As officials at the Miracle League of Western Pennsylvania begin taking registration for the fall 2022 baseball season, they will have an additional $5,000 to put toward expanding team rosters and giving more special-needs individuals a chance to play ball.
League founder Rev. Harold Hicks, of Blairsville, recently was presented with Clearview Federal Credit Union’s 15th annual Joseph C. Cirelli Community Service Award for his work with the league.
“Harold serves not only as a dedicated volunteer and president, but, along with his late wife, Patti, founded the organization,” Clearview president Ron Celaschi said during the awards presentation. “Since 2012, the organization has been giving the joy of participation to those with special needs.”
There are roughly 250 Miracle League organizations across the U.S. The first opened in Georgia in 2000. The Miracle League of Western Pennsylvania started in 2012 in Murrysville with about 45 players. By 2020, there were about 180 participants ranging in age from 5 to 71 years old. During the 2021-22 season, more than 500 people were able to take part in team sports at the field, located in the Murrysville Community Park on Wiestertown Road.
“I am truly humbled and grateful for this generous recognition,” Hicks said. “The Miracle League will be using these funds for ongoing field maintenance to give all individuals access to play activities.”
The award, given annually by Clearview, recently was renamed in memory of longtime employee and former CEO Joseph Cirelli, who died in 2021.
“He volunteered much of his time for charities and causes that fostered Clearview’s vision’s spirit: helping people to enjoy a better life,” Celaschi said. “We are honored to recognize Harold, who epitomizes Mr. Cirelli’s legacy of service.”
Hicks said the enjoyment that participants get from the experience also has been reflected back to him.
“I lost Patti last November, but there hasn’t been a moment yet that I’ve felt unloved, and that’s because of all the people here,” Hicks said. “They support me in any way they can.”
The Miracle League’s fall season opens Aug. 20. Registration is available online at MLWPA.org.
