Local team helps build Miracles

Published 9:46 pm Wednesday, June 10, 2009

The regular season is done and now the focus shifts to winning a Dixie League World Series for the many tournament teams in the Troy Dixie program, but one team is focusing on something bigger than winning baseball games.

Jonathan Phillips educated his twin sons about the Miracle Field program and for each hit they had in the regular season $1 was donated to the Troy Miracle Field effort in the boys’ name.

Pre-Minor Tournament Team head coach Frank Scarbrough is trying to extend that vision Phillips had.

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“I thought what Jonathan did with his children could have an impact during tournament time,” Scarbrough said. “We could use his idea as a tool to make the tournament teams more than just about baseball. We just want to show the boys that it is always good to serve something bigger than yourself.”

Scarbrough said he is extending the invitation to the entire community to sponsor a tournament team player for the tournament season and donate whatever they would like to donate. Each sponsor would pledge a certain amount of money per hit and at the end of the tournament season that amount of money would be donated in the player’s name.

“I think this is a great opportunity for us as coaches to incorporate something other than baseball into what we teach them,” Scarbrough said. “Hopefully we can inspire people to donate to the Miracle League. Our goal as coaches is to focus on the bigger picture and help make the Miracle Field a reality.”

Troy has been raising money for a local Miracle Field for several years. The field is a concrete slab with a rubberized surface on top. The league allows handicapped children to experience what it is like to play baseball.

“We want to show our kids that it is possible to forget about the score and play for something bigger than baseball,” Scarbrough said.

Troy Parks and Recreation Department Director Dan Smith said he is 100 percent on board with the idea.

“We are always open to creative ways for people to donate to this cause,” Smith said. “To get the children to participate in the fundraising is one of the best ideas yet and I can’t say enough about the people who brought this idea to our attention.”

Smith said he was glad to see a fresh fundraising idea for Miracle Field.

“It was so humbling when Frank and the other parents came to us with this idea,” he said. “Miracle Field will happen when the community participates as they can and when they can.”

Contact the Troy Parks and Recreation Department for more information about donating at 334-566-4031.