How does it work?

You can give individuals with special needs the gift of friendship and baseball by volunteering as a Buddy. Working one-on-one with our players will warm your heart and spread joy all around! Our Buddy system pairs each player, with a volunteer helper that remains with them the entire season.

Miracle League Buddies are assigned a player for each game. The buddy is there to protect the player from balls, assist the player in batting and running the bases (if needed), and to be a friend on and off the field. Buddies receive a Miracle League Buddy t-shirt for their participation.

Buddies need to be energetic, committed and enthusiastic for each game. We encourage buddies to keep a consistent schedule. This allows for Miracle players to grow more comfortable with their new friends. Buddies are responsible for their individual player from the time of introduction until the player is back in the care of their parent/guardian. This means that no matter where their player goes the buddy must go.

In order to encourage friendships, Buddies are assigned to the same child or team for the entire season. However, we also welcome buddies who may not have assigned players, but who cover where Buddies are expected to protect the Miracle League player at all times. When a hard hitter is up at bat, buddies are to step in front of the Miracle League player for protection. Always allow the Miracle League player as much freedom as possible to play his/her game and position. Assist the Miracle League player according to their needs. Arrive at the field 15 minutes prior to game time. Notify the Miracle League buddy coordinator prior to game time if they will not be able to attend the game. Be properly dressed in the Buddies t-shirt and have fun!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are Buddies and how do they help?

Buddies are volunteers who assist our athletes with the game of baseball. Miracle League players have a wide range of needs and abilities. Some of our players need very little assistance during the game and may just require some encouragement while others physically need assistance with hitting and fielding the ball, as well as moving around the bases. A Buddy’s number one priority is the safety of the player that they are working with during any particular game.

Does a volunteer need to be available every week of the season?

We appreciate any time that our Buddies can give us. As we have multiple games on any given day, it’s greatly appreciated if you can stay for more than one game per day (each game lasts about one hour). Our players sometimes become attached to their Buddy and some great friendships develop during the season if there is some consistency. We do ask that you show up for all games that you sign up for and that you arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of each game.

Who can be a Miracle League Buddy?

Anyone who is 12 years of age or older may volunteer to become a Miracle League Buddy. Adults are welcome and appreciated.

Can a team or group volunteer together?

Certainly! Volunteering as group is a fantastic team building exercise. It’s a great way for high school teams or other groups to give back to their community. We can schedule you for a couple of hours on one day or for multiple days. We ask that all members be at least 12 years old.

Do I need to know much about baseball in order to become a Buddy?

Absolutely not. You do not need any particular athletic skills to become a Buddy. All you need is compassion, enthusiasm and energy.

Can I receive credit for community service hours?

Yes. We are happy to sign any forms or provide a letter for you to receive credit for required community service hours. Please let us know how we can help you to get the proper credit for your volunteerism.

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