Dear Miracle League of the South Hills Community,
The conference call yesterday was the hardest conversation the board and I have had in the 4 years since I became your executive director. Our organization was started as a baseball league, but it has grown into a community of over 60 zip codes that loves and cares for each other. A family.
We are in unprecedented times and it is important for us to do what is best for our athletes, volunteers, and families. We feel cancelling the season is the best thing to do at this time to ensure that we do our part in keeping everyone safe and healthy.
Over the next couple of weeks, I will work to see what we can do as an organization so that coaches, players, buddies, and volunteers can connect virtually. Follow us on the social media links below for fun games, contests, and posts about what's happening around the league. If you haven't seen the #batflipchallenge yet, check it out on Facebook and Twitter. Send us or tag us in your video!
To those that have already registered, we will work over the next couple of weeks to refund you. If you don't see the return on your statement by April 13th, please reach out to me and I'll make sure it gets taken care of for you.
Stay safe. Stay in touch. Stay ready to play baseball because we plan to be back and ready for a great baseball season in September.
"Life will always throw you curves. Just keep fouling them off. The right pitch will come, and when it does, be prepared to run the bases."
For the Love of the Game,
Tim Gebhart
Executive Director
Miracle League of the South Hills
The conference call yesterday was the hardest conversation the board and I have had in the 4 years since I became your executive director. Our organization was started as a baseball league, but it has grown into a community of over 60 zip codes that loves and cares for each other. A family.
We are in unprecedented times and it is important for us to do what is best for our athletes, volunteers, and families. We feel cancelling the season is the best thing to do at this time to ensure that we do our part in keeping everyone safe and healthy.
Over the next couple of weeks, I will work to see what we can do as an organization so that coaches, players, buddies, and volunteers can connect virtually. Follow us on the social media links below for fun games, contests, and posts about what's happening around the league. If you haven't seen the #batflipchallenge yet, check it out on Facebook and Twitter. Send us or tag us in your video!
To those that have already registered, we will work over the next couple of weeks to refund you. If you don't see the return on your statement by April 13th, please reach out to me and I'll make sure it gets taken care of for you.
Stay safe. Stay in touch. Stay ready to play baseball because we plan to be back and ready for a great baseball season in September.
"Life will always throw you curves. Just keep fouling them off. The right pitch will come, and when it does, be prepared to run the bases."
For the Love of the Game,
Tim Gebhart
Executive Director
Miracle League of the South Hills
THE BUDDY SYSTEM
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Make a new friend…become a Buddy!
Ever feel like you want to make a difference in another person's life? Well, you can if you're a Buddy! You can give individuals with special needs the gift of friendship and baseball by volunteering as a Buddy. Working one-on-one with our players will warm your heart and spread joy all around! Our Buddy system pairs each player, with a volunteer helper that remains with them the entire season. Minimum age - 12 years old Maximum age - There Is None! We need adult buddies too Buddy Registration at the bottom of this page. |
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New in 2020: Be a Double Buddy
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Do you wish you could stay up at the field longer? Now you can! Be a Double Buddy and be Double the Impact! You will see the same teams every week, so developing those important relationships with your players will still occur...you'll just make double the amount of friends at the Miracle League of the South Hills
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Double Buddy Shifts:
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Being a double buddy is optional this year. You will still be able to sign up for a single team for the spring and fall season. However, in 2021, we will most likely be moving to a two hour Double Buddy system only in order to accommodate our growing number of athletes!
Community Service Hours
The Miracle League of the South Hills will send a letter to each individual verifying community service hours for their volunteer service when needed. It's up to the volunteer to keep track of their hours and present them to the executive director for review. We will match their records with ours to confirm the correct amount of hours served.
We ask that any volunteer 12+ year old or above that needs a letter contact the director themselves. Parents may help younger volunteers request the letter.
To request a letter of service hours, email info@miracleleaguesouthhills.org.
The Miracle League of the South Hills will send a letter to each individual verifying community service hours for their volunteer service when needed. It's up to the volunteer to keep track of their hours and present them to the executive director for review. We will match their records with ours to confirm the correct amount of hours served.
We ask that any volunteer 12+ year old or above that needs a letter contact the director themselves. Parents may help younger volunteers request the letter.
To request a letter of service hours, email info@miracleleaguesouthhills.org.
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Download the Buddy Code of Conduct
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Download the Buddy Training Manuel
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Text Message Information Service
For important league updates and weather info, join now!
1. Text @k4dhg8 to the number 81010
2. Select student
3. Enter birthday for age verification
Buddy Clearances
Clearances for 18+ year old buddies (MUST HAVE PRIOR TO YOUR FIRST DAY VOLUNTEERING)
1. Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Report (PSP)- FREE
Start your Criminal History Report at the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) website:
Start your Child Abuse History Report at the PA Child Welfare Information Solution (CWIS) website:
1. Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Report (PSP)- FREE
Start your Criminal History Report at the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) website:
- Go to epatch.state.pa.us
- Submit a "New Record Check" for volunteers.
- Fill out all required information.
- Record the control number generated to access/print your certificate in the future.
- Make a copy of the background check information NOT just the email. Email to info@miracleleaguesouthhills.org
Start your Child Abuse History Report at the PA Child Welfare Information Solution (CWIS) website:
- Go to www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis/public/home
- Click on "Create Individual Account" and fill out form.
- They will email you a temporary password. Once received, return to the website and click "individual login".
- Choose "Access My Clearances" which redirects you to log in with the user name you created and the password that was emailed to you.
- Create your own password. You will have to log in again with the new password.
- Fill in and follow all directions.
- You will receive an email with your results from them. This may take up to a few days. Make a copy of the background check information NOT just the email. You may also choose to have a copy mailed to you.
- Email it to info@miracleleaguesouthhills.org
The Buddy System: How It Works
What is a Miracle League Buddy?
Miracle League Buddies are assigned a player for each game. The buddy is there to protect the player from balls, assist the player in batting and running the bases (if needed), and to be a friend on and off the field. Buddies receive a Miracle League Buddy t-shirt for their participation.
Who is eligible to be a buddy?
Buddies are youth (ages 12 and up) and adults who play or enjoy baseball and softball-or just like to have fun. These include family members and local youth and civic groups to mention a few. Though we call them Buddies, many people refer to the volunteers as Angels in the Outfield.
What is required of a Buddy?
Buddies need to be energetic, committed and enthusiastic for each game. We encourage buddies to keep a consistent schedule. This allows for Miracle players to grow more comfortable with their new friends. Buddies are responsible for their individual player from the time of introduction until the player is back in the care of their parent/guardian. This means that no matter where their player goes the buddy must go.
Do I stay with the same player all season?
In order to encourage friendships, Buddies are assigned to the same child or team for the entire season. The games last about 1 hour each week. You can see a sample schedule of games under the PLAY tab.
What is expected of me on game days?
Buddies are expected to protect the Miracle League player at all times. When a hard hitter is up at bat, buddies are to step in front of the Miracle League player for protection. Always allow the Miracle League player as much freedom as possible to play his/her game and position. Assist the Miracle League player according to their needs. Arrive at the field 30 minutes prior to game time. Notify the Miracle League Buddy Coordinator (or your coach) at least 24 hours prior to game time if they will not be able to attend the game. Be properly dressed in the Buddies t-shirt. Demonstrate high morals and integrity on and off the field.
Miracle League Buddies are assigned a player for each game. The buddy is there to protect the player from balls, assist the player in batting and running the bases (if needed), and to be a friend on and off the field. Buddies receive a Miracle League Buddy t-shirt for their participation.
Who is eligible to be a buddy?
Buddies are youth (ages 12 and up) and adults who play or enjoy baseball and softball-or just like to have fun. These include family members and local youth and civic groups to mention a few. Though we call them Buddies, many people refer to the volunteers as Angels in the Outfield.
What is required of a Buddy?
Buddies need to be energetic, committed and enthusiastic for each game. We encourage buddies to keep a consistent schedule. This allows for Miracle players to grow more comfortable with their new friends. Buddies are responsible for their individual player from the time of introduction until the player is back in the care of their parent/guardian. This means that no matter where their player goes the buddy must go.
Do I stay with the same player all season?
In order to encourage friendships, Buddies are assigned to the same child or team for the entire season. The games last about 1 hour each week. You can see a sample schedule of games under the PLAY tab.
What is expected of me on game days?
Buddies are expected to protect the Miracle League player at all times. When a hard hitter is up at bat, buddies are to step in front of the Miracle League player for protection. Always allow the Miracle League player as much freedom as possible to play his/her game and position. Assist the Miracle League player according to their needs. Arrive at the field 30 minutes prior to game time. Notify the Miracle League Buddy Coordinator (or your coach) at least 24 hours prior to game time if they will not be able to attend the game. Be properly dressed in the Buddies t-shirt. Demonstrate high morals and integrity on and off the field.