SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – A sunny afternoon on the diamond Sunday was full of smiles for families and participants of the Miracle League of Western Massachusetts.

What You Need To Know

  • The Miracle League of Western Massachusetts is a nonprofit organization that works to make baseball accessible for children and adolescents of different ability levels

  • The league, which is made up of more than 80 kids, play on Sundays at the Aschermann Family Field at Springfield College during the spring and fall seasons

  • Children are split into different groups with several games throughout the day based on age and experience

  • Volunteers, including parents and members of Springfield College, will work with the players to make sure the game is playable for everyone

The goal of the nonprofit is to make baseball accessible for children and adolescents of different ability levels.

The players were having a blast.

"I like batting," said Miracle League member Anthony Palmisano. 

"I like hitting home runs, getting base hits and running the bases," said league member Logan Marcinowski.

The league, which is made up of more than 80 kids, play on Sundays at the Aschermann Family Field at Springfield College during the spring and fall seasons.

Board President Brian Feeley said children are split into different groups with several games throughout the day based on age and experience.

He said volunteers, including parents and members of Springfield College, will work with the players to make sure the game is playable for everyone.

"It's allowing them to learn a little more about baseball," said Feeley. "Where to throw it. 'Hey stop at first!' Listening to the coaches, so it's not just hit and run the bases."

Palmisano, 17, from Hadley, has been apart of the Miracle League for seven years with his mother Michelle cheering him on from the sidelines every game.

It's been three years for Marcinowski, 9, of Easthampton, and his father Mateusz, who has also been volunteering on the field as well. 

Both parents said having an accessible baseball program has been life-changing.

"It's an unbelievable experience," said Mateusz Marcinowski. "Him and I have a special bond on the field, and it's just so special to help him and other players play baseball. I wouldn't trade it for the world. I wanna do this as long as I can."

"It's not only just good for Anthony and the other kids to get out and get exercise and be able to play a game that so many people love," said Anthony's mother Michelle Palmisano. "But it's just the camaraderie and the friends he's made while he's been playing. Everybody routes for everybody, regardless of what team you're on."

The Miracle League of Western Massachusetts is always looking for volunteers. 

People wanting to get involved can contact them through their website.