Nate Barge

Beyond the Field: Eagles Empowering Miracles

The Miracle League of Dane County

10/8/2025 11:00:00 AM

For two years, Edgewood University baseball student-athletes have volunteered with the Miracle League of Dane County to support their youth baseball league. The Miracle League of Dane county held its first season in June of 2021. Four years later, the program has continued to grow and nearly triple the number of participants. Edgewood University baseball students serve as buddies for the league in their fall season.

The Miracle League is a baseball program that is specifically designed for children with disabilities, both physical and cognitive. They play on a specifically designed rubberized field, which enables kids with wheelchairs, walkers, and mobility issues with the help of what we call a buddy or volunteer that is beside them at all times. They (buddies) help them swing a bat, run the bases, and score a run."

Bill Schultz - Executive Director of the Miracle League of Dane County

The Miracle League of Dane County held its first season starting in June of 2021. 96 children participated in the first year with over 200 volunteers. In 2022, 200 children played helped by 300 volunteers. In 2023, 250 kids participated. In our current 2024 season, 300 children are playing on 24 teams, helped by 500 volunteers.

“I think for the kids out here, it's neat for them to just be able to connect with our guys. I mean, they're not, you know, our guys are not too cool for them, so they just get to be friends and hang out with them. For our guys, it's, it's an opportunity to not only give back, but to realize that they are blessed to be able to be out here and spend time with these kids. And there's a lot of smiles and laughs so that, that goes a long way when you're having tough days and stuff, you can look back at those friendships.” - Head Coach Al Brisack

The Edgewood University baseball players have really taken to the kids. They are encouragers, they are playing with the kids throughout the game. When they're not batting or in the field, I can see a friendship amongst them. The kids look up to them, and I talk to many parents who say, when they go home, they're talking about their Edgewood University buddy. I think it's just wonderful that Coach Brisack and, and the staff and everyone has come out here now for the second year in a row.

Bill Schultz - Executive Director of the Miracle League of Dane County

"I've absolutely loved Miracle League. It's been my favorite event that I've done as an eagle, at least when it comes to the, this kind of volunteer work and iron kids. I think as a team, it's quite awesome as it's huge team building. We're all around each other having a blast with these kids, and I think it's awesome the second year doing it." - Joey Perkins - Edgewood University Baseball Player

The Miracle League of Dane County eight-game season will run during the months of June and July with games played on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday each week. Each night, games will be played at 5:30pm, 6:30pm, and 7:30pm. The Fall League consist of games played at 6 & 7 PM every Wednesday night in September. The field is located at Bakken Park in Cottage Grove.

Registration & Volunteer Information

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