We used to be in the fieldhouse at Huntington North before the new YMCA was completed. We even played one time outside. It was too hot!" she added. "Now, it's wonderful at the new YMCA with the air conditioning and the gymnasium." They also added that it's great that the 'angels' give of their time to come out and help. With the average turnout of 15-20 kids, they all need a helper while in the 'field'.

The next game will be at the YMCA on Sunday, July 26 in the gymnasium. It has also been announced that the Champion League of football will be starting at the PAL the last Sunday in August. All kids will get to be a part of the game with catching a football and running afterwards.

Comments...

Thank you for the terrific article on our baseball league. All the us really enjoy watching the kids play ball. And the kids love the game!

Sally Grimes posted on July 13th, 2009 @ 12:06:45

Wonderful article, Rick.....thanks for taking the time to come out and see one of our games. Next time bring some friends!!

Tim Allen posted on July 13th, 2009 @ 19:35:02

What a great job you did on this article! Thanks for taking an interest in our kids. My son loved watching himself on the computer.

Nancy Hartley posted on July 14th, 2009 @ 07:11:08

Thanks Rick! as a mother and fan I am pleased you took the time to come and join in on the fun!

nicole jensen posted on July 30th, 2009 @ 19:38:37

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