Miracle field opens for special kids

MANASSAS PARK, Va. - Audrey got to throw out the first pitch on Manassas Park’s newest baseball field on Saturday.

Made of cushioned synthetic materials designed to accommodate wheel chairs, the city’s new Miracle Field is designed to give children with disabilities the chance to play baseball.

“I’m so excited, and I’m honored that they asked her to be here,” said Anne-Marie Kinzler, Audrey’s mother. “It gives her a chance to get out and play. It gives her the chance to be just another kid, and that’s difficult for her.”

The 6-year-old has Rett Syndrome,  a form of autism that affects only girls, said Kinzler. But it didn’t affect her pitch, as Audrey lobbed the ball to the catcher shortly after officials cut a ribbon inaugurating the new field, which is at the city’s new community center at 99 Adams St. off Old Centreville Road.

“The simple elements of baseball, the running, the hitting and the catching — but there are children in the community that can’t take those things for granted. Running, walking ... walking is a challenge for many, if it’s even possible. Throwing and catching may simply not be an option for many,” said Manassas Park Vice Mayor Brian Polk.

The new field, which will be the home to a Miracle baseball league now forming at the city’s parks and recreations office, is one of 240 Miracle Baseball Fields in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico.

Johnny Franklin helped open the first miracle field 10 years ago in Georgia after his daughter with special needs realized she couldn’t play baseball the same way her older brother did. When she was old enough, she told her father, she wanted to play too.

“When you come out to a Miracle League ball game, there is so much going on out on the field besides baseball. You have children who are able to do something perhaps they were told they could not do. Maybe even thought they could not do that, they will have the opportunity to do here today,” said Franklin, who works with the national Miracle League organization.

After Audrey threw out the first pitch, a series of hitters — Jimmy, Walker, Andrew and Audrey too — lined up and hit the ball from a tee and then rounded the bases with help from their adult buddies who guided and walked alongside.

When they made it back to home plate, everyone cheered.

“It’s amazing to know that kids like Andrew can enjoy a game like baseball. Andrew is extremely excited, he loved running the bases. He loves sports and this will be a great opportunity for him,” said Janet Cardoso, who works with Andrew at a school in Manassas.

The success of the program depends on volunteers to be “buddies,” and on those who can provide sponsorships and donations.

Call 703-335-8872 or visit manassasparkcommunitycenter.com/miracle.html for more information on Manassas Park’s Miracle Field.