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Miracles Do Happen

By Andrea Bosco Stehle 5 min read
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Upper St. Clair native and former Pittsburgh Pirate Sean Casey is back at it again, though he hasn’t slowed his speed. The current Major League Baseball Network analyst is entering his eighth summer as president of the Miracle League of the South Hills, an organization he founded to provide every child and adult an opportunity to play baseball.

Since 2010, 800 children and adults have participated in the program, which has grown significantly in the community he calls home. Currently, the nonprofit serves more than 350 children, allowing them the chance to play the game of baseball on a real field tucked behind Boyce Mayview Park. The private, custom-designed field features a cushioned rubberized surface to help prevent injuries, wheelchair accessible dugouts and a completely flat surface to eliminate any barriers to wheel-chair bound or visually impaired players.

The organization has eliminated the challenges that prevent many children from playing the game – an experience Casey couldn’t imagine his life without.

“Not many days go by that I don’t hear positive feedback from parents,” he says. “They are thankful they get a chance to get out on a Saturday for a game. The kids love being a part of the Miracle League. They make such good friends and develop friendships, and the inclusion they have in school with some of the mainstream kids is great. They love putting on a jersey and being part of a team.”

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Over the years, Casey has witnessed miracles. He recalls one child, Kody, taking his first steps out of his wheelchair and going around the bases in a custom-built walker – a home run to say the least!

In addition to giving kids the chance to play the game, the organization and its board are dedicated to bringing together children through its “Buddies” program. “We believe that the baseball field is a place that can connect all children by building teamwork and friendship,” it states.

Relationships are very important to Casey who, in 2007, was voted by fellow teammates in a Sports Illustrated poll as “the friendliest player in baseball.” Also known as “The Mayor” throughout the League, Casey would chat up every runner who hit first base and was heavily involved in public charity work during his pro tenure. It’s no surprise his Big League connections remain strong.

Year after year, he feels the love from former coaches and teammates, including Pittsburgh Pirates owner Bob Nutting and president Frank Coonelly. “Those guys have been wonderful from day one,” he says. “They’ve made a big impact and have taken on the Miracle League as one of their major causes.”

He’s also stayed close with his Little League influencers, like Eddie McCloskey of Mt. Lebanon, who returns each year to coach the Miracle League kids. “Looking back, I learned so much from him,” says Casey.

When he started the nonprofit, he was inspired to pay it forward and knew he needed close to $1 million to build the field. “I had no idea how to raise money,” he says. “I was wracking my brain, so I called some of my most favorite coaches I had ever had and some guys I love, and asked them to come out and do a camp, the Champions Camp, which was by far the best in the country for the last seven years, hands down.”

Camp is taking a pause, however, in 2018. “This year, we have a few new ideas that are in the works while we try to raise money for facility improvements,” says Tim Gebhart, executive director of the Miracle League.

A number of volunteers, ages 12 and older, have come up through the program. This year, on May 6, a number of supporters will run the DICK’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon in an effort to raise funds for the Miracle League. “We always need support,” says Casey. “Every dollar matters. Even lemonade stands – they help!”

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That said, he firmly feels the Miracle League is more than just a baseball league. “We share so much knowledge, including a positive message about being a good teammate and the mental side of the game,” he says. “It’s a win-win for everyone.”

It’s certainly become a family affair for Casey, his wife, Mandi, and their four kids – Andrew, 16; Jake, 15; Carli, 12; and Jillian, 8 – who’ve essentially grown up alongside the League and its powerful message.

In 2014, Casey was personally shown how fragile life is when he experienced a blood clot and nearly died at the age of 39. “It changed me forever,” he says. “I saw how life quickly goes and how much we take for granted every day.”

His health scare put a lot into perspective – each day, he makes an effort to live in the present and continue his journey to better the world around him. “I look at the Miracle League and think ‘this is the best thing I’ve ever done in my life.'”

“I’m grateful for to my wife, Mandi, for all she does in the organization, to all of the people involved, and to the community who has rallied behind it. Without her, and them, this place wouldn’t be going. Baseball has given me so much.”

For more on the Miracle League of the South Hills and to volunteer, visit miracleleaguesouthhills.org. Stay up on its season via Facebook: facebook.com/miracleleaguesouthhills and Instagram: instagram.com/mlsouthhills. And connect with Casey directly on Twitter: twitter.com/MLSouthHills.

Bubble:

The Miracle League of the South Hills’ 2018 season runs from May 12-June 23! Catch a game on a Saturday and pitch in by volunteering. For details, visit miracleleaguesouthhills.org.

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