[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Page 5823]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     IN HONOR OF THE MIRACLE LEAGUE

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I take this opportunity to 
recognize the Miracle League, an organization dedicated to providing 
opportunities for all children to play baseball, regardless of their 
abilities.
  In 1997, Coach Eddie Bagwell of the Rockdale Youth Baseball 
Association in Atlanta, GA, noticed a young boy in a wheelchair on the 
sidelines at all of the youth baseball team's practices and games. The 
enthusiasm and excitement that this boy had for baseball was inspiring 
and it was then that Coach Eddie realized that youth with disabilities 
ought to have the same opportunities as others to play ball.
  In 1988, Coach Bagwell formed the Miracle League, a youth baseball 
league designed to allow children of all abilities to participate in 
our Nation's favorite pastime--baseball. The league started with 35 
children. The following year, the number more than doubled, with 80 
children clamoring to join a team. Since the Miracle League was 
breaking new ground, it came up with five rules to play by: every 
player bats once each inning; all base runners are safe; every player 
scores a run before the inning is over (last one up gets a home run); 
community volunteers serve as ``buddies'' to assist the players; and 
each team and each player wins every game.
  As word spread quickly, Miracle League baseball teams were started 
across the country. In my home State of California, there are now four 
Miracle League teams: in Belmont, Westminster, Ventura County, and 
Visalia. Nationwide, there are more than 50 Miracle League teams.
  I commend the Miracle League for its philosophy that ``Every Child 
Deserves a Chance to Play Baseball.'' As the Miracle League begins its 
Spring 2005 season, I send my best wishes for a fun and exciting 
season. Play Ball!

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