Community Corner

New Miracle League Field Opens in Northampton County

A new Miracle League Field, the second in the Lehigh Valley, was dedicated Sunday in Palmer Township.

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"Play Ball!"

After an hour-long dedication ceremony, players took to the new field Sunday afternoon in.

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"There are no strikeouts here, only winners," Northampton County Executive John Stoffa said of the second Miracle League field to open in the Lehigh Valley. (Another field is located in Orefield, Lehigh County.) "May this miracle continue for many years to come."

The ceremony fetured dignitaries and speakers such as Stoffa, National Miracle League Executive Director Diane Alford, Chuck Brady of the Cal Ripkin Sr. Foundation, Easton Rotary Club President Mike Woodley and Richard Agretto, president of the Miracle League of Northampton County.

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Others in attendance included state Rep. Joe Emrick, Palmer Township's Supervisors Dave Colver, Bob Lammi, Robert Smith, K. Michael Mitchell and Ann-Marie Panella and Supervisors Erik Chuss, John O'Neil and David Billings.Β 

"Today athletes, we're your biggest fans," Agretto said. "You no longer have to stand on the sidelines. Now you're a real baseball player."

The Miracle League features seven teams of children with disabilities playing baseball on a rubberized field. The Yankees, Red Sox and Phillies played the first game.

Agretto praised Palmer Supervisors Chairman Dave Colver for his company's work in constructing the field. Colver received a plaque from Agretto for his efforts with Agretto calling Colver "Mr. Palmer Township."

"I'm proud to have this here," he said. "I'm proud to be a part of this organization."

With a donation by the Easton Rotary Club, the field is now called Easton Rotary Field.

A ribbon cutting was done by Adam Taylor, a Miracle League player, with his mother Kelly, a Miracle League board member, helping out.

Miracle League player Brianna McGovern spoke last before the benediction.

"This is a place where friendships are formed and lessons are learned," she said. "More kids are now getting the chance to play the ballgame of a lifetime."


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