Buddy Scholarship Program
The Miracle League of Joliet is pleased to announce a Scholarship for Buddies. Our buddies are truly “Angels in the Outfield” and we wanted to establish this program to give them a helping hand, as they do to our players. Applications are due December 31, 2023 and will be awarded in May of 2024. If you are interested in applying for a scholarship; download the application and send them in by December 31, 2023. Scholarship winners will be notified in March of 2024.
To apply, please download the application
Being a Buddy
The following are the goals for Miracle League Buddies:
• To protect the Miracle League player at all times.
• When hard hitter is up to bat, Buddies are to step in front of Miracle League Player for protection.
• Always allow the Miracle League Player as much freedom as possible to play his/her own game.
• Assist Miracle League Player according to their needs.
• Be of good spirit with enthusiasm, love, good attitude and concern in motivating the players and their families.
• Become their friend; get to know the players and their families.
• Arrive at field 15 minutes prior to game time.
• Be properly dressed and clean dressed in Buddies shirt.
• Demonstrates high morals and integrity on and off the field.
Being a Buddy is a commitment to a group of highly deserving individuals in an area that many have never had an opportunity to participate in before. It is a commitment to a team, a player and the community that is reaching out to support their needs.
Being a Buddy is also a rewarding experience. By assisting a player, a Buddy will have the opportunity to learn about a special player and help him or her achieve a sense of accomplishment and enjoy baseball. The Buddy system pairs each player with a Buddy to assist them on and off the field.
Buddies must be at least 12 years of age to participate in this program and must complete a brief training program prior to assisting a player.
Buddies duties will vary from full assistance for a player who may have severe mobility problems to offering guidance to players who can walk, run and perform many physical actions. Buddies may also assist players who do not have the mental or retentive ability to follow the rules of the game.
Buddies can be fellow schoolmates, college or high school students, athletes, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts or any individual or group who wishes to volunteer their time to give the child the gift of baseball and a smile that touches us all.
Buddies are expected to attend all of their team’s scheduled games, as well as the above-mentioned training session and a “get-acquainted” session prior to the start of the season. Buddies can share responsibilities with another buddy if they know they will not be able to make all the games. All games are held at Silver Cross Field in Joliet. Please see our schedule listing on the website for game dates. (If something comes up and you cannot attend a game, you will be expected to notify your Buddy Leader.)
Buddies will randomly be assigned teams unless otherwise requested (see registration form for more information).
Buddy Leaders will be assigned to each team to coordinate pairing of Buddies with players. In most cases, Buddies will assist the same player throughout the season.
By giving only a few hours of your time not only will you make a difference in a special child’s life, but you will also create a positive awareness in yourself. For questions, please contact Sharon Ferro 815-258-3799. Thank you for your interest and support in this valuable community service project.
- Safety First
- Playing Baseball and Having Fun
- Encouragement
Miracle League Buddies are volunteers ranging in age from elementary school to senior citizens. These include family members and local youth and civic groups. Though we call them Buddies, many people refer to the volunteers as Angels in the Outfield.