Every Child Deserves a Chance to Play!
ABOUT MLSWPA
The Miracle League of Southwestern Pennsylvania (MLSWPA) was formed in January 2007 and is dedicated to providing the opportunity for children and adults with physical and mental disabilities to play organized baseball.
In addition to organizing a league for special needs children and adults, the MLSWPA built a facility that meets the unique needs of this special group of children and adults. Affiliated with the National Miracle League Baseball organization, the MLSWPA reached an agreement with Cranberry Township to integrate a Miracle League Field into the baseball complex that the Township developed in the new Graham Park.
Opening Day for the Miracle League of Southwestern Pennsylvania was on May 16, 2009. The MLSWPA is committed to expanding its offerings and support to special needs children and adults in Western Pennsylvania.
MISSION
The mission of the Miracle League of Southwestern PA (MLSWPA) is to provide the opportunity for children and adults with special needs a chance to experience playing baseball in a league-based environment. MLSWPA provides leadership and facilities for a baseball program for children and adults with special needs in a manner consistent with MLSWPA and community values. With a specially designed rubber turf field, MLSWPA makes dreams come true for children and adults who desire to play ball just like their brothers, sisters and friends. All Directors, Officers, affiliated local athletic associations and volunteers shall bear in mind that the attainment of exceptional athletic skill or the winning of games is secondary, and the molding of future citizens is of prime importance.
MIRACLE FIELD
The Pirates Charities Miracle League Field is located in Graham Park in Cranberry Township, PA. It has an all-weather rubberized surface and is handicap accessible. There are no raised surfaces to interfere with crutches, walkers, or wheelchairs.
The Pirates Charities Miracle League Field is equipped with an electonic scoreboard, public address system, covered dugouts, restroom facilities, a drinking fountain, a covered pavillion, and a storage shed. A player dropoff area is available for easy access to the field. A large parking lot is available within a short walking distance.
Specifications:
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10,568 square feet
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14,900 square feet including dugouts and foul areas
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Baselines: 50 feet
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Home plate to centerfield plate: 115 feet
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Pitcher’s mound to home plate: 33 feet
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Baseline to dugout: 21 feet
PIRATES CHARITIES
Throughout its 121-year history, the Pittsburgh Pirates have developed deep-rooted relationships throughout the Pittsburgh region. The Pirates have supported many non-profit and civic organizations through itsconsiderable charitable and community efforts, specifically its charitable giving, memorabilia, merchandise and ticket donations, and volunteer efforts.
Under the direction of Chairman of the Board Bob Nutting, the Pittsburgh Pirates organization’s mission is to strive for excellence in every aspect of the organization, including the way the organization interacts with the community, its business partners and its fans.
Although the organization is extremely active in the community, the management team decided it could be more effective in its philanthropic efforts and make an even greater impact in meeting the needs of the region. As a result, the Pirates formed Pirates Charities as its defined philanthropic arm in late 2006.
Pirates Charities has been established as a 501(c) (3) organization with a focus on three core areas of youth health, fitness and education. Based on these core areas, the objective of Pirates Charities is outlined in the charitable foundation’s mission statement:
Pirates Charities is committed to strengthening the community by supporting organizations and programs aimed at improving the lives of children and adults in the greater Pittsburgh region. Pirates Charities places a special emphasis on supporting youth programs focused on health, fitness, and education by developing partnerships with those who share in our mission.
By focusing its charitable contributions of both time and funds in this manner, Pirates Charities will enable the Pirates to support programs that align with its mission and allow the organization to continue its already established community relations activities. As a result, Pirates Charities will increase the impact of the Pirates charitable support throughout the Pittsburgh region.
Pirates Charities is a recognized 501(c) (3) charitable organization. The official registration and financial information of Pirates Charities may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1 (800) 732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
For more information:
http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/pit/community/charities.jsp
LINKS
OTHER MIRACLE LEAGUES
Miracle League of South Hills (caseysclubhouse.org)
Miracle League of Western Pennsylvania(www.mlwpa.org)
Miracle League of Indiana County (www.icymca.org/?miracle/)
Miracle League of the Ohio Valley (no website, phone 304-242-1390 through local Easter Seals)