“This league and the community are very special to me and our department,” said
Program Coordinator Renee Ensor. “I think the Miracle League program not only
benefits the players, but the community around the players as well. Everyone sees each
other as one big family.”

Kingsport’s Miracle League has seasons in the spring and fall of each year, lasting
around six weeks with typically more than 100 players participating each season. The
games are played on Saturdays lasting about an hour, with one game for the younger
kids and another one for the older adults.

Participants play on the specially designed miracle field, which looks like a normal
baseball diamond, but with a few differences – it’s about a third of the size and instead
of grass or artificial turf, the field has a flat, rubberized surface. The mound and all of the
bases are flush, so wheelchairs and amputees can travel over the surface more easily
and safely.

For Vickie Evans of Kingsport, whose daughter Kayla has been playing in similar
leagues for more than 15 years, the Kingsport Miracle League has been a blessing.
“Kayla is 21, has Down Syndrome and has been doing the Challenger League since
she was four years old. Now, she does the Miracle League,” Evans said. “It’s been a
great experience; the field is really nice and set up well for people with special needs.
She has no plans to stop playing. It’s something she really enjoys and it’s a lot of fun.”
The fall season of the Kingsport Miracle League is currently underway with games
taking place every Saturday through October 5. If you’re a fan of baseball and would
like to come out and watch a game (only an hour long) then Evans encourages you to
come out.

“It’s a blessing to get to watch them and cheer along. The kids are so excited when they
hit and run and they all have their own style when running the bases,” Evans said.
“Kayle moves her arms in a butterfly motion, some will stop on each base and others
run all the way around. It’s just a good experience for someone just watching.”

Amy, who runs a Facebook page promoting activities for kids with special needs, always
recommends the Miracle League to new parents looking for activities for their children.
“We have a really great time, Jared loves it and it’s a good way to network and meet
other parents of special needs kids,” Wenk said. “Jared tried playing when he was little
and just didn’t have the patience. Now that he’s older and has a lot of friends playing, he
loves it.”

In addition to playing in the Miracle League, Jared also participates in a bowling league,
a mini golf league and plays pickleball. And like Kayla, Wenk said her son has his own
style when running the bases.

“He’s hilarious when he plays. Sometimes he gets up there and re-enacts everything in
slow motion and when he runs the bases, he could run faster. Everyone is just so
patient, and he loves it,” Wenk said. “A majority of the kids are returning players, there’s
comradery among the players and everyone is out there having a good time. It’s great.”
For more information about the Kingsport Miracle League, visit Miracle League of
Kingsport – Kingsport Parks and Recreation.