Meet Sam!

Miracle League of North Oakland - Giving Children of All Abilities an Opportunity to Play Baseball and Families an Opportunity of Their Own

Sam loves collecting cars and trains and he enjoys holidays that he gets to decorate and dress up for. His parents, Bryan and Theresa, said their son is a great communicator through his nonverbal expressions. Sam also loves to make people smile, be a helping hand, and spend time playing with his dog, Odie, a Labrador, who loves to play chase and fetch.

In the summer months, Sam enjoys swimming, boating, and tubing. However, on Saturday mornings, you can find Sam and his whole family at the Miracle League of North Oakland in Lake Orion.

“Sam plays both summer and fall baseball at the Miracle League of North Oakland,” Bryan said. “I have been a volunteer coach with the league since Sam started and we just wrapped up our fourth summer ball season.”

Bryan regularly pitches, cheers the athletes on, and helps Easterseals MORC’s Miracle League with the logistics of the events at the field

The Miracle League of Michigan, located in Southfield, MI, was founded in 2004, giving children with behavioral and/or physical challenges the opportunity to play baseball on a team with a Major League game day feel. In August 2019, the Miracle League of North Oakland was created, giving more individuals the same opportunity. Both Easterseals MORC Miracle fields utilize a synthetic turf, making it safer for players of all abilities to run the bases, hit the ball, play defense in the field, and of course have some fun along the way. 
 

“There’s a strong feeling of self-worth that’s accentuated by all that participate and volunteer,” Bryan said. “To have the opportunity to play ball with Sam are moments that our family appreciates very much!”

For Sam and his family, the Miracle League of North Oakland holds a special place in their hearts as the whole family has gotten involved in the league. Sam’s sisters, Evalynn and Sophia, sing the National Anthem before some games and can often be found helping in the concession stand or on the field as a buddy. Theresa and Sam’s grandparents are always in the stands cheering Sam and his teammates on or helping on and around the field as well.

“Susie Glasgow has provided love and support to our family since day one,” Bryan said. “The amount of dedication and energy that she provides is like no other! She has provided opportunities for our entire family to participate and get involved. Susie has helped to build confidence in our daughters by allowing them the opportunities to sing the national anthem as well as helping to give the experience of playing baseball to so many children. We are eternally grateful to her and her family!”

Bryan and Theresa are grateful for the opportunity that Miracle League of North Oakland has not only given to their children, but so many children in the area.

“Every game day at the Miracle field puts a smile on our face and it’s truly a miracle,” Bryan said. “The crowd cheering, music blaring, and spotlight on the athletes is special. If you think your child doesn’t belong, think again because everyone is welcome at the Miracle field! We are a community and a family by choice.”

To learn more about the Miracle League, click HERE