MENASHA — Registration underway Miracle League for both players and community volunteers for the 2022 Miracle League of the Fox Valley, Miracle League of the Lakeshore and Miracle League of the Chippewa Valley seasons.

Goodwill NCW sponsors three Miracle League programs across its 35 counties.

“Miracle League is such a highly anticipated part of the summer for families, players and community members,” said Jennie Moore, Goodwill NCW Vice President of Mission Services. “It’s about seeing and celebrating individuals for who they are, and we are excited to welcome familiar faces and new ones to this program.”

Miracle League is a program that gives children ages 4-19 with intellectual and/or physical disabilities the opportunity to play organized baseball in a noncompetitive league on a safe, accessible field with a synthetic surface while building relationships, engaging socially with others and learning important life skills like teamwork and communication. Each player is paired with a community volunteer. Community volunteers also serve as coaches, announcers and umpires during the typical eight-week season.

Goodwill NCW and the Miracle League programs will be following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and public health officials’ guidelines for the upcoming season, including any local mask mandates. Because those guidelines are ever-evolving, safety procedures will be shared with all participants closer to the start of the season. Background checks also must be completed for all adult volunteers.

Here’s more detailed information on each of the programs:

Miracle League of the Fox Valley

The Miracle League of the Fox Valley is celebrating its 12th season of baseball in 2022.

To make this program possible, the league needs more than 300 community volunteers. Every player is paired with a community volunteer (buddy) to assist and encourage the player throughout the season. This is the league’s largest need. Volunteers must be at least 13 years of age, and volunteer pitchers, umpires, announcers, coaches and team helpers also are needed.

Online player registration will be open Feb. 14-March 13, with online volunteer registration extending until May 6. Volunteers are encouraged to register as soon as possible to secure their spot. Players and volunteers will be notified of their teams in mid-May.

Games are played Monday through Thursday at the John Wollner Fox Cities Miracle Field at Memorial Park in Appleton. The season will run from June 6 to July 29, with no games the week of July 4. Each team plays one game a week at either 5:30 or 7 p.m. on the same night each week. There are no practices. An opening-day celebration will be held on Monday, June 6, at the field.

The cost is $45 per player. The fee includes a team jersey, cap, team and individual photo, player insurance and end-of-the-season award. There is no cost to volunteer.

To learn more about the league and to access online registration, visit goodwillncw.org/mlfv.

Miracle League of the Lakeshore

Registration underway for Miracle League of the Lakeshore which is entering its eighth season at Goodwill Miracle Field of Dreams at Miracles Park in Manitowoc.

The deadline for players to register is March 31, and players will be notified of their team in early May. The $45 fee includes a team jersey, cap, team picture, player insurance and end-of-the-season award. Online registration is available this year at goodwillncw.org/mll.

The eight-week season gets underway June 6, with games played Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:30 and 7 p.m. Each participant plays one game a week. Volunteers are needed to serve as buddies for the players.

The Miracle League of the Lakeshore also offers an over-19 All Star League. Individuals over 19 with intellectual and physical disabilities are encouraged to play. The All Star League plays on Wednesday nights. This will be the fourth season of this league.

The league’s annual Spring Training fundraiser will be held 5-8 p.m. March 12 at Par 5, Mishicot, and features silent auction items, bucket raffles, music, dancing and food. Adult entrance fee is $10, and kids are $5, with Miracle League players being free.

For registration forms and more information, visit goodwillncw.org/mll.

Miracle League of the Chippewa Valley

Registration is also underway for Miracle League of the Chippewa Valley who is entering its sixth season, giving kids the incredible opportunity to play baseball on a barrier-free field.

The deadline to register a player is March 31. Volunteer/buddy registration will remain open until all positions are filled. The registration fee of $45 includes a team jersey, hat, team picture, championship award and player insurance. Players/buddies will be notified of their team in April.

Games are played at the Miracle Field at Jeffers Road Park, 5710 Jeffers Road, Eau Claire. The eight-week regular season gets underway June 6 and continues through the week of Aug. 1. An optional, sign-up All-Star game will be played during the week of Aug. 8. Games will be played Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:45 and 7 p.m. Each participant/team plays one game per week.

To register a player or sign up to be a volunteer online, visit goodwillncw.org/mlcv.

About Goodwill NCW: Goodwill NCW is a nonprofit organization whose mission is Elevating People by Eliminating Barriers to Employment. We work to enhance people’s dignity and quality of life by creating pathways for them to reach their full potential through skill building and the power of meaningful work. Goodwill NCW has been recognized by GuideStar with its Platinum Seal of Approval, the highest rating for a nonprofit organization. Visit goodwillncw.org.