ALTOONA, Pa. (WJAC) –- The Miracle League of Blair County held its annual opening day Saturday.

“This is our 11th year of playing baseball here. We’ve had about 100 kids play every year. We have children from all over central Pennsylvania region,” said Joe Reed, president of the Miracle League of Blair County.

It’s an opportunity for children with special needs to hit the field and play ball.

“For any kids to have an opportunity to play baseball is an American pastime. And to have a field and a facility like we do here in Blair County a general overall environment where everybody wins, is pretty cool,” said volunteer Tobi Rispoli.

Cherrie Grassmyer brought her son Elijah.

“It’s his first year. He’s just -- he’s overcome so much,” Grassmyer said. “He’s learned to talk. He’s found his voice and he’s very excited. His big brothers play baseball and they play all the time, so we’re at games a lot.”

“Now their brother can come to their game and watch them play baseball,” Reed said.

Added Rispoli: “Everybody is welcome and it is an experience that shouldn’t be missed if you have the opportunity to bring a player."

You can find a full schedule of games here.

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