A New Boston mom’s desire to let her disabled child play baseball locally led her to start a local league for anyone with disabilities.
Jessica Harris is the founder of The Miracle Legends, an inclusive t-ball league for those with developmental, physical, cognitive and intellectual disabilities to play in a non-competitive environment at no cost.
Harris is a mother of five. Her 12-year-old son, Hunter, was born with cerebral palsy.
“He’s always wanted to play but there’s never been anything for him here,” Harris said. “We joined an all-abilities team in Texarkana about two years ago and he absolutely loved it. He was getting his bat and glove and ball everyday and putting his cleats on. But our girls were involved here in New Boston and we couldn’t get him there anymore.”
Last year, Harris began talking with one of Hunter’s teachers, Becki Carpenter, about a way to start a team to allow Hunter and others like him an avenue to play ball. After discussions with the New Boston Youth Sports Association, The Miracle Legends was born.
“To me they are miracles, they can be legends. They can do anything they set their minds to,” Harris said of the league name choice.
This will be the league’s inaugural year at the sporting complex at Tapp Park.
Within two weeks of the league being announced, 31 children from ages 3 to 16 were signed up.
While there isn’t a lack of children for play, there are needs for the league to be successful, Harris said.
The biggest need is youth volunteers to act as buddies for children who need assistance on the field.
“I think it will be very important for them to be involved also because it shows awareness and teaches kids that we’re not all the same,” Harris said. “It teaches them to be kinder also and it changes their lives.”
The league is also in need of financial donations and sponsors.
“We need help being able to afford all the jerseys, the balls, the bats, the gloves, trophies” Harris added.
They are also accepting donations of equipment. The league will be using foam bats and 9-inch foam balls bats, as well as left- and right-handed gloves.
“My longterm goal would be to update at least one field at the ball park so that the kids can get around. We’re going to have kids in wheelchairs,” Harris said. “I want to make a field that’s just for them.”
Harris also hopes to expand the league into the fall season and potentially an association which will allow other sports to become more inclusive.
Signup ends February 14 for spring ball. Adults with disabilities are also welcome to join.
For more information on how to register, volunteer or donate to the league, contact Harris at 903-280-8118 or Carpenter at 903-746-2216 or email TheMiracleLegends@ gmail.com.
