CHICAGO (WLS) — The Miracle League is founded on the belief that every child should have the opportunity to play baseball. On Tuesday, 30 special athletes from Joliet experienced this at the Rate.
This event was a joint effort by the White Sox and the Miracle League of Joliet, offering children and young adults with disabilities a chance to play baseball.
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The Sox hosted a two-inning exhibition game for 30 players. Each was paired with a buddy from the White Sox front office.
The event is a favorite for the organization.
“Providing them with full uniforms and offering that major league atmosphere to witness their sheer joy and happiness is extremely meaningful to us,” expressed Christine O’Reilly from the Sox.
And it means a lot to the parents, like Scott Ehling, who got to watch his son, Brendan, get a turn at bat.
“We’re so appreciative for the White Sox and all the charitable work that they do. So we’re very appreciative to be here, very happy,” Ehling said.
“We hear it all the time from parents, especially, ‘I always wanted to be a little league coach for my son or daughter, and I never could do that, obviously. And this is my chance,'” said Pete Ferro, with Miracle League of Joliet.
Players got to pick their own walk-up music and have their pictures displayed on the video board in center field.
For 12-year old Michael Martinez, his mom says this will an experience he’ll also remember.
“He’s having a great time. He’s really enjoying himself. It’s nice to have something where he can fit in,” parent Rhealyn Ibarra said.
And White Sox pitcher Cam Booser says he gets just as much out of it as the kids.
“This is their big league game. It’s incredible to be out here and witness the joy and happiness they experience,” Booser said.
After, there was a pizza party. And some of the athletes may stay for the White Sox game Tuesday night.
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