Miracle League announces spring sign-ups

COAST CITIES — Miracle League of San Diego Spring registration will open Nov. 20 to players, Buddies and coaches. The spring season will begin March 12 and continues through May 21, 2011.
For those wishing to be a game-day volunteer, the volunteer registration will be available closer to opening day. Contact Gianna Stone at [email protected] with any questions.
As a preview to the coming season, Miracle League hosted a Celebrity Pitcher Day on Nov. 13. The lineup gave players the opportunity to come face to face with current and former Major League players for a chance to hit one out of the park.
The day included Twins versus Padres, featuring guest pitchers Heath Bell and Bud Black, the Storm versus Marlins, featuring guest pitcher Will Venable; the
Orioles versus Rays, featuring guest pitcher Tony Gwynn Jr.; Angels versus Red Sox, featuring guest pitchers Brad Ausmus and Mark Sweeney and the Indians versus Pirates, featuring guest pitcher Mark Loretta.
The Padres’ Swingin’ Friar and members of the Pad Squad were on hand cheering on the players. John Weisbarth, host of Padres’ pre-game and post-game shows, joined the Miracle League’s broadcast crew for the morning games and providing on-field commentary and mid-inning interviews with the featured pitchers and Miracle League sluggers.
“The San Diego Padres are pleased to participate in this event and showcase our players’ and club’s involvement in the community,” Sue Botos, director of the Padres Foundation, said. “We have a strong partnership with the Miracle League of San Diego, and we are proud of the work they do to ensure special needs children can enjoy and excel at America’s favorite past time.”
“This is also a great way to call attention to our ‘Buy-a-Brick’ fundraiser which allows individuals and families to have a personalized brick placed in the Miracle League Walk of Champions with all proceeds supporting the maintenance of our special field,” Miracle League Founder and President Dan Engel said. “It is a chance to have a personal link to this site where the dreams of these terrific athletes are fulfilled.”
Bricks can be purchased online, beginning at $75, at www.bricksrus.com/order/miracleleague/index.php.
All Miracle League games are played at Engel Family Field, adjacent to the hilltop picnic and playground area in San Dieguito Park, at the intersection of Lomas Santa Fe Drive and Highland Drive. Parking is available at San Dieguito Park for the event and the Miracle League concession stand will be serving traditional ballpark fare during the day.