Opening ceremonies for the Miracle Field, located at the Troy Sportsplex, will soon be underway and Dan Smith, director of Troy Parks and Recreation, said the field is more than ready for action.

“All construction is complete on the Miracle Field,” Smith said. “There are some cosmetic odds and ends, some touch-ups that are going on and will continue to go on, but the field is ready to be played on.”

Smith said the grand opening ceremony is slated for Thursday, June 16, at 6:30 p.m.

“After the ceremonies, we’ll have two teams, a total of 23 kids, that will play a game,” Smith said.

Earlier this year, Smith said the Miracle League Field project has touched the hearts of many Pike Countians.

“This has been a project that a lot of people in Troy have been very excited about,” Smith said. “The motto of the Miracle League is ‘every child deserves the right to play baseball,’ and, for ages five up to 19, this field is tailor-made for children with mental or physical special needs.

“We hope that every family will allow their children to take a part in it and we know that it has been a very good thing in other cities and we can not wait for it to be finished and open up.”

Smith said after the dedication of the field and the national anthem is sung, the children will be ready to do what they love – play ball.

“I know a number of families, over the past several weeks, have been going to the field and watching the construction as it evolves,” Smith said. “They’re very excited.”

Shelia Sanders, mother of 11-year-old Sheldan Sanders, said she has taken her son by the field just about every week since the construction on the Miracle Field started.

“My son is very excited about a Miracle League coming to Troy,” Sanders said.

“We have, in the past, played for Montgomery, but he got tired of traveling. So, he’s very excited about playing again.”

Sanders said her son wants to be a catcher and a pitcher and is excited that his brothers will be able to watch him play for a change.

“It’s a very outstanding feeling to know that the Troy community put the thought and consideration of our children into play, so they can also have an area that they can call home,” Sanders said.

“It kind of brings tears to your eyes when you think about it.”