FAQ

 

FAQ

Please see below a list of Frequently Asked Question.  If you still need help or want to speak with us, please email us at [email protected]

Who are we?

Here at the Miracle League North Bay we believe everyone deserves to experience the joy and sense of community that playing team baseball provides! The Miracle League North Bay is a non-profit organization created for and dedicated to providing individuals with disabilities the opportunity to participate in an organized baseball league that celebrates their spirit in a non-competitive atmosphere. The mission is to create positive life experiences for children and adults with disabilities while cultivating relationships through baseball.

How can you help?

Everyone deserves a chance to play baseball, there are many ways you can help. The Miracle League North Bay relies on volunteers to make our mission happen.  From working at the Snack Shack to being a Player’s Buddy, we need your help!

What are Buddies and how do they help?

Buddies are volunteers who assist our athletes with playing baseball. Miracle League North Bay players have a wide range of needs and abilities. Some of our players need very little assistance during the game and may just require some encouragement while others physically need assistance with hitting and fielding the ball, as well as moving around the bases. A Buddy’s number one priority is the safety of the player that they are working with during any particular game.

Who can be a Miracle League Buddy?

Anyone who is 12 years of age or older may volunteer to become a Miracle League Buddy. Athlete sibling’s age range may be negotiable. Adults are welcome and appreciated.

Do I need to know much about baseball in order to become a Buddy?

Absolutely not. You do not need any particular athletic skills to become a Buddy. All you need is compassion, enthusiasm and energy.

What if being a Buddy isn’t for me but I would like to Volunteer?

We need you! There are many things we could use help with throughout the games/seasons.  We need coaches, snack shack personnel, score keeping, etc. We especially need more help on our special event days. And we are always looking for people/groups to sing the national anthem, share a talent post game, or become a Game Sponsor. Email us for more info!

Does a buddy/volunteer need to be available every week of the season?

We appreciate any time that our Buddies can give us. As we may have multiple games on any given day, it’s greatly appreciated if you can stay for more than one game per day (each game lasts about one hour). Our players sometimes become attached to their Buddy and some great friendships develop during the season if there is some consistency. We do ask that you show up for all games that you sign up for and that you arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of each game.

Can a team or group volunteer together?

Certainly! Volunteering as group is a fantastic team building exercise. It’s a great way for high school teams or other groups to give back to their community. We can schedule you for a couple of hours on one day or for multiple days. We ask that all members be at least 12 years old. 

Can I receive credit for community service hours?

Yes. We are happy to sign any forms or provide a letter for you to receive credit for required community service hours. Please let us know how we can help you to get the proper credit for your volunteerism.

Do I have to live in Sonoma County to be eligible to participate?

No. Miracle League North Bay serves residents throughout the surrounding counties.

How can I volunteer?

Visit the Volunteer section of our website or contact us through the website to learn more about volunteer opportunities and registration. 

When are the Games played?

The games for Miracle League North Bay are structured a little differently than typical baseball games to accommodate our players different needs. A season typically last 4-6 weeks with Game Days every Saturday and no practices in between. Occasionally we will have a Field Day, Special Event or All Star game in place of our “traditional” games. Season Schedules are announced by the end of the prior season.

 

How are the games played? How long is a game?

Each game lasts one hour, but participants are asked to arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of the game and check in with their coach. Games are non-competitive in nature, with every player batting, rounding the bases and scoring each inning. Volunteers are assigned to each player to assist and provide encouragement throughout the game, both in and out of the dugout. The score is always tied at the end of the game. The focus is on participation and inclusion rather than on winning. The teams will have 8 – 15 players.

 

What is a Game Sponsor?

A Game Sponsor is a person/group who works with the Miracle League North Bay Board and Volunteers to host a game. They help to work the snack shack, cook and sell food out of the BBQ Pavilion, and most importantly be Player Advocates. We look for Game Sponsors to bring their unique passions/talents to the field to share with our players and families. Love to dance – put on a post-game show! Collect old cars – drive them on the field for photo ops! Just have a passion for what we are doing – that’s great too!  We can help you make the day special. Some Game Sponsors have also donated money so that the BBQ food and Snack Shack treats are free for the day.  This is not required but is a nice treat for all! For more information, contact us.

 

Where will the games be played and when?

All games are played on The Miracle League Field at Lucchesi Park (between the Petaluma Community Center and American Little League fields). The Petaluma Community Center is located at 320 N. McDowell Blvd, Petaluma, CA 94954. 

 

 

What is The Miracle League Field?

The Miracle League Field is the first ADA accessible ball field of its kind in Northern California. The field surface is a flat synthetic turf that ensures that children with intellectual and developmental disabilities can safely play ball. The bases are painted on the turf thereby providing a barrier free surface. The entire field is wheelchair accessible.

 

 

What are Field Days/Special Events?

The Field Days and Special Events are meant to give the players a break from the typical game schedule and atmosphere.  During a Field Day, we set up stations where players can fine tune their hitting, catching and running skills. During Special Event days, we may host an All Star Game, Home Run Derby or have a big BBQ Party!

 

 

How can I participate in Field Days/Special Events?

We are always looking for special ways to celebrate our players and their families.  If you or your group have a special talent or an idea for a fun event, please let us know by emailing us here.

 

 

Volunteers and players, register for our upcoming events!

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