Miracle League of the Mid-Ohio Valley (ML-MOV) representatives Brian Lee and Amber Stover appeared before the Wood County Commission on July 1, 2024, to introduce themselves and explain a project they are working on that would create a special ball field where children and adults with mental and physical disabilities would be able to play baseball. (File Photo)

PARKERSBURG — Fresh off a successful local debut in October, The Miracle League of the Mid-Ohio Valley plans a second Demonstration Game later in the month of June.

The organization also announced a July ice cream social mixer to encourage involvement from new volunteers and community partners.

Like the first game, the second Miracle League demonstration game will also take place at City Park’s Bennett Stump Field at 6 p.m. Friday, June 27. The public is invited and encouraged to attend and support these deserving athletes.

The Miracle League of the Mid-Ohio Valley is a local organization striving to make baseball inclusive for those with disabilities. The goals of both upcoming activities are to raise awareness for how Miracle League games are played, gauge interest in a sustainable full-time league in the Mid-Ohio Valley and to highlight the need for a dedicated facility in this area to host that league in a safe and inclusive environment.

Amber Stover, President of The Miracle League of the Mid-Ohio Valley, is a mother to a child with a physical disability. She’s been actively working for nearly two years to bring a full-time Miracle League to the Parkersburg area.

“I have a younger son who participates in all sports and keeps us very, very busy,” she said. “There’s nothing more heartbreaking than getting him ready for a game and having my other son ask ‘when do I get to play?’

“And I always just have to say, ‘well, we’re getting it ready for you and we’re trying to plan it now’ because I don’t have the heart to tell him, ‘well, we just don’t have something for you.’ That’s what keeps me going.”

Miracle League is a national organization that started in Georgia in 2000. There are currently over 350 Miracle League organizations in North America, serving over 450,000 children and adults.

There is no set admission fee for fans to attend, but donations are requested. All funds raised at the event will support the local Miracle League organization’s efforts to bring a full-season league to this area as soon as possible.

There is no age limit for participants. Athletes are asked to arrive by 5:30 p.m. on game night. The Miracle League will once again partner with The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley to host the event. Anyone looking to inquire about involving their athlete in the demonstration game is asked to e-mail Stover at mov.miracle.league@gmail.com.

The Ice Cream Social takes place Wednesday, July 2, from 5-8 p.m. at Mountain State Creamery in Vienna. There is no cost to attend and no purchase is necessary. Anyone interested in playing a role in the organization is invited.

The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley is the local branch of a national nonprofit organization that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities at all stages of life, helping them reach their full potential.

More information for families and participants in the upcoming demonstration game can be found on the organization’s Facebook page – The Miracle League of the Mid-Ohio Valley. Participants do not need to have played in the prior demonstration game to play this month. No RSVP is required for July’s event at Mountain State Creamery.

In addition, the local organization is looking for high school baseball and softball players interested in becoming “buddies” for the Miracle League athletes. These buddies would assist players who might need extra help when it comes to batting or playing the field. Coaches interested in getting their teams involved are asked to e-mail Stover.