Lincoln College Softball volunteers for Miracle League event

[October 03, 2018] 

On Sunday September 30th, members of the Lincoln College Softball team and coaching staff volunteered as buddies and coaches for the Miracle League of Central Illinois. The Miracle League is a national organization dedicated to helping physically and mentally challenged children learn to play baseball and softball on a real field and have fun in a safe, supportive environment. The Central Illinois chapter hosts their events at Uncle Bill's Miracle League filed located at the Corn Crib in Normal.

At the event on Sunday, LC players had the opportunity to “buddy up” with participants during two simulated games. The games each lasted two innings and included a singing of Take Me Out to the Ball Game between innings. During the games, Lincoln College players helped their “buddy” learn the basics of hitting, catching and throwing in a non-competitive situation. Each participant got the opportunity to bat, run the bases and play outfield each inning. The games are designed to end in a tie score so that no one leaves feeling as though they lost.

First-year LC Head Softball Coach Boyd Nowicki has been a fan of this event for past few years. “My assistant coach, Stacey Sparks, introduced us to the Miracle league three years ago when we were at RMU together,” explained Nowicki. “Since then we have made it an annual event for our teams and each year they are quick to ask us back.”

Nowicki says he has enjoyed seeing the positive effect volunteering at the Miracle League has had on the participants and his players. “The parents and kids love having our team there for them. In fact, we have had players in the past stay in touch with their buddies and their families,” said Nowicki.

Reactions to the event from the Lady Lynx softball players were all positive. Madison Howard, a freshman at LC from Attica, Indiana, says she and her teammates gained a lot from the experience. “It was so fun helping give kids who don’t get the chance to play ball the opportunity to enjoy the game,” said Howard. “My favorite moment was when one of the kids hit a homerun and we all went crazy cheering; you could see what a big moment that was for him. I am for sure looking forward to doing this again next year,” she added.

Coach Nowicki says the team intends to make working with the Miracle League and annual event.

For more information on the Miracle League of Central Illinois, you can visit their website at www.miracle leagueci.com.

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