Friday afternoon, the South Georgia State College baseball team recognized players who participate in the local Miracle League. The Douglas-Coffee County Board of Realtors sponsored the event, which brought Miracle League players to the ballpark to spend a few minutes with the SGSC Hawks. On Friday, the Hawks played a fall game against the Florida State College – Jacksonville Manta Rays.
The SGSC players went into the stands and spoke with the players, signed autographs, and posed for pictures. Just before the game began, three Miracle Leage players – Anthony Bigbee, Brittany Saylor, and Montgomery Preston – threw out first pitches.
The Board of Realtors also made a generous donation to the Miracle League as a part of the event.
As Anthony, Brittany, and Montgomery made their way to the pitcher’s mound, the college’s stadium announcer provided a little background on Miracle League for those who were in attendance. The remarks can be seen below in their entirety. After the recognition, the Miracle League players stayed at the stadium and watched the Hawks defeat the Manta Rays 19-8.
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Crider Field at George Cook Stadium for today’s game between the visiting Florida State College – Jacksonville Manta Rays and the South Georgia State College Hawks. Before the game begins, would you please turn your attention to the pitcher’s mound as we recognize a few important guests.
“In November of 2021, the Douglas-Coffee County Parks and Recreation Department began the first season of Miracle League baseball. The Miracle League began in 2000 in Conyers, Georgia, and quickly spread to several states all over the country. Currently, there over 240 Miracle Leagues in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
“The idea for a Miracle League in Douglas began with the annual Kayla Day celebration, which is held in October of each year. The day is named after Kayla Davis, who was a special needs student in the Coffee County School System. Kayla Day gives special needs children the opportunity to enjoy the kinds of games and activities that able-bodied children play. But Kayla Day is only one day and it was limited to children in the school system. People in the community wanted more – something that lasted longer than one day and included adults as well as children.
“One of the loudest voices was the late Johnnie Lee Roper, a long-time Douglas city commissioner. Mr. Roper’s career was marked by giving a voice to the voiceless. He extended his activism to the children and adults in the community who face these challenges each and every day. Sadly, Mr. Roper passed away in 2017 and never saw his vision materialize into Miracle League. The Miracle League field is named after Mr. Roper and without him, it would not have been possible.
“Miracle League allows participants to play a game that every other child plays growing up. It also gives them an opportunity to socialize, make friends, and build relationships that extend beyond playing baseball. When these children and adults are on the field, it is their time to be the center of attention and to have fans cheering for them. The experience is authentic and the competition is tangible. The Miracle League web site states: “Our players may not be able to run the bases or hit the ball as well as some of their peers, but they have an equal amount of love and determination to play baseball. We want to help them achieve that dream.”
“We would like to offer a special thank you to the Coffee County Board of Realtors for organizing today’s activities and making a generous donation to the Miracle League.
“Today, three Miracle League players are throwing out first pitches. They are: Anthony Bigbee, Montgomery Preston, and Brittany Saylor.
“Please give these players and their caregivers a round of applause.
“Thank you all and enjoy the game.”