Heroes in the Outfield: Baseball League Breaking Barriers, Bringing a Sense of Belonging to People with Disabilities

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) – Do you want to experience pure joy and excitement? Come to Brahan Spring Park on Thursday evenings this fall season to take in a ball game where the swing of the bat brings smiles and a sense of belonging to the Miracle League of North Alabama.

The program provides children and adolescents ages 5 to 17, as well as adults who have mental and physical disabilities, the opportunity to play baseball on an adaptive field at Johnny Franklin Field.

Dave Shulte and his brother, Doug, run the league which operates as a nonprofit and is funded entirely by donations and sponsors.

“All we do is volunteer,” Dave said.

The Bulte Brothers have been involved with the program for many years and are familiar faces to the players and their families.

“It’s just a lot of fun to have them come out here and watch them play,” Dave said.

Dave said about 425 players have registered and are participating in the fall season. The league’s mission is to “remove the barriers that keep children and adults with disabilities on the baseball field” and bring joy to America’s favorite pastime.

“You can just see the joy on their faces that they can come out here and play baseball like anyone else. They love it,” Doug says.

The impact the program has on players and their parents can be life-changing. This gives them a sense of belonging and builds their confidence. More than anything, it’s fun!

Donations and volunteers continue to do so. Youth and high school teams from all over North Alabama have to help out every season. Recently, the Athens High School baseball team showed up to show their support for the Emeralds team. Other teams brought equipment like bats and helmets to donate. Doug says he knows a player who, instead of asking for gifts, asks for baseball equipment to donate for his birthday every year so he can give them to the Miracle League players.

Dave and his family put in many hours, putting in the grunt work to make sure the fields are ready and schedules are set. It’s this time and dedication that makes them our Hoover heroes. Dave says it’s the players who are the heroes in his eyes.

“All I want to do is come out here and announce and let them have fun. I don’t feel like I’m a hero. These kids are the heroes, not me,” Dave said.

The Miracle League Complex is located in Brahan Spring Park. The field is equipped with a special rubber surface that covers the entire field. It provides a level playing surface and a safe environment. Players in wheelchairs or other mobility devices navigate the entire field safely.

All programs are run at no cost to players. Organizers believe money should never be the reason someone can’t play baseball. The league provides the equipment to play and the players provide the smiles and excitement.

Currently, Dave says the specialty rubber field they play on is in need of repair. Ultimately, they would like to install Astroturf. Dave says other Miracle League teams in other states have astroturf fields and it would be great if the North Alabama League had the same thing.

There is also a spring baseball season. Registration opens in January or February. If you want to get your child involved or have a family member interested in playing this fall, even if they haven’t registered, they can still find a spot on a team.

We’re not going to turn away anyone who wants to play,” says Dave.

Dave says donations are always welcome and appreciated, no matter the size. To make donations to the Miracle League of North Alabama, click here.

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