Jul. 1—More than 160 special needs athletes and their families are coming to Fairfield to participate in the Miracle Series.
Adult and youth athletes from Massachusetts, New Jersey, Iowa, New York, and Pennsylvania are headed to the Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields July 9-12.
The weekend is hosted by the Joe Nuxhall Foundation and Miracle League Fields in conjunction with Casey’s Clubhouse — the adaptive sports organization in Pittsburgh founded by Cincinnati Reds Hall of famer ‘The Mayor’ Sean Casey.
“We are super excited to see it grow. We’ve only hosted one program,” said Tyler Bradshaw, executive director of the Nuxhall Foundation.
“We first partnered with Sean in 2022 and since then we’ve developed an informal network of Miracle leagues and adaptive sports organizations.”
Along with the games there will be a private welcome party, on-field dance party, fireworks show, pool party and Cincinnati Reds game scheduled for the players and their families.
“We pride ourselves on giving athletes with special needs a major league experience, and the opportunity to go on the road and make friends from different cities is an important part of that mission,” said Kim Nuxhall, president and chairman of The Nuxhall Foundation.
“Our all-stars deserve more opportunities like this to shine. We love creating those experiences, but we are especially fortunate that we get to do this with one of dad’s (Joe Nuxhall, former Reds player and announcer) best buddies, The Mayor Sean Casey.”
To give the participants a true major league experience Bradshaw is asking for help from the community. The goal: line Groh Lane and the complex with fans waving signs and carrying noise makers to welcome the athletes July 11 for a “pack the park” event.
Supporters are asked to line Groh Lane and the miracle fields beginning at 8 a.m. for the arrival of the buses to the ball fields, beginning at 8:30 a.m.
“We want all of Cincinnati to show up and show out on the morning of July 11 to let our guests know just how much they’re loved and valued — and wear lots of red,” Bradshaw said.
Following opening ceremonies, games will be played from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A home run derby follows the games.
“Getting back to Cincinnati always feels like coming home for me. This city means so much to my baseball journey and to my family, so bringing our Casey’s Clubhouse athletes here for the Miracle Series makes it even more special,” Casey said.
“It’s more than a tournament. It’s friendships, families, and two amazing cities celebrating the game we all love.”
