miracle league field west hartford
DESCRIPTION
Miracle League of Connecticut dedicated the first barrier-free baseball field in the state. The ballpark also offers a barrier-free playscape, a typical baseball and softball field and concession stand.TRANSCRIPT
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Max and Eli Kopelman, 5, share their enthusiasm for baseball at the opening day ceremony for the Miracle League Field in West Hartford.
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League organizers Scott Franklin (left) and Mike Michaud are West Hartford volunteers focused on bringing the Miracle League Field to life.
Both men are executive board members of WHLL.
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West Hartford resident Ronit Shoham is another force behind the town’s Little League. Shoham is a founder and executive board member.
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“Buddy” Ken Glaser collects player signatures on his official Miracle League of Connecticut cap. Max Kopelman add his name to the hat.
Want to help out as a Buddy? Contact [email protected].
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State Senator Beth Bye joined the celebration in West Hartford,thanking volunteers, and members of the state’s House and Senate,
for the successful team effort in a difficult economy.
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Hall High School student Abby Garneau gets a bouquet of flowers and a kiss after singing The Star-Spangled Banner.
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Mayor Scott Slifka, (left) recalls brother, Jonathan Slifka, (right) as the first child in a wheelchair to play baseball in West Hartford.
Joanthan Slifka, born with spina bifida, caught the first pitch at the dedication ceremony. A Buddy gets a hug from a player on the field.
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About 50 children from the region will play on the new field this season. There are three Miracle League teams
the Scrappers, the Sea Dogs and the Rockhounds
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About $800,000 was raised to fund the new field, plus a barrier free playground, concession stand, restrooms and a typical baseball field. The
plans also include softball ball and combination fields.
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Siblings Jessica and Brenan Puiia came from South Windsor for Brendan’s ballgame vs. the Rockhounds, the first official game of the season.
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The “Let's Play Ball for All” bracelets sell for $5 each. The bracelet slogan/sales was the Mitzvah Project of player Marcus Apter.
So far more than $15,000 has been collected.
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The Rockhounds pose for the first official team photo of the day.
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A Buddy assists a Rockhounds player heading toward home plate.
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