Salt Lake Bees Make Miracles Happen For Special-Needs Children

WEST JORDAN, Utah – Salt Lake Bees infielder Matt Thaiss is usually waiting for a play to happen near either first or third base when the opposing team is up to bat.

On Saturday morning, however, Thaiss found himself lobbing pitches most of the day. He didn’t have a stellar outing, as he gave up a hit or a home run to every single batter, but it was still one of the most special days of his career.

Thaiss and a few of his Bees teammates joined the Miracle League, a program that allows children and individuals with disabilities to play adaptive baseball on a specialized baseball diamond at the Gene Fullmer Recreation Center.

We are hanging out at Utah Miracle League today! @Matt_Thaiss trying out pitching but is giving up a ton of hits pic.twitter.com/E8Cx0yRFSs

— Salt Lake Bees (@SaltLakeBees) June 8, 2019

Over 200 individuals participate in the Miracle League with kids starting at four years old. There’s no age limit for the participants as the several of those who are young at heart still make their way to play on the safe, rubberized surface at the rec center. With the help of their parents or volunteers, the kids are able to experience the thrill of playing ball, regardless of their disabilities or challenges. Many of the children are able to play and enjoy the game from their wheelchairs.

The Miracle League players also get the full game experience, complete with public address announcing by Bees in-game host and local radio personality Tony Parks.

For the Bees players, support staff and even the mascot, Bumble, who was one of the kids’ favorite attractions at the event, playing a few innings with the Miracle League is always one of their favorite yearly traditions.

It also means a lot for the children and their parents, according to Lauren Johnson, who works as an adaptive recreation manager for Salt Lake County and helps facilitate the Miracle League.

Fun times in West Jordan as the @SaltLakeBees are playing adaptive baseball with the Miracle League! pic.twitter.com/691E5CJGAp

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) June 8, 2019

“It definitely means everything, it’s always great for the kids to have role models,” said Johnson. “But also it’s great for people who are out in the social limelight to come out and support others of all abilities, it really brings inclusion to the community. That’s what the league does and that’s what the Bees are supporting here and that’s why the kids really, really appreciate it.”

Among the Bees players who came to play was former Bingham High School and BYU star Brennon Lund, who was drafted by Salt Lake’s parent club, the Los Angeles Angels, in 2016. To Lund, the opportunity to give community service in his hometown made it even more special.

“It’s always a good experience to come out in the community, especially in my community because I live like five minutes from here,” said Lund, in between Miracle League games. “It’s been really fun.”

Tough moment for former BYU star Brennon Lund as he takes over on the mound and immediately gives up a hit to Craig in a Utah sweatshirt pic.twitter.com/Rxo8sC8NuN

— Salt Lake Bees (@SaltLakeBees) June 8, 2019

This year’s event with the Miracle League was the second time that Thaiss participated with the program. Last year, Thaiss quickly volunteered to go play on the same day that he arrived in Salt Lake City. This year, he jumped at the opportunity to go again.

“It’s truly something awesome,” said Thaiss. “It was my first time doing something like this last year and it was something that I’ll never forget. I think it’s something life-changing for both the players that are playing in the game and for us, for being here.”

As a highly touted prospect in the Angels’ system, it’s likely that Thaiss will go on to play dozens of games at legendary fields like New York’s Yankee Stadium and Boston’s Fenway Park before his career is over. Still, it may be those Miracle League games played on a rubber field in West Jordan that he’ll cherish the most.

More information on the Miracle League baseball program can be found here.