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Young athletes with physical and cognitive disabilities took the field April 23 as the Miracle League of Alexandria opened its 2025 youth season at Kelley Cares Miracle Field.

The opening-day games at the Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center welcomed players ages 5 and older from across the region. The league’s adult participants began their season April 12.

Volunteers from Saint Stephen’s & St. Agnes served as “Angels in the Outfield,” pairing with players and assisting them during the games. Participants in the Nannie J. Lee afterschool program also attended, with its cheerleaders encouraging the athletes from the sidelines.

Players received jerseys and hats through the league’s partnership with the Washington Nationals Team Up Program, board president Mac Slover said. He thanked Jackie Person, the afterschool program staff and therapeutic recreation employees for supporting the players and their parents.

Founded in spring 2011, the Miracle League of Alexandria is now in its 14th year. It gives children and adults an opportunity to play baseball when physical or cognitive disabilities may exclude them from conventional leagues. Its buddy system matches each athlete with an able-bodied peer who provides help on the field.

Slover, who retired from Alexandria’s Department of Parks and Recreation in 2018, helped establish the local league with Bill Rivers. The pair raised awareness and money for Kelley Cares Miracle Field, which has a rubberized surface designed to allow people with special needs to play safely.

Alexandria has recognized both men as Living Legends for their work bringing the league and field to the city.

The national Miracle League program was founded in Atlanta in 2000 and has expanded to more than 300 teams across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

Slover expressed gratitude to the players, parents and volunteer buddies who have participated over the years.