Miracle League North Bay

Miracle League North Bay is a non-profit baseball program where participants play baseball and take part in an organized baseball league in a non-competitive atmosphere. Players use a custom-designed, rubberized turf field that accommodates wheelchairs and other assisted devices and uses a “buddy” system that pairs players with an able-bodied peer.

In 2015, Phoebe Ellis was traveling in Wisconsin and was introduced to a Miracle League, then shared the concept with Jen Richardson, who has a son with special needs. Jen Richardson and Phoebe Ellis brought in Alicia Hansel and John Busick, who contributed expertise from the construction field, and together they took on the task of creating a Miracle League baseball field and playground in the Bay Area. The organization states that it cannot change or cure the medical issues faced by children and adults with disabilities, but it can provide them with the chance to experience playing baseball, making new friends, building self-esteem, and being treated like an athlete. The organization describes itself as dedicated to promoting community support and sponsorship through community outreach and fundraising, and notes that several business and community leaders, partners, and donors have contributed assistance, expertise, and donations. The Petaluma location is described as a central location for the North Bay and opens the Miracle League to participants from Sonoma, Napa, Marin, San Francisco, Solano, Contra Costa, Alameda, and Lake Counties, and the organization notes that there are over 50,000 children and adults with disabilities less than 40 miles from the site who previously did not have access to an adaptive baseball field.

Last updated March 28, 2026.