Miracle League of Northern Indiana welcomes Mishawaka community to new field, new season, and new ways to have fun

Miracle League of Northern Indiana broke in the new baseball diamond at Normain Heights Park during the opening day of the baseball season on August 29. The Pfeil Miracle League Field was a collaborative effort between Miracle League, the City of Mishawaka, and local donors and organizations to create an inclusive space for athletes and guests of all abilities.

Opening day for Miracle League consisted of five games spread throughout the morning and early afternoon. In addition to baseball, guests were invited to explore the new playground and to enjoy food from local businesses like Kiems Elephant Ear Express, Crumbl Cookies, and Kona Ice.

The Miracle League provides individuals of all abilities the opportunity to train and compete in an inclusive, accessible environment. Having the community out to welcome the new season is always fun and exciting for the Miracle League.

“It’s very emotional for us; we’ve been working on this project for over three years in order to make it come to reality, and today is the big opening day for us,” said Park Superintendent Phil Blasko. “We have almost 100 athletes from ages 4 up to 48 that will be out here on the field today, and some adults as well. Most of them will be playing baseball for the first time in their life.”

Throwing out the first pitch of the day was Mishawaka Mayor Dave Wood joined by Dick and Donna Pfeil, the minds behind bringing Miracle League to Mishawaka. As the games got under way, each player on the field had an introductory video played on the park’s video board, giving guests a chance to get to know the teams as they went head-to-head.

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish baseball team participated in the games as buddies, helping players run bases and slide into home plate. It’s touches like these that the Miracle League hopes will make a big impact on its athletes.

“Mishawaka has a proud and long history of sports success. From State Championship teams to the oldest venues in the state that are still in constant use. This venue and league are the best of it all,” said Mishawaka’s Mayor, Dave Wood.

The new field is an over $5 million investment into making Mishawaka a place for all of its residents to enjoy, regardless of accommodation needs or ability. The project made heavy use of experts to ensure the park would be accessible. The project included a new inclusive playground, splash pad, and a quiet garden in addition to the new baseball field.

“Our studies show that there are thousands of people who can’t use our traditional parks because they’re not designed with amenities they can access. Our mission here was to build something that everyone can access,” said Wood. “So far, it’s been open for a couple of months, and it has been a huge success. I get positive comments about this park everywhere I go.”

As players took to the field to kick off the 2026 fall season, Miracle League and Mishawaka are already looking forward to the ways the city can benefit from this new venue.

“The park is already our most popular park in the city. When we open a new park, there’s always a big crowd at the beginning, and it usually dies off a little bit. This park, the number just keeps growing and growing. That shows the need for something like this in our community. Everyone seems to enjoy this park,” said Blasko.

The Miracle League of Northern Indiana’s fall season runs from August 29 to October 10. Those interested in learning more about participating in or supporting the league, visit miracleleaguenin.org or follow the league’s Facebook page.

“I am thankful for all of the families who have been an engaged audience. We have 89 athletes and 10 teams our first season, which exceeded our expectations,” said Eric Bastine, the executive director of the Miracle League of Northern Indiana. “In a lot of sports leagues, it can be hard to get that kind of engagement and connection with families. They’ve all been here from the jump, and they’re excited to be here.”

Learn more about the City of Mishawaka at mishawaka.in.gov. Visit the Mishawaka Parks Department page to learn more about Normain Heights Park.