Children and adults in Northeast Ohio, who never had the opportunity to indulge in one of America’s favorite past times, have now had the chance to do just that.

With the July 28 opening of the Lake Health Miracle Park, located adjacent to Classic Park in Eastlake, children and adults with developmental disabilities discovered the joy in hearing “batter up” knowing it was them being called up to home plate to swing that bat.

For many of the players on the six Miracle League of Lake County teams, that was their first opportunity to swing at a pitch and make their way around the bases. Each player made their way around the bases scoring runs, either on their own or utilizing a wheelchair, walker, or other assistance.

One month later, the Miracle League of Lake County is still going. New players are joining, and the season has been extended an extra four weeks and will now run until the end of September.

“It’s been going well,” Eastlake Mayor Dennis Morley said. “Parents and kids are overwhelmed. Parents are excited that their kids can play baseball.”

Judy Moran, executive director for Miracle League of Lake County, made similar observations.

“Parents are happy and the kids are happy,” Moran said. “It’s the only place you can go where everyone is smiling.”

Moran also noted that she couldn’t be any more happier about how it turned out.