Way to Help Title Way to Help Content The Miracle League is more than just playing a game. It is also about making friends, building self-esteem, and being treated just like everyone else. The Youth Miracle League uses a "Buddy" system - pairing each player with a peer or friend to assist them throughout the game. Each "Buddy" focuses on providing their teammate with an encouraging, safe environment in which their efforts produce success in each facet of the game. The result is a bond that forever connects them as teammates. The Miracle League is a wonderful way to give back to others. For more information on how to become a "Buddy" or other volunteer opportunities working with our players, contact Dave Capella, GMVY Youth Miracle League Coordinator at miracleleague[at]gmvymca.org or at 513-919-1387. The responsibilities of a Buddy are focused on: The safety of each player at all times during play and around the field. Providing an encouraging, interactive experience with each player before, during, and after the game. Enjoying the game of baseball together. Support the mission and purposes of the Great Miami Valley YMCA and the Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields. Buddies must always: Arrive at the field 30 minutes prior to the scheduled game time. Be properly dressed for activity and weather with your “Buddy” shirt. Shirts will be provided the first game you are able to volunteer. One shirt will be provided for each volunteer. Each Buddy will be assigned to a player, who will help them onto the field to begin to throw and warm up. Buddies will also assist players to help them get a hit, circle the bases, and score a run each inning. Buddies will provide assistance in the field of play, as well as during their time between innings in the team dugout. Assist players according to their own unique needs. Always allow the player as much freedom to play his/her own game as possible. Assist the player with getting the ball and direct them where to throw the ball. As needed, hold their hand, push their wheelchair, or lead them in their power chair. Focus on and protect the player at all times. When a strong hitter is at the plate, buddies should step in front of Miracle League players for protection if needed, as safety is our top priority. Ensure that each player has fun! Become their friend, and get to know the player and their families. Be of good spirit, enthusiastic, and play with an attitude that motivates and supports players and their families. Give players lots of encouragement at all times. Demonstrate high moral integrity, both on and off the field of play. Respond to any situations appropriately, and be flexible when it comes to working with the unique needs of all Miracle League players and families. Our field is located at 4850 Groh Lane, Fairfield, Ohio 45014 We are so grateful that you are interested in becoming a Miracle League Buddy! We can accommodate groups and can take volunteers for a one time opportunity, too. Connected to Organization --- not set --- Ways to Help Tags Ages 12-15 18-24 55+ Adults Children Teens Ages Served Adults (18+) Babies and Toddlers Birth to 5 College Elementary (5-10) High School Middle School Professionals Commitment Length 1 Day 1 Full Year 1 School Year 1 Semester More Than A Year Groups Corporate Teams Families Groups (10+) Groups (2-10) Individuals Guidance Provided In-depth Minimal Moderate How Often Monthly Occasional One-time Weekly Time Commitment 1 Day 1 Hour/Month 1 Hour/Week 2 Hours/Week 2+ Hours/Week Training Formal None On-site Type Education Emotional Enrichment (Arts) Event support Fitness Indoor Office work Outdoor Physical Social Skills Typically Help Different Large Groups Different Single Students Different Small Groups Same Large (5+) Group Same One Student Same Small Group When Anytime Weekday Afternoons Weekday Evenings Weekday Mornings Weekends Where Community Center Library Nonprofit Place of Worship School Volunteer's Choice Youth Served Abuse Survivors Academically at Risk Arts Differently-abled English Language Learners Enrichment Facing Illness First Gen College Food Insecure Foster Care Gifted Homeless Juvenile System LGBTQ+ Low Income Household Mental Health Physical Fitness Pregnant/Parenting STEM -- Parent -- Add New