About Us
There is nothing more heartwarming than to see children playing America’s favorite pastime. But for children facing serious physical and mental disabilities, that opportunity isn’t always easy to achieve. Baseball diamonds are not exactly designed for athletes with wheelchairs or crutches in mind.
Miracle League fields remove the obstacles that arise from the natural grass fields used in conventional youth facilities. Miracle League teams play on a custom-designed, rubberized surface field that will accommodate wheelchairs and other assistive devices. In other words, it levels the playing field where children can hit, run, and catch – just as they envisioned in their dreams!
The Miracle League of Stanislaus County provides a community outreach for volunteers from young and old to benefit from the action on the field. Through the “buddy” program, youth and community volunteers partner with our players to provide assistance and encouragement. The partnership benefits both sides as they share the great American pastime to find common ground and, most importantly, friendships.
For more information, contact Channa at miracleleaguemodesto@gmail.com or call (209) 900-4515.
History of the Miracle League of Stanislaus County
Plans to develop a baseball program for children with disabilities in Stanislaus County began in 2008, when six friends came together with a shared vision of creating a project that would make a meaningful and lasting impact in their community.
While exploring initiatives with broad community benefit, the group was introduced to the Miracle League, a national organization founded in Conyers, Georgia. The Miracle League began when coach Eddie Bagwell invited Michael, a seven-year-old child who used a wheelchair, to join his baseball team. That moment of inclusion allowed Michael to experience the joy of being part of a team—wearing a uniform, making plays in the field, and rounding the bases alongside his peers. From this simple act grew a nationwide mission to ensure that all children, regardless of ability, have the opportunity to play baseball. The Miracle League supports communities across the country by helping them build accessible fields and operate adaptive leagues so children with disabilities can experience the teamwork, confidence, and joy that come from participating in America’s pastime.
Today, the Miracle League has grown into a thriving national network with more than 240 completed fields across the United States and Puerto Rico, serving approximately 200,000 children and young adults.
Inspired by this mission, the founders assessed the need for a Miracle League in Stanislaus County. With more than 1,400 students with disabilities enrolled in Modesto City Schools alone, and thousands more served throughout the county, it became clear that such a program could have a significant and lasting impact on local children and their families. The Miracle League of Stanislaus County (MLSC) was established in 2008 and received 501(c)(3) nonprofit status the following year.
MLSC later partnered with Big Valley Grace Community Church, which generously provided approximately 1.5 acres of its campus for the construction of a Miracle Field. With strong community support, site design and fundraising moved forward, supported by professional volunteers contributing expertise in planning, architecture, engineering, and project management.
Thanks to a successful capital campaign and generous sponsors, the first Miracle Field in the northern San Joaquin Valley became a reality and continues to serve as a place where children of all abilities can play, belong, and thrive.
Board of Directors
Cathy Mendoza
Chief Executive Officer
Bobby Kirchner
President
Chris Tyler
Treasurer
Lori Mayfield
Secretary
Robert Godfrey
Miracle League Coach
Mark Kleiderlein
Steven Litt
Jason Stevens
Jeff Sutton
Ben Balsbaugh