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Troy Parks and Recreation’s Miracle League hosted its annual opening night at Riddle-Pace Field on the campus of Troy University on Tuesday.

The league, which was founded in 2011, gives children – and adults – with special needs the opportunity to play the game of baseball.

“The (Miracle League) athletes look forward to the season – and every game that they play – every year. They have the most fun because it’s a chance for them to play baseball and do the same thing that kids of normal abilities can do,” Troy Parks and Recreation Director Dan Smith said. “The parents have told us many times it has just made so much difference in those children to be involved in something like this. It gives them a great feeling and purpose and it’s also a great blessing for all of the volunteers and buddies.”

Members of the Troy University baseball and softball programs acted as “buddies” for opening night, while there were also members of the Troy basketball, track, soccer and tennis teams on hand as volunteers. The Miracle League also received a $5,000 donation from Max Credit Union of Troy.

“In previous years they’ve also given a check at the beginning of the season and it is greatly appreciated,” Smith said. “We’re trying to get the Miracle League Field resurfaced and this will go towards that.”

Smith said that the Miracle League Field is in desperate need of resurfacing.

“We’re in the fundraising stages right now and it’s about to really ramp up in terms of us reaching out to businesses and industries and asking for their support of funding the resurfacing,” said Smith. “The field opened in 2011 and this is its 14th season and it’s in desperate need of replacement. We’re looking at a $200,000 project and we have a long way to go. Every single penny and dollar counts – whether it’s an individual or business – any contribution would be greatly appreciated.”