Little did Ronnie Wilkinson realize a simple unrelated business trip to Louisville, Ky., eight years ago would inspire the birth of the McComb Miracle League.
The Miracle League is a unique national organization that allows handicapped children to experience playing baseball on a rubberized field.
Each child bats and scores during the games with the assistance of “buddies.” There are more than 250 Miracle League organizations across the United States. There are also affiliates in Canada and Australia. The first Miracle field broke ground Dec. 31, 1999, in Conyers, Ga.
“I was having dinner with a guy from Conyers on that business trip in 2004 and he talked about the Miracle League there,” said Wilkinson, Mississippi’s Miracle League director. “The more he talked about it, the more emotional he got and tears came into his eyes.
“Later on, I went to the home office in Conyers and was impressed by what I saw. I was inspired by the effect the Miracle League had on kids in building their confidence and self-esteem and what playing meant to them,” he said.
Wilkinson said research revealed the southwest Mississippi area was a prime location in need for such a league.
“I did a search of a 50-mile radius of McComb and found there were 5,500 people in the area who fit the criteria of being a Miracle League participant,” Wilkinson said. “I wanted to see if we had a real need for it. I definitely saw a need.”
Wilkinson set the wheels in motion for a local league in a presentation to city officials in 2005. Then Hurricane Katrina hit. The national economy took a downturn and donations dried up. Other delays included a debate on whether the field should be at Edgewood Park or the McComb Sports Park.
Undaunted, Wilkinson pressed on, and he can now see the finish line toward completion of the field.
Phase I of the two-phase project recently was completed. Those tasks included dirt work, a concrete apron, installation of rubberized turf and fencing.
Phase II of the project includes restrooms, bleachers and lighting.
“We’re in the process of looking at grants” for Phase II, Wilkinson said. “Some grants may be available in what we have already done. We’re taking donations. The last thing in Phase II will be the lights. We can do without the lights for a time.”
He said the goal for the McComb field is to have a fall league in place around Labor Day.
The project’s overall price tag is estimated at “between $300,000 and $350,000 with lights and everything,” he said.
His fundraising group now has $10,000 in the bank.
“I am hoping by spring we will have Phase II done. That’s a stretch, but we’re hoping we can get it done,” Wilkinson said. “I think Phase II will be an easier situation than Phase I. It has been frustrating, but I want to see this thing completed. I am determined to see it finished.”
The Miracle League is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. The McComb Miracle League raffled an automobile six years ago to raise funds. Funds have also come from the county and matched by the Pearl River Basin Development District, various business organizations and ordinary citizens. Wilkinson welcomes additional donations.
The City of McComb oversees a special account for field expenses, distributing them when needed, and the city provided the space for the field.
“We’re looking for organizations and building suppliers to donate,” Wilkinson said. “We need at least $150,000 more. If we do the lights, we’ll need another $200,000.”
Wilkinson said the field will be operated and managed by the McComb Miracle League. It is the first Miracle League field in the state.
“The (national goal) is 500 Miracle League fields,” Wilkinson said. “My plans are to help other cities organize their leagues and get their fields built.”
