A chance for every child to play ball

There are people that have the ability to make things happen. Jack Roeder is one of those people and baseball is his game.

Jack, the former general manager of the Cedar Rapids Kernels, has helped launch the non-profit Prospect Meadows to develop baseball and softball fields and supporting facilities for youth play and regional tournaments.

When Jack and Rick Freese came to me with the idea of a Miracle League Field at Prospect Meadows, I was very impressed with the concept. The Miracle League Field's theme is every child deserves the chance to play baseball. All the players with special needs come out a winner … there are no losers. For the child with special needs to play baseball and for their families and friends to cheer them on, is a thrill everyone should have a chance to experience.

The field is designed to specifically accommodate the special needs of the ball players from those who use power chairs, to those who may use a walker.

The field is designed with safety being foremost and then total accessibility to all, like having a specially designed rubber turf field. I immediately embraced the concept and joined the Miracle League Organization. I traveled to Des Moines to see their Miracle Field, which has been so popular, Ankeny is now working on a field too. The Miracle Leagues are tremendous uplifting experience for players, their 'buddies” and fans.

I think the Miracle League Field, as part of the Prospect Meadows complex, sends the right message to all visitors that we are a community of inclusiveness, where we can have one site with many fields that are totally inclusive for all players of a variety of ages, capabilities and other distinct groups.

All the ball teams will learn much from each other. Prospect Meadows will become the source of pride for all. There is something in this project for everyone. and we are grateful a Miracle League Field was included.

' Charlie Becker is the director of Camp Courageous. Comments: P.O. Box 1, Monticello, IA 52310