CARY, N.C. – This past Saturday, Head Coach Greg Goff and the Fighting Camels had the opportunity to be a part of the Buddy Program at the Miracle League of the Triangle. The Miracle League's mission is "to provide opportunities to all children with special needs to play baseball regardless of their abilities."

Stara Porrazzo, league manager of the organization, believes the participants thoroughly enjoyed having members of the Campbell baseball team volunteer for the day.

"The Miracle League's baseball players had a fantastic time this past weekend as they played their final games of the season with the Campbell University baseball team as their buddies," Porrazzo said. "All players - big and small - seemed to have a wonderful time as they hit, ran around the bases and were all safe. The opportunity for the Miracle League players to have "real baseball players" (as they call them) as their friends always means a lot. The compassion Campbell players show for our children is just amazing. Their willingness to work with them, help them and have fun means the world to the kids, their parents and our league. Thanks to all who came out again this season. We appreciate Campbell's partnership with our league and hope it will continue."

"I'm so thankful for the Miracle League to allow our players and coaches to come share in all their fun and excitement for the day," said coach Goff. "Spending time with the players of the Miracle League was a blessing for everyone involved. It was a day that we will always carry with us."

Eddie Bagwell, a coach in the Rockdale Youth Baseball Association, invited the first special needs child to play on his team in 1997. Bagwell took notice of the disabled child and his love for the game of baseball, which inspired Bagwell to create a league for players alike.

Just one year later, Bagwell and the RYBA formed the Miracle League. The league started off with just 35 players on four different teams, but by the spring of 2001 the Miracle League had blossomed to over 250 players.

Campbell baseball players headed to the recently formed league in Cary, N.C. to serve as "buddies" for teams nicknamed the Braves, Marlins, Orioles and Red Sox. Brian Braswell, a sophomore catcher from Rocky Mount, N.C., was one of many Campbell players that not only provided motivational support, but guided players physically as well.

"For me it was a very humbling experience," said Braswell. "The relationships we built throughout the day were incredible. I worked with Mike Lewis and his heart and desire for not only the game, but life in general lifted me. It was an unforgettable day."

The Miracle League of the Triangle broke ground on Feb. 20, 2006, and on Sept. 16, of the same year eight teams and 104 players stepped between the lines for opening day. The facility includes rubberized turf to accommodate the players.

18 fields, with over 67 in stage of planning and construction, are scattered across the United States today. Over 10,000 special needs youth will be playing baseball across the country after the completion of these fields.

For more information on how to be a part of the Miracle League in the Triangle visit www.miracleleagueofthetriangle.com or call 919-238-0333.