'We just love this program': Pirates host Miracle League Fantasy Camp

PITTSBURGH -- Cool temperatures and periodic raindrops did nothing to quell the enthusiasm at the Miracle League of Southwestern Pennsylvania facility at Graham Park in Cranberry Township, Pa., on Saturday morning. Instead, smiles, laughter and high fives were abundant during a Miracle League Fantasy Camp for children and young adults with special needs that was hosted by the Pirates and sponsored by Baseball Fantasy Camp for Kids.

Pirates Charities, the philanthropic arm of the team, has played a vital role in the construction of nine Miracle League fields -- eight in the Pittsburgh region and one in Bradenton, Fla. -- and the first was in Cranberry Township, which opened in 2009. Since then, Pirates Charities has donated more than $1.75 million to Miracle League organizations to help build fields, develop complexes, cover operating expenses and provide a fun place where everyone belongs.

“The Miracle League program really is special to the Pirates organization, and special to me personally,” Pirates chairman Bob Nutting said just before the festivities got underway at Graham Park. “These kids didn’t always get a chance to play. They were told no so often. There were so many barriers and challenges. So, to have a field like this where they’re able to be out there enjoying themselves -- a field that’s made for them -- is tremendous. It’s a place where you can say, ‘Come on, let’s go have some fun and take a break from what’s hard.’”

Saturday’s event included 50 Miracle League athletes, who rotated through four stations where they received tips and assistance with hitting, pitching, fielding and baserunning. In addition to Nutting, the Pirates’ contingent also included team president Travis Williams, general manager Ben Cherington, a pair of players on the injured list -- catcher Endy Rodriguez and pitcher Daulton Jefferies -- the Pirate Parrot and the Pirate Pierogies. Active players were unable to participate because Friday night’s postponement created a make-up game against the Nationals at 1:35 p.m. on Saturday.

Mike Sherry, the president and founder of the Miracle League of Southwestern Pennsylvania, pointed out that a little more than 100 players were part of this program back in 2009, and the number has now grown to more than 400. He’s proud of that, and how the success story in Cranberry Township led to more such facilities being built.

“After this facility opened, we challenged other communities to open their own facilities and, without even asking, I made the assumption that Bob Nutting and Pirates Charities would help fund and support additional facilities and programs -- and they have,” Sherry said. “We wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the support of Pirates Charities and Mr. Nutting. From Day One, they’ve been a partner financially, which we need, but they’ve also been a partner in understanding that it takes more than money to make a great program. That’s participating, being engaged and doing events like our fantasy camp here today.”

Saturday’s fantasy camp was the third conducted by the Pirates this year. The others were at the Miracle League of Manasota in Bradenton in February and the Miracle League of Moon Township in July.

One of the parents of a Miracle League athlete enjoying the festivities at Graham Park on Saturday was Jimmy Hogue. His son James -- a huge Andrew McCutchen fan -- has been part of the Cranberry Township program since the beginning, when former Pirates All-Star and National League batting champion Freddy Sanchez was involved.

“James loves baseball and he loves the Pirates,” Hogue said. “He’s a great young man, and he’s been coming here since the beginning when he was about 6 years old, and we got to meet Freddy Sanchez. The Miracle League has been great for James and our whole family. We love the program and we’re thankful that a place like this was brought to our area.”

That’s what it’s all about, and why the Pirates love being a key part of the program.

“It’s incredible to see how the Miracle League has expanded and the families and kids that it’s touched, but my favorite part of the whole program is days like today when we get to help bring the field to life and have fun out here,” Nutting said. “We just love this program, and right here in Cranberry Township is where it all started.”