Miracle League Ballpark becomes Indiana's first fully inclusive public play complex

MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- Miracle League Ballpark welcomed 85 athletes scattered across 10 baseball teams for their inaugural opening day festivities on Saturday.

The park was a project in the works for roughly 14 years and now, it's no longer just a vision, it is a place where young athletes of all abilities will get a chance to enjoy America's pastime in a safe, inclusive, and accessible environment.

Mayor of Mishawaka, Dave Wood was a big influence in delivering Indiana's first fully inclusive public play complex to the area and says he is already seeing a difference made on day one.

“You see it all come together, and you see it enjoyed by families like this, not just for Mishawaka, but all around,” Wood said. “You see the Notre Dame baseball program and the Cubs involved – just all of our community partners, it’s magical.”

Each young athlete was treated to a custom uniform, their own walkup music, and pictures on the videoboard, just like a traditional league.

This was exactly the reason why Miracle League of Northern Indiana’s Executive Director, Eric Bastine, couldn’t think of a better sport to center the park around, than baseball.

“Baseball’s always connected things in life for me,” Bastine said. “It’s a portal to different things and allows different people to come together. For these individuals who don’t often get to have that experience in traditional leagues – to bring that to them here and make baseball be the portal for that, it’s really awesome.”

According to Bastine, the Fall 2026 season is currently full, but there will be dates for the Spring 2027 season coming soon.