Miracle League of the South Hills partners with Ripken Baseball
Dates: July 29 - Aug 3 Where: Pigeon Forge, TN Facility: Ripken Experience, Pigeon Forge (Website)
The Miracle League of the South Hills will be hosting other Miracle League teams at the Ripken Facility during their Black Bear Tournament in Pigeon Forge, TN. We will be participating with the typical tournament teams during opening ceremonies and skills competition, and then competing in Miracle League games on our designated field at the same time as their tournament is taking place. This will be the first inclusive tournament in Ripken Baseball history! It's time to PLAY BALL in the Smokey Mountains!
Other Miracle League teams committed to playing in the Black Bear Tournament:
Pigeon Forge Game Schedule (subject to change) - Updated July 15
ML South Hills Volunteers
Each athlete is assigned to one of our awesome Miracle League volunteers making the road trip with us. Prior to the trip, you'll receive their cell phone number and email address. They will be able to help answer any questions you might have throughout the trip. We will be using the REMIND TRAVEL TEAM text service for any changes. If you are not a part of the text service, please subscribe by texting @shpirates to the number 81010.
If you will not be riding the bus for whatever reason (to and from Pigeon Forge, to and from hotel, to and from dinner activity, etc), your assigned volunteer is the person you will need to contact so the bus doesn't wait for you.
Eric Jankoski- Miracle Division Liaison - Macee Peterson, Jackson Brush, Aidan Park, Vivienne Black, Titus Black, Olivia Macurak, Fernando Kauffman, and Tripp Harshaw Lisa Carlisle- Advanced Skills Division 1 Liaison - Jordan Minor, Michael Long, Tyler Gatz, CJ Petruccelli, Cody Clegg, Andy Wagner, Mary Jane Conroy, Zach Dudas, Cole Vay, Tomas Bird Kayla Frattini- Advanced Skills Division 2 Liaison - Matthew Bishop, Buddy Hall, Ryan Silverman, Brendan Pacalo, Jon Caven, Kristina Bobrzynski, Danny Hall, Sarah Berlin, Kallie McCarthy
Line Up Cards and Position Cards
Coaches: Please use these lineup cards and position cards for each game. Have them filled out prior to your game, two each game, so you can have one and the announcer can have one. There is a catcher spot, do not assign an athlete to be catcher. The umpire or a volunteer will be the catcher for the game.
We will have copies in Pigeon Forge, but you can print and fill out in advance too.
South Hills Pirates Miracle Division Coaches: Dave Macurak, Mike Peterson, Eric Jankoski South Hills Pirates Advanced Skills Team 1 Coaches: Mike Long, Bob Dudas, Norm Gatz South Hills Pirates Advanced Skills Team 2 Coaches: Scott Bishop, Lisa Carlisle, Kayla Frattini
South Hills Pirates FAQs for Parents and Fans Attending the Event
Can I bring beer or alcohol on the bus? No. This is not a party bus. Doing so could jeopardize your chances to participate in any future travel team events.
What is the seating like at the Ripken Experience in Pigeon Forge? There are bleachers and grass areas around each field. If you are driving separately and have some space, we recommend bringing some lawn chairs with you. There is also space under the bus for those riding the bus to bring chairs as well.
Are the games going to be live streamed online? YES! Anyone that wants to watch at home can do so through HiCast Sports. They will have to select the venue (Ripken Experience Pigeon Forge) and create an account. LINK HERE - They do charge for this service.
Are waivers required at the Ripken Experience Pigeon Forge? Yes. A link has been sent to each family. Any person who plans to be on the field must register through Ripken in order to be on the field. This includes players, coaches, volunteers, and staff members. Parents who help their athlete to the dugout and back and then step off the field for the game do not have to sign the waiver.
Can we bring outside food and drinks to the facility and on the bus? Yes. You can bring any outside food and beverage on the bus and into the Ripken complex. Coolers are allowed. Alcohol is STRICTLY prohibited on the bus and at the Ripken complex. When consuming alcohol outside of the restricted areas, please keep in mind that you do represent the Miracle League of the South Hills on this trip.
Is the field surface at the Ripken Experience like our Miracle League surface? No. The field turf is a longer turf with rubber pellets. Bases are raised. We will make accommodations for those that need it during the tournament.
Is financial aid available for activities or meals throughout the week? Yes. Due to some generous donations, we have some funds for our families that might need some help paying for meals or outside activities. Please contact Tim Gebhart if you would like some help on this trip. All conversations will remain confidential.
Do we have to check in with Miracle League staff if we want to do activities/eat meals on our own? No. Outside of the itinerary, you are free to do what you want to do! The only time we ask that you check in with your team volunteer is if you plan to not ride the bus at any time that the bus is scheduled. Example: You want to leave in your own car back to the hotel after a game at the Ripken Experience. Please tell your team volunteer so the bus doesn't wait on you and can leave on time.
Can the Miracle Division athletes use their custom wood bats in this tournament? Yes. They can use them in the tournament if they choose. We will also be bringing the foam/plastic bats we use in our league back home. If your athlete tends to throw their bat after they hit the ball, please keep the wood bat at home and have them use the foam or plastic bats. Upon returning to the Miracle League of the South Hills season, the custom wood bat can't be used in Miracle Division games.
I can't get dropped off at the bus, where can I leave my car for the week? The USC township will have some designated parking spaced against the back parking lot. You can leave your car there at your own risk. The township police station is located on the site where your car will be parked.
ML South Hills Sponsored Activities
Each athlete will receive two (2) tickets to Dollywood, good to use on Wednesday, August 2nd. Additional tickets can be purchased using the group link sent via email and text.