The Miracle in Cumming

The Cumming-Forsyth Miracle League Season opened Saturday with bright smiles and swinging bats. Despite the absence of some players due to a Special Olympic event in Henry County, the teams arrived at Coal Mountain Park’s Miracle League field with winning spirits. The first pitch of the first game went aloft at 9 a.m. and the excitement didn’t stop until the final player of the 2 p.m. game reached home plate

Patrick Miller, West Forsyth High student, predicted his team, the Cardinals, will do “pretty good” this season. He should know; the team consists of his siblings and coach Kathy Swygman. 

Swygman remarked that Emmy Miller, 16, has “gotten so strong.”

New this season is announcer Connor Holtz. The eighth grader was offered the position at the end of last season by Cumming-Forsyth Miracle League Board of Director President Jerry Dupree and Holtz “thought it would be nice.”

As players step up to the plate, the Otwell Middle school student shares “fun facts” which he says “encourages them.”  

“Buddies protect your players” is a warning Holtz gives when “big players” like Patrick Miller and Marc Fuentes are up to bat. “It gives them confidence,” explained Holtz.

While Holtz calls plays and shares tidbits like the player’s favorite—and least favorite—foods and television programs, mom, Kelly, is busy co-coaching the Yankees, the team of sister, Heather. “Proud coach and proud parent,” Kelly is quick to add.

Coaches and other volunteers are an integral part of the program. According to Volunteer Coordinator Steve Miller, father of the Cardinals, 16 buddies are needed for each game and there are five games each week. Local high school teams often sign up to volunteer all day. Local high school Lacrosse team members were buddies at the season opener. The Georgia National Guard has volunteered in the past and is expected to return later this season.

Miller recalls how Forsyth Central football coach Chris Bennett was quick to have his players volunteer. Players “love it” explained Miller, adding “it’s great camaraderie-building, great spirit-building opportunity.”

Buddies help the athlete play and enjoy the game. They run beside the athlete, offer encouragement, and assistance as needed such as transitions after each inning. There are no “outs” or keeping score and each athlete is afforded the opportunity to bat at least once each inning. There are only two innings per game. 

The league offers personalized, engraved bricks at the field which "commemorate the past, enhance the present, and inspire the future."  Carroll Edge, league Co-Fundraising Chair, may be reached at 770-886-7087 for details.

The season runs six consecutive Saturdays (excluding Oct. 22) at Coal Mountain Miracle League field.