The Miracle League of Louisville gives children of all abilities a chance to play baseball

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Miracle League of Louisville levels out the playing field for kids of all abilities.

"Even though some people have disabilities, we can still play sports," Kyle Sullivan said. ""Mostly, I either hit it over the fence or at the fence."

Sullivan dreams of being a pro baseball player. He's been putting in the work with The Miracle League of Louisville since he was a toddler.

This league is for anyone 5-years-old and up with physical, cognitive, or emotional disabilities. This includes children who use wheelchairs, canes, or walkers.

Every player here knocks it out of the park each Saturday just by stepping up to the plate.

"I was catching the ball," Christopher Faulkner, a player, said.

Unlike your typical baseball game, there are two to three innings. The kids also get paired with "buddies." They are volunteers or family members who move with them from base to base.

"They may not get to play otherwise," Wallace Craig, a volunteer coach, said. "The parents love watching their kids play, smile, and run. It's a blessing to us to be able to help them in that way."

There are no strikes out here. Every player gets to bat, no matter how many tries it takes.

"Everybody cheers for everybody on both sides," Joann Craig, a league coach, said. "There's no team better than the other. These kids are having fun. That's what it's all about."

There are roughly 150 players in the league, and it continues to grow each season. However, it isn’t just about baseball. The league is about belonging.

"It's such a blessing," Joann Craig said. " These kids can stand on the field and see their name and picture on the scoreboard. That's when they just light up."

April Hines has two kids in the league. She was moved to tears while thinking about the sense of community she's found among other parents... as they watch their kids socialize in a safe, welcoming environment.

"Everyone's supporting all the kids who don't get supported," Hines said. "It means a lot. It helps them not feel like everybody's gonna be against them or judge them."

Faulkner, 10, said he felt "happy" to be part of The Miracle League of Louisville. It's his first season, but he says he already runs fast.

Sullivan, 12, said he enjoys taking the younger kids under his wing.

"It feels pretty good cause I get to teach them how to play baseball," Sullivan said. "Even though they don't hit a home run, people still clap for them."

These kids are gaining confidence because every base is a victory. Sullivan hopes some day we all see him and a few other players in the big leagues.

The Miracle League of Louisville plays at Fern Creek Park from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and is always in need of volunteers.

The 2025 spring schedule ends on Saturday, June 21, 2025. Registration for the league costs $45 plus a $3 service fee. Each player receives a Major League Baseball replica team jersey, hat, and team photo. No other equipment is required.

If you would like to help out or sign your child up for the next season, click here.

More Local News:

Historic military vehicles on display at Kentucky Exposition Center June 5–7

JCPS Summer Meal Program helping serve thousands of kids in Jefferson County

Public invited to attend first-ever KDF ParadeFest at Zoeller Pump Company

Spencer County gets spirited sendoff as baseball team departs for state tournament