Want to Be an ‘Angel in the Outfield’? Alexandria’s Miracle League Needs Fall Volunteers
Volunteer buddies help youth and adults of all abilities experience the joy of hitting the ball, rounding the bases and hearing the crowd cheer.
ALEXANDRIA, VA — A batter connects with the ball. An “Angel in the Outfield” runs beside the player toward first base. Teammates cheer, hands rise for high-fives, and another Alexandria athlete gets the thrill of crossing home plate.
That is a typical game day at the Miracle League of Alexandria—and the organization is looking for volunteers to help make those moments possible during its Fall 2026 season.
The league’s “Angels in the Outfield” are volunteer buddies who assist youth and adult players of all abilities. Depending on a player’s needs, a buddy might help with hitting, catching, or throwing; walk or run alongside a player; or push a wheelchair around the bases.
No baseball experience is necessary, and all equipment is provided. Volunteers need only wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled game.
The league accepts up to 20 volunteer buddies per game day. Volunteers must register in advance and sign in at the field when they arrive.
Fifteen Years of Baseball for Everyone
The Miracle League of Alexandria began playing in spring 2011. Its mission is to give children and adults with disabilities an opportunity to participate in baseball, build skills and enjoy the camaraderie of being part of a team.
The Kelley Cares Miracle Field was built and dedicated in fall 2012 after the organization and its partners raised more than $300,000 from private donors. Its rubberized playing surface is designed to accommodate wheelchairs, walkers and other mobility equipment safely. The field is also used for adaptive soccer, wheelchair basketball and therapeutic recreation activities.
Learn more about the field and the league’s history.
The Zebra previously visited the league on opening day, when players rounded the bases to cheers and finished the game with a dance party on the field. Players’ families described the program as a rare chance for their loved ones to play, socialize and be celebrated for what they can do.
A Miracle League of Alexandria player takes a swing at Kelley Cares Miracle Field as volunteers and spectators look on, watching Mac Slover deliver the pitch. Photo: Evan Kelmar/The Zebra PressFall Games Begin in September
Youth games will be played Wednesdays from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 9, 16, 23 and 30 and Oct. 7 and 14.
Adult games will be played Saturdays from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 12, 19 and 26 and Oct. 3, 17 and 24.
The league will honor Alexandria’s first responders during the adult game Sept. 12 and the youth game Sept. 16.
A special 15th Anniversary Celebration Night Game is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24.
The league will also welcome Alexandria City Public Schools students for exhibition games from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 23, 24 and 25 and Oct. 7, 8 and 9.
All outdoor games take place at Kelley Cares Miracle Field, adjacent to the Nannie J. Lee Memorial Recreation Center at 1108 Jefferson St. If weather prevents outdoor play, games will move inside the recreation center across the parking lot.
Prospective Angels can reserve a Fall 2026 volunteer shift online. Players may begin registering Aug. 5 through the City of Alexandria’s recreation registration system; search under Sports for activity number 222704.
FOR MORE: Read The Zebra’s 2023 Miracle League feature.
Fall 2026 Miracle League Schedule
All games take place at Kelley Cares Miracle Field, adjacent to the Nannie J. Lee Memorial Recreation Center at 1108 Jefferson St. If weather prevents outdoor play, games will move inside the recreation center across the parking lot.
Youth Games
Wednesdays, 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Sept. 9, 16, 23 and 30
Oct. 7 and 14
Adult Games
Saturdays, 1–2:30 p.m.
Sept. 12, 19 and 26
Oct. 3, 17 and 24
Special Games
Annual First Responders Day
Adult game: Saturday, Sept. 12
Youth game: Wednesday, Sept. 16
15th Anniversary Celebration Night Game
Saturday, Oct. 24, at 6 p.m.
ACPS Middle and High School Exhibition Games
10 a.m.–noon
Sept. 23, 24 and 25
Oct. 7, 8 and 9
Location
Kelley Cares Miracle Field
1108 Jefferson St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
How to Participate
Volunteer: Reserve an Angels in the Outfield volunteer shift.
Player registration: Opens Aug. 5 through the City of Alexandria’s recreation registration system. Look under Sports for activity number 222704.
More information: View the official Miracle League schedule.
The league accepts up to 20 volunteer buddies per game day. Volunteers should register in advance, arrive at least 15 minutes before the game, and sign in at the field. All equipment is provided.
