Marlins Foundation Hosts 2nd Annual Miracle League Game At Marlins Park

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – A group of South Florida special needs children will have the opportunity of a lifetime when they get to play baseball on the same field that the pros play on.

Saturday, February 15^th, Miami Marlins President David Samson and the Marlins Foundation will host the 2nd Annual Miracle League of Miami-Dade game at Marlins Park.

The Miracle League is non-profit organization that that provides special needs children with the opportunity to play baseball.

"Marlins Park is proud to host the Miracle League of Miami Dade," said Miami Marlins President David Samson, "Seeing the smiling faces of Miracle Leaguers as they come across home plate is always a special moment at Marlins Park. We are proud to provide this unique experience for these special children."

Mike Lowell at the inaugural Miracle League game with player Ben Young, baseball buddy Christopher Cilli and Billy the Marlin. (Source: Miracle League of Miami-Dade)

Baseball legends like Andre Dawson and Mike Lowell are expected to be front-and-center once again as honorary team managers.

Andre Dawson coaches a player before he hits the ball. (Source: CBS4)

"There are more than 30,000 special needs kids in Miami-Dade County, but surprisingly there's not a single field dedicated to these kids so they can play," said Miracle League Executive Board Member Karl Sturge during the organization's inaugural game in November 2012.

The Marlins Foundation along with the Parks Foundation of Miami Dade County are partnering with Miracle League of Miami Dade to raise awareness and funds to build the first Miracle League field in the county. The Miracle League, whose motto "Every child deserves a chance to play baseball," allows for each player to bat once each inning and that all batters are "safe" and score a run before the inning is over. A special rubber-turf field allows for children in wheelchairs and walkers to easily move across the diamond and enjoy the game.

Saturday's 2^nd Annual Miracle League game at Marlins Park will kick-off this year's Miami Marlins Winter Warm-Up.

The game starts at 10:00 a.m. and it's free and open to the public.

If you'd like to volunteer, be a sponsor or sign up a child to play in the Miracle League of Miami-Dade, click here for the website.