Baseball, also known as America’s Greatest Pastime, is a sport that brings people of all backgrounds together. Fans and players alike can agree that spending time at the ballpark is an enjoyable experience that creates lasting memories of fun and joy. 

Although baseball players come from many different upbringings, ages, and abilities, one particular group of people did not always have access to play the sport in our community. That changed when the City of Gallatin and local sponsors stepped up to the plate. 

Established in 2022, The Miracle League was created for anyone aged four and above with a disability to play free of charge. 

The league rules are pretty simple. Each player is paired with a buddy who assists the player during the game, and the games consist of two innings where every player hits and scores at each at bat. 

They play on Saturday mornings at 10:00 am at Gallatin Miracle Park at Triple Creek Park, and the league is in season until May 20th.

Lisa Langford, mother of player Keith Langford, is thrilled to watch her son take the field each weekend. 

“Since Keith is a very social person, especially loves the girls, he enjoys seeing all the people who come out to cheer them on, and he loves having a buddy that helps him,” said Langford.

She continued, “I am his sole caregiver, so having the opportunity for me to just be a regular mom is important, and for Keith to have another person interacting with him is fantastic. Since Keith is wheelchair-bound, this league has afforded him the opportunity to get out and about in his community more.”

It’s not only the players who benefit from The Miracle League. Tabitha Graves  said coaching the league has been both humbling and amazing. 

“Being able to see the athletes compete in ‘America's Game’ without worrying about their disability is one of the greatest joys of my life,” commented Graves. 

Miracle League is directed by Tatum Pryor. When asked what her favorite part of running the league was, she said, “Seeing the pure joy on the player’s faces knowing that this may be a new experience for many of them.” 

That kind of joy is what the game is all about, and the city of Gallatin has done an incredible job making sure that everyone can experience it.

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