What Makes a "Miracle League Field" So Special?

Our Miracle League Manasota Field is specifically designed for individuals with physical and / or cognitive challenges. It is made with a rubberized surface that is wheelchair accessible. Bases and pitching mounds are painted on the surface so that there are no raised obstacles found on a typical baseball field. The “dugout” area is big enough to accommodate wheelchairs, and we have spectator seating areas behind homeplate and adjacent to the player benches. The base paths, pitching, and outfield fence distances are a bit shorter than a typical Little League field.

Where is the Miracle League of Manasota Field Located?

The Miracle League of Manasota Field is located at Longwood Park, off University Parkway bordering Sarasota and Manatee Counties. The physical address for the Miracle League Field is 6050 Longwood Run Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34243. Our field is adjacent to the Longwood Run Community Center.  After our games, players may feel free to utilize the park’s playground, tennis and basketball courts. Our facility also features a fully accessible restroom and concession facilities operated by some of our players and “buddies.”

Where Do I Park at the Miracle League Field

There is plenty of parking adjacent to our field with additional spots available next to the Longwood Run Community Center. Handicapped parking is available but limited.

Who Can Play in the Miracle League of Manasota?

Boys and girls ages 4 and older who have physical and / or cognitive challenges are eligible to play in The Miracle League of Manasota.  We do our best to make the games adaptable for players with any ability.  Our field is wheelchair accessible for those who have mobility issues.  Currently, we host two 10-week seasons — our spring season is available for athletes under the age of 25 and the fall season is reserved for players ages 25 and older.

Do I Have to Live in Sarasota or Bradenton to Play in the Miracle League of Manasota?

Absolutely not!  In fact, you don’t even need to live in Sarasota or Manatee County.  If you can get to the Miracle League Field for our games, you are welcome to join the fun.

My Child has Never Played Baseball Before. Will He or She be Able to Play in the League?

Any differently-abled individual who has the desire to play baseball is welcome.  We adapt the game to each player’s ability.  Athletes may bat using a tee or hit balls thrown by a live pitcher.

Our volunteer “Buddies” are paired with players to give them as much or as little assistance as required.  We feel comfortable in saying that we can work with any child.  In addition to our on field “Buddies,” we have coaches and “Team Moms” in the dugouts to assist each player as they get ready to bat.  The safety of our players is of utmost importance, so our “Buddies” are instructed to do whatever is necessary in order to ensure each player’s well being.

In addition, Sarasota County paramedics are on duty for all of our games.

Does My Child Need Any Special Baseball Equipment or Uniform?

Each player will receive a team sponsored jersey and baseball cap on opening day as they arrive at the field.  Baseball pants are optional. We ask that all participants wear sneakers on the Miracle League Field (baseball cleats are not permitted as they can damage the rubber surface of the field).

Though it is not required, we suggest that each player has his or her own baseball glove with their name inscribed. The Miracle League provides helmets, bats, and gloves (if needed) — players may bring their own if they wish.  All player-owned equipment should be labeled with the player’s name.

What are the Miracle League of Manasota Games Like and When are they Played?

First and foremost, our games are non-competitive and always end up in a tie.  Each game is two innings long and generally lasts about one hour. Every player gets to bat twice. Game schedules are posted and distributed prior to the start of the season. All games are played on Saturdays between 8am-1pm.

When is the Miracle League Season?

The Miracle League of Manasota offers two seasons each lasting ten weeks. Spring season begins in mid-March for those under age 25 while the fall season for players 25 years of age and older begins in early September.

How are the Miracle League of Manasota Teams Formed?

Players can register here on our website, or in-person on designated days at our field. Players may request to be on a team with a particular friend.  Be sure to note this request on your registration where asked.

How Much Does it Cost to Participate in the Miracle League of Manasota?

Our registration fee is $35. Fee waivers are available upon request. Our goal is that every differently-abled child or adult who wants to play in our league will be able to do so.

What Happens After I Register My Child for the Miracle League of Manasota?

All players will be contacted by email after registering with information about the beginning of the season.

How Can I Volunteer?

There are many ways to become involved with Miracle League of Manasota. The easiest way is to become a Buddy for one of our players or a Coach for one of our teams. We also host other events during the year and we often need volunteers to assist with these events. Please note that Buddies need to be 15 years of age or older.

What are Buddies and How Do They Help?

Buddies are volunteers who assist our athletes during the games. Miracle League players have a wide range of abilities. Some need very little assistance during the game and may just require some encouragement, while others need assistance hitting, fielding, and moving around the bases. A Buddy’s number one priority is the safety of the players.

Does a Volunteer Have to be Available to Help Every Week of the Season?

We appreciate any time that our volunteers can give. We play four games every Saturday during our season and ask that you stay for the duration of the day (7:30am-1:30pm). Our players often become attached to their Buddies during the season leading to some great friendships.

How Do I Register to Become a Volunteer?

It’s easy. Just follow this link, fill out your personal information, and we will be in touch with you soon.

Who Can Be a Miracle League Buddy?

Anyone who is 15 year of age or older may volunteer to become a Miracle League Buddy. Adults are welcome and appreciated.

I Have a Team or Group That Would Like to Be Buddies. Can We Volunteer as a Group?

Certainly! Volunteering together is a fantastic team building exercise for any group. It is a perfect way for high school teams or other groups to give back to their community. All members of your group who want to be Buddies must be 15 years of age or older. For more information or to schedule your group, please contact us by completing the form available here.

Do I Need to Know Much About Baseball in Order to Become a Buddy?

You do not need to know anything about baseball to be one of our Buddies, nor do you need any particular athletic skills. All you need is compassion, enthusiasm, and energy.

How Do I Register to Be a Volunteer? Can I Just Show Up on Game Day?

All volunteers must pre-register. Our volunteer registration form is available here. There is no cost to register as a Miracle League Buddy. We will contact all registered Buddies prior to the season to discuss schedules.

What Should I Expect on Game Day?

All Buddies are issued a Miracle League of Manasota Buddy t-shirt on their first day. You will be assigned a player as they arrive for their game.

Do I Need Any Baseball Equipment to be a Buddy?

You do not need to bring any baseball equipment. Sneakers are required — no baseball cleats are allowed on the Miracle League Field.

What if We Cannot Attend One of Our Scheduled Games?

Please let us know by email if you are not going to be able to attend on any particular day.

Can I Receive Credit for Community Service Hours?

Yes. We are happy to sign any forms or provide a letter for you to receive credit for required community service hours.  Please provide any forms that you have or request a letter from Jodi McCoy at jlaubin@hotmail.com. Be sure to allow an appropriate amount of time for the forms to be completed.