You’ve got questions?
We’ve got answers!
Q: My son came home from school today and said that lots of his friends are playing ball at the Kiwanis Miracle League ball park. Can he play ball this year?
A: The Kiwanis Miracle League ball park is Des Moines’ “place of smiles”. We played our first full season in 2009 with spring and fall leagues. Same thing in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019–-spring and fall leagues. We were planning our 2020 seasons until COVID-19 through us a curve–we had to cancel our entire Spring AND Fall Seasons. Pretty much the same thing in 2021–we did play a few “pop up” games in June. Ten teams played in 2009, had their photos taken in uniform, and had a grand time. Fourteen teams played in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. And in 2018-19 we officially launched two adult teams–meaning that 16 teams took the field in 2019. We resumed “normal” play in 2022 which continued in 2023 and 2024 with 16 teams. Our players love playing on the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines Field. Isn’t that exciting? Online player registration makes signing up an easy thing.
Q: My son has never played baseball before, in fact, never dreamed that he could. Can he play in this league?
A: Most definitely. What makes this field unique is that it allows any child of any ability to realize their dream of playing baseball. The flat field surface provides a safe place where wheel chairs can move about freely or crutches and canes won’t get stuck in the grass of typical baseball fields.
Q: How much does it cost to play at the Kiwanis Miracle League ballpark this year?
A: Because of the generosity of our Team Sponsors and volunteer efforts of Kiwanis members and others, we are anticipating no charge for playing with the Kiwanis Miracle League again this year!
Q: My daughter never thought she’d be able to play baseball, even though she dreams about it all the time (the Cubs are her FAVORITE team). How can she learn to play?
A: Volunteer buddies are on hand at each game to “teach/mentor” the skills your daughter will need to play ball at the Kiwanis Miracle League ball park. Depending on the time of year (spring and/or fall), bring her to our KML ballpark and have her watch a game or two. All skill levels are welcome. No real experience is needed!
Q: I’d like my son’s Little League team to volunteer as buddies. How do we sign up?
A: We’d love to have your son’s team serve as “buddies”. Please go to our Volunteer Opportunities page for more details! (We do have an age 12 minimum).
Q: When will the 2024 fall season begin? My child is getting anxious to play!
A: Opening Day for our FALL 2024 season is Saturday, August 24th.
Q: My son just turned 19. It sounds like he is too old to play?
A: We’re pleased to announce that we now have teams for adults–the Pirates, the Tigers, the Nationals, and now the Blue Jays. Games were played at 3:30 and 4:30 PM each Saturday during our spring 2024 season. Watch for FALL 2024 game times. Online registration for adult players is available via our website.
Q: My daughter is 9 and visually impaired. Can she play?
A: Yes, she most certainly can. Our Kiwanis Miracle League teams are co-ed and we have a special beeper ball for children who are visually challenged. She will love it!
Q: When can I register my child for the 2024 FALL season?
A: Our online registration system for the fall season is up and running. Please click on Player Registration on our home page to learn more about our online registration process. We are paperless!
Q: Is the Kiwanis Miracle League Park all paid for? How can I contribute, especially since my son is having such a great time, I’d like to help.
A: An excellent question…generally speaking, our ball park is paid for. We added the covered picnic pavilion in 2010. However, in 2018 in celebration of our TENTH anniversary, we embarked on a CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN (three phases). In 2018 we had the entire playing field resurfaced, built a new pergola for the Kiwanis Memory Garden, and coated the floors of our concession building. Phase Two included having a steel covering built over our spectator bleachers (2019-21). Phase Three (2023) included replacing our digital scoreboard with a video board AND cameras for livestreaming our games. How exciting–players get to see themselves on the “big screen”! Further enhancements are on the drawing board. And, we have annual expenses that cover park maintenance, player uniforms, insurance, and a myriad of other expenses. We welcome any and all donations, no matter the size. Click on the YELLOW DONATE button on our home page to make your contributions. Cash, checks, or credit cards are always welcomed. Or check out the section on sponsors/donors on our website. Perhaps you or your company would like to be a team sponsor? Or perhaps you’d like to purchase an engraved paver in honor of your child or in memory of a loved one? Or perhaps you’d like to make a contribution–online, by check or cash? ALL contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. We are a 501 c 3 tax exempt organization.
Q: My daughter has a service dog. Will her dog be allowed?
A: While we do not allow pets, we do allow (trained) service animals. Please check in with your animal at the player check-in tent each Saturday.
Q: I’d like to volunteer–how do I do that?
A: Our KIwanis Miracle League is run completely by volunteers–from our board of directors, to our game day volunteers, to the buddies that assist our players. There is a volunteer spot just waiting for you! Further information is available by clicking on VOLUNTEER on our home page.
Watch this space for more Q & A’s!
updated 7.9.24 8:55 PM