I played catch with The Commissioner.
Cyrus has been The Commissioner of Miracle League in Springfield from the beginning.
“We started in the fall of 2010 with 13 players.”
This season, there are 213 players.
“Miracle League is a consistent reminder of what’s important in life. It helps keep everything in perspective. It really is just about the joy of the game. We are able to provide everything good about baseball, all the fun aspects, giving anyone who wants to play the opportunity to hit the ball, run the bases, and touch home plate for their team.”
Miracle League is a league of yes, creatively creating sacred space between those painted white lines for kids who are too often told no, you can’t do this.
I’ve been to a couple Miracle League games this year; it is the perfect experience for players. Everyone in the stands cheers for every hitter. Players have buddies who help them run the bases and field the balls, keeping them safe from the big hitters.
Cyrus and I stepped on to the specially-designed rubber field. “It’s been at least 6 years since I’ve played catch. At least 6 years. Probably more.”
A Cardinals fan, “all day, every day,” Cyrus’ favorite players are Yadi, Pujols, and Edgar Renteria.
“My dream is for the league to keep growing, for the players to keep having fun. It’d be pretty cool if we got big enough to need a second field.”
The Miracle League crew was already hard at work getting the sound system set up and setting out the bats along the fence. After the picture, Cyrus gifted me an official Miracle League ball should I need it for future games of catch with Miracle Leaguers.
“Every child deserves a chance to play baseball.”
