to learn more about the players and volunteers
stepping up to the plate
with the Miracle League of the Fox Valley.
The Miracle League of the Fox Valley,
a program of Goodwill of North Central Wisconsin,
brings players of all abilities onto the field
for games, fun, and a chance to score a run for their team.
We met with Heather Hietpas, the program leader,
to find out more about the organization.
- Miracle League of the Fox Valley
is about kids with disabilities coming and playing baseball.
They're allowed to play on an adaptive field
and just get to be on a team.
They learn teamwork.
They learn social skills.
They learn even just following directions.
It's the baby steps to the employment skills
that they will learn as they get older.
Before this role, I was a coach,
and I personally watched one player
wouldn't even come on the field whatsoever at all.
And then, by the end of the season,
he was hitting, running, ready to go.
Lots of changes can happen.
- Crowd: Noah, Noah!
- Angela: Around 300 volunteers participate every season
as field announcers, coaches,
and buddies who are partnered up with the players
for the season.
But for Heather,
it's the crowds that really make each game special.
- Man: There we go!
- The crowd.
The crowd is probably the best thing, I think.
The start of the season,
they'll get to know their names,
and then, by the end,
they're cheering their name on, no problem.
So, a complete stranger is cheering you on.
[crowd cheers and applauds]
- Angela: Mason and his dad, Nathan, who is also a coach,
have been in the Miracle League for six years
and enjoy playing year after year.
- Nathan Haberman: The smiles out here are contagious.
The Miracle League is just one of those things
that's just an amazing organization for everyone.
The fans, the participants, the players.
It really gives every kid an opportunity to play baseball,
and they just light up out here.
Mason, what do you like most about baseball?
You like hitting?
He loves hitting the ball, and all kids do.
I mean, if you watch the game,
you'll see when that ball hits the bat,
their eyes just light up.
Mason, what did you wanna tell 'em about baseball?
- Mason: I like to play baseball.
- Do you? With me?
With me? [Mason vocalizes]
And your buddy, Hailey?
- Man: Versus the Nets!
- Angela: The players and volunteers clearly love the game,
creating a season of miracles each year.
- Great game! - Thank you.
- It's a home run for the community
and a great way to come together,
get kids active, and play ball.