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Springboro players await miraculous Opening Day

19 September 2009

Springboro players await miraculous Opening Day
Developmentally disabled kids will play at a field.
Dayton Daily News
By Lawrence Budd, Staff Writer
Saturday, September 19, 2009

For the first time, young baseball players with developmental disabilities from Springboro, Beavercreek, Miamisburg and other parts of the Dayton area will be taking to the field today, Sept. 19, in front of Springboro Junior High School.

Kyle Hoback, 8, of Springboro, who has Down syndrome, will be among those taking their first swings at the Miracle League Park Complex of Warren County and Greater Dayton.

“It’ll be fun watching him play baseball rather than him watching me,” said his brother Tyler Hoback, 14, of Springboro.

Opening day will follow ceremonies recognizing the efforts of organizations, local governments and individuals whose contributions made it possible.

More than two years ago, the Warren County Women’s Charity Organization pledged funds toward a barrier-free playground for handicapped kids. Then Brian Crotty, a local man with a developmentally disabled child, approached the YMCA of Greater Dayton about building a rubberized baseball field modeled after more than 700 Miracle Fields around the country.

While providing no money, the Springboro school district provided the land in front of the junior high and the city provided landscaping along South Main Street (Ohio 741). Crotty gave $300,000. Clearcreek Twp. gave $100,000.

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities has committed about $400,000 for restrooms, concessions and a press box where developmentally disabled kids and adults will gain work experience.

The school board approved a 15-year lease with the county agency and 15-year management agreement with the Coffman Y, the Dayton Y’s facility in Springboro, to manage and maintain the facility.

Players will come from all over the area.

“We’re touching lives that we never even dreamed of,” league chairwoman Linda Oda said.

Cincinnati Reds past and present will also be on hand today. The celebration begins at noon in front of the school at 1605 S. Main St. in Springboro.

Efforts to raise money for the field and playground continue.