Miracle of Miracles

Last year Caleb played baseball for the 1st time.  He really loved playing and wanted to play again this year.  We started out with the same team he played for last year....but, the team had advanced to a level that Caleb couldn't work with.  In baseball there are times when you have to turn on a dime or move fast in a different direction....Caleb can't do that and it became very obvious that playing on a regular baseball team wasn't going to work for Caleb.  Last year Caleb could use his own bat but this year he wouldn't be able to use his own bat since it was a t-ball bat.  Caleb couldn't comprehend this since he is OCD and MUST keep things the same.  There were several other issues as well...but mainly for me it was very painful to see this little guy feeling so lost on the field after such a great time last year. 

After doing some checking around we found Mircale League.   We registered and waited for the call back.  Finally it came and Caleb had a team.  He plays for the Astros and has a great coach.  

I explained to Caleb that he would get to play baseball on a team with kids who were just like him, and kids who are in wheelchairs or walkers or kids who are like his aunt Mona (down syndrome).  He was excited and volunteered to push wheelchairs if needed. 

Each player is assigned a buddy.  The buddy is on the field with the players and at bat with the players.  They use special equipment for each player ...larger round bats and softer balls or larger balls.  They have balls that ping so the blind child knows  where to swing to hit the ball, then a coach uses a clicker and walks backwards towards the base so the blind child and buddy know where to run towards the bases.  It is AMAZING and WONDERFUL to watch these special children play ball.    EVERY child gets to hit the ball and every child plays in the field.  It is non-competion this year but next year he can play competion if he chooses. 

In the fall he will get to meet A.J. Burnett and Cliff Lee.....I think I am more excited about this than he is since I LOVE and WATCH baseball!!!!



A very nervous Caleb



at bat

Caleb and his buddy

Caleb hit ball twice and ran the bases.  There are no outs and the last child up to bat hits a GRAND SLAM to clear the bases. 

We plan to go watch our old team (the Bulldogs) play ball and support them.  We are excited to spend our Saturdays at the Junior Deputy field watching and cheering for our new team - the ASTROS!!

For now the Doctor is out......looking forward to baseball season

and seeing the smiles on some very special children.