Michigan Woman Hits a Home Run with Special Needs Baseball Field

About this sponsorship: In honor of the 60th anniversary of Sir Edmund Hillary’s historic ascent of Mount Everest, Patch and Grape-Nuts are teaming up to highlight those who inspire people around them to climb their own mountains.

Debra Madonna, a Plymouth Township resident, has become a permanent fixture in her hometown. As co-chair of the Miracle League, a nonprofit organization sponsored by the Rotary Club of Plymouth A.M., Madonna was the driving force behind a brand new special needs baseball field that opened just two years ago. Thanks to her chairmanship and fund-raising efforts, all nearby children, no matter their circumstance, will now have the opportunity to enjoy America’s favorite pastime.

Here, Madonna shares how working with the Miracle League has lifted her spirits and given her a deeper appreciation for life.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge you’ve taken on? Or, what's a goal you're trying to achieve right now?

I’ve been lucky to work on some very unique projects, activities which have meant a lot to me, like the Sandra Sagear Wall of Courage and Plymouth’s Music in the Park. But the biggest opportunity, at least financially, has been the Miracle League of Plymouth. Happily, a lot of people were very helpful and enthusiastic during the planning period. And even though the fund-raising goal was significant during very tough economic times, people were very generous, and the funds were raised in approximately 10 months, and Miracle League of Plymouth was dedicated on Aug. 20, 2011. The third season begins May 4, 2013 with 90 players. The last phase of fund raising is to complete the endowment and build a covered picnic area. 

However, the most important goal was to create a place where children could play baseball no matter what; to provide each player with a buddy whose only responsibility is to help the players play as much or as little as needed, keep them safe and have fun. We wanted to make sure that the parents and families could sit on the bleachers and watch and cheer on their children. There is so much joy and happiness that takes place on that little ball field. You feel like you’re walking on air.

Q: What inspired you to take on this challenge? Or, how do you plan to achieve this goal?

It’s not easy to give just one reason. I’ve been very lucky to be able to take experiences from when I was young to get me to where I am today. I’ve been very lucky to meet people along the way who listened to my dreams, large and small, and helped make those dreams real. In this case, baseball just has a real place in our hearts, and a baseball field is a special place. There is some magic in a place where everyone is dreaming a little dream all at the same time. But Miracle League Baseball takes everything about kids and baseball to a whole new level. 

What you get to see as a spectator is the opportunity for a little one to be the kid at bat—sometimes for the first time, sometimes the first time they’ve ever been part of a team. But it’s not just the game. The excitement begins the moment the player and his family arrive at the field. It’s not the anticipation of a hit that is so exciting, it’s that a child gets to play baseball, gets to play, gets to be part of a team, and gets to show the world what he or she can do. 

Baseball is an opportunity to watch children play the greatest game ever, but we hope that while they’re sitting on the bleachers on a beautiful spring or summer day, they may also think that maybe we should open all doors for all children. Let’s not guess what every child should do. We all have fond memories of being young and playing games or riding our bikes or hanging out with friends. But the most fun an adult will ever have is to make sure that every child has the chance to play and to build those things they need to make the world a place where all children and young adults can play and work and live happily ever after. 

Q: Did you succeed? Or, what will you do when you succeed?

There have been a lot of successes. Successes take you on adventures. But those successes only have meaning if they open the door to more chances to build those spots that each child needs to grow and thrive and be happy. It may be hard to believe, but not every child wants to play baseball. So, you have to look, listen and notice what makes a child’s face light up, then find those things that touch their heart. Do that every day.

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