By BROCK BEARDEN/Contributor
A crowd filled Irwin Field April 17 as UT Tyler hosted Miracle League Night, bringing together athletes, families and the local community for more than just baseball.
“It was a fun night with my friends watching the baseball game, and being recognized on the field made me feel special,” Miracle League athlete Zac Mort said. “I had a good time and would definitely do it again.”
The Miracle League of Tyler provides athletes with physical and mental challenges the opportunity to play baseball in an accessible environment.
UT Tyler defeated Oklahoma Christian 4-2 but the focus of the night extended beyond the final score.
“I had a great time at the UT game. I love baseball,” Miracle League athlete Dylan Tedder said.
“It was exciting, and they made all of us feel special for the night.”
The event was organized through a partnership between UT Tyler athletics, Miracle League of Tyler, and Keeper of the Game, a similar organization based out of Frisco.
“We loved going to the game and meeting all of the players,” Tedder said. “I love playing and representing Tyler as a Miracle League All-Star player. I’m excited about going to Frisco for the All-Star games in October.”
Miracle League athletes were recognized between innings and received UT Tyler baseball hats, along with event T-shirts and Keeper of the Game wristbands.
“It was really cool to see how much it meant to them,” UT Tyler junior pitcher Tyler Puckett said. “You could tell they were having a great time, and that made it even more fun for us too.”
Players and athletes interacted throughout the night, sharing moments in the dugout and on the field as families watched from the stands.
“It’s bigger than baseball,” Puckett said. “Just being able to hang out with them, talk to them and make their night — that’s something we won’t forget.”
With nearly 90 Miracle League athletes in the program and families in attendance, the night created one of the strongest atmospheres at Irwin Field this season.
“They brought a ton of energy,” Puckett said. “It kind of reminds you why you play in the first place.”
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