Miracle League Baseball (Gardendale)
The Miracle League of Gardendale is a baseball league that provides opportunities for children and adults with special needs to play baseball.
Games are played on Pate Field located at 601 Park Street in Luman Harris Park in Gardendale. The 15,900 sq. ft. baseball field is ideally suited for athletes with special needs who compete as part of a national organization committed to providing opportunities for all children to play baseball regardless of physical ability. It was dedicated on April 25, 2009.
The playing surface on the field has been specially designed to meet the criteria of cushioning a fall of four feet or higher. The surface has also been designed to be completely latex-free, to avoid the possibility of an allergic reaction to the surface.
The Raymond G. Doss Playground of Miracles is adjacent to the ball field.
Text on the plaque describing the history of Pate Field:
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The field was originally built for girls softball in 1993 and then named after Mrs. Jeannie Pate, a longtime supporter of girls softball and a former member of the Parks and Recreation Board. In 2009, it was converted into a "Miracle Field". During the dedication ceremony on April 25, 2009, Mrs. Pate revealed that 50 years before, she had a son that died of spina bifida. Unknown by those in Gardendale who asked her to speak, this further confirmed all of our thoughts that God's hand was, and is, on this special field. |
On September 17, 2018 at the Gardendale City Council meeting, Mayor Stan Hogeland presented a plaque to Brian and Candie Mayfield for their many years of service to the Miracle League of Gardendale.
In July 2023 Pate Field was resurfaced with new material.
References
- Smith, Adam (January 27, 2009) Funds for Miracle League project in place; surface bid to be awarded Monday North Jefferson News
- Smith, Adam (March 13, 2009) Surface of Miracle League field complete North Jefferson News
- Smith, Adam (April 1, 2009) Miracle leaders seek helping hands North Jefferson News
- Smith, Adam (April 17, 2009) Miracle Field to open April 25 North Jefferson News
- Smith, Adam (April 29, 2009) Special needs field celebrates grand opening North Jefferson News
- Smith, Adam (August 10, 2014) Miracle field progress made North Jefferson News
External Links
- Gardendale Miracle League website
- Miracle League Association website