More Than 300 Athletes Participating In Miracle League Tournament

UPPER ST. CLAIR  (KDKA) - – The Pirates may be the most well-known baseball team in Pittsburgh, but they aren't the only team around. Athletes who participate in The Miracle League in the South Hills are also learning more about our national pastime, and they're in the middle of a big tournament.

"It's a [friendly] competition," says Josh Stahl, a Life Skills teacher at Baldwin High School.  The Baldwin-Whitehall School District hosts the Miracle League. There are both competitive and non-competitive divisions.

More than 300 athletes participate, and it takes at least that many volunteers and teachers to run the baseball tournament.

"If you do well or you don't…everybody is there to support each other. That's key to making sure this event works," says Tim Laughlin, a Physical Education teacher.

The competition is a year-round event to help individuals living with disabilities lead more fulfilling lives. It's part of Baldwin-Whitehall's Transitional Program.

"It's one thing to work with the students in the classroom and be able to do those types of activities with them, but when you take them out in the community and you get to have events like this…you really get to see them blossom," says Eric Jankowski, Baldwin-Whitehall's Transition Coordinator. "You really get to see a lot of things you have worked on with them come to life."

One big supporter of the program is former Pirates player, and Upper Saint Clair native, Sean Casey. Casey played a pivotal role in the installation of the Miracle Field in the South Hills.

"A lot of students are here, a lot of teachers," says Casey. "Our mission is here at Miracle League of South Hills."

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