About Us
Our Story
In 1997, Rockdale Youth Baseball Association’s coach Eddie Bagwell invited the first child with a disability to play baseball on his team; Michael a 7 year old child in a wheelchair attended every game and practice, while cheering on his 5 year old brother play America’s favorite pass-time. And in 1998, other children with disabilities were invited to play baseball on a typical baseball field within the baseball complex of the Rockdale Youth Baseball Association (RYBA). The players had expressed the desire to dress in uniforms, make plays in the field, and round the bases just like their main stream peers. The league began with 35 players on four teams that first year.
We Believe
Every Child Deserves a Chance to Play Basebal
Our Mission
To create positive experiences for those with intellectual and physical disabilities and their families through baseball.
Who We Are
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization was formed to build a Miracle League field that serves the greater Northampton County area. This field is centrally located at the Charles Chrin Community Center complex in Palmer Township. The location is easily accessible for residents of Northampton County, Monroe County, upper Bucks County, and Warren County, NJ. Also, the site was selected because the field is part of a recreational complex where children of all ability levels will be playing side by side with their siblings, friends, and classmates in a truly integrated recreational facility.
Our Facility
The Facility Surface is Latex Free
In a letter to the editor in one of the local newspapers, a resident of Northampton County questioned the use of latex in Surface America’s EverTop surface which is the field surface choice for the Miracle League field being built. The surface to be applied is 100% latex free. Surface America and the surface type are approved by the National Headquarters of the Miracle League.
Since the beginning of this project, we have worked with the Miracle League Headquarters to be sure that we follow all of their specifications for the safety of the children who will be enjoying the experience of playing baseball on this field.
One Common Goal
Can you picture a moment when a child in a wheelchair rises up at home plate, grabs a bat, hits a ball, and walks to first base playing baseball for their very first time? This vision is the heart of the Miracle League of Northampton County at Easton Rotary Field.
Inspiration, courage, and just having fun are the hallmarks of what occurs at every game in the spring and fall seasons for the athletes that play baseball on the Easton Rotary Field, located at the Charles Chrin Community Center in Palmer Township.
Featured Board Member
Brian Schneider Joins Our Team
We are honored to have Brian Schneider, former catcher for the Philadelphia Phillies as our honorary chairman of our Board of Directors. Brian is a graduate of Northampton High School and immediately thereafter he began his professional baseball career in 1995. Brian was nominated for Major League Baseball’s Roberto Clemente Award by the Montreal Expos in 2002 for his charity work. Along with his wife Jordan he founded the “Catching for Kids Foundation” which strives to enable children of all backgrounds and physical abilities to enjoy the games they love. Brian and Jordan have a daughter and two sons.
Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation
February 6, 2012
It is with pleasure that the Miracle League of Northampton County announces a partnership with the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation. CRSF has a 10 year history of working with non-profits nationwide to build baseball fields for at risk children. Our project is the first Miracle League field that CRSF will provide assistance in its completion. CRSF’s professional staff will bring tremendous value to our project in fundraising, administrative assistance, construction advice, etc.
Officers & Board Members
The Board of Directors at The Miracle League of Northampton County is a team of dedicated volunteers committed to advancing our mission of inclusion through baseball. Their leadership and support help guide the league’s growth, ensure a welcoming environment for all players and families, and sustain the programs that make a lasting impact. Through their passion and service, they help create a community where every child and adult, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to experience the joy of the game.
President
BJ Metz
Vice President
Richard Agretto
Treasurer
David Wolff
Coordinator of Development And Relations
Robert A. Lammi
Secretary
Debra Young
Member
AmyJo Sefcik
Member
Chot Mattes
Member
Dan McMahon
Member
Deb Young
Member
Jim Regan
Member
John Lahutsky
Member
Robert Lammi
Member
Sue Trinchere