Every American child dreams of playing baseball!
But for too many young people, physical or developmental disabilities make it impossible to negotiate the challenges of the conventional game. The Miracle League, created by committed families in the 1990's, makes dreams of baseball into reality, not only through structured leagues with disability-friendly rules and accommodations, but also through special, rubberized fields that ensure full accessibility. Over the past decade, the nationally-acclaimed League has grown to serve more than 200,000 children and young adults at 240 sites throughout the country.
About the Fields: The Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields, a two-field complex suitable for tournament play, will be located on land provided by the City of Fairfield on Groh Lane, directly opposite the Fairfield Pee Wee Football Fields. The popular Waterworks Park, where the Fairfield Youth Baseball Association conducts its baseball programs, is also nearby. The site will accommodate future expansion, including both a fully handicapped-accessible playground for younger children and additional Miracle League fields.
Plans for the complex call for: Two rubberized softball fields. These fields are made of a durable, spongy, painted rubber surface that will allow wheelchair-bound individuals or individuals with trouble walking to play safely.• state-of-the-art handicapped-accessible restrooms• level parking lot with an abundance of handicapped-accessible parking and level sidewalks and ramps connecting each of the ball fields• ground-level, covered dugouts • electronic scoreboards • a pavilion that houses a concession stand, equipment storage and a press box• stadium-style seating for spectators• lighting for the fields • fencing • attractive landscaping seating areas.
The fields will commemorate the lives of two Butler County citizens noted for their community engagement and self-sacrifice. Joe Nuxhall, of course, achieved national recognition for his contributions to the Cincinnati Reds as both player and broadcaster. But it was his commitment to the community that made “Hamilton Joe” a hero to his friends and neighbors in Butler County. The fields will also honor Lance Corporal Taylor Prazynski of the United States Marines, a Fairfield native who was committed to working with the mentally and physically disabled. Sadly, Taylor was killed on May 9, 2005.
The Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields represent Butler County's deep commitment to the quality of life of every member of our community. Generous support of this project by so many local heroes, organizations, corporations and individuals attests to its importance. The time has come to reach out to the community for the financial support that will ensure that the project breaks ground on schedule. Help us—help Joe!—give every child in Butler County a chance to play baseball.
Posted July 31, 2012
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