EWING, N.J. – The TCNJ baseball team will celebrate its home opener on Saturday with some very special guests. The Lions will welcome The Miracle League of Mercer County to the doubleheader, continuing a very special relationship between the two programs.

The Miracle League is a national organization that builds baseball diamonds that allow individuals with disabilities to move freely around the bases and throughout the field regardless of any physical and/or cognitive limitations they may have.

The TCNJ team became involved through former first baseman Tommy McCarthy. Serving as coaches and mentors, members of the team led drills and offered tips and advice to the children.
 

During the team's annual Hot Stove Dinner in January, the team invited The Miracle League to the event and honored one of its players, Victoria Oliver. Victoria loved the silent auction items and enjoyed dinner. She even took to the microphone to exclaim, "Go Lions!"

As she left the podium, the TCNJ players presented Victoria with a baseball signed by the entire team.   

On Saturday against Plattsburgh State, The Miracle League players will have a chance to see their favorite college teams showing off the skills that they've taught through the clinics.

"We're honored to host The Miracle League of Mercer County this weekend," TCNJ infielder Gary Otten said. "The Miracle League has been generous enough to share their field with us. During that time, we did our best to teach the players how TCNJ plays baseball. Now, we are excited to share our field with them and actually show the players how TCNJ plays."

Prior to the 11 a.m. doubleheader at George Ackerman Park, players from The Miracle League will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

"I can't think of a better way for us to open our home park for the season," Otten said.