The Miracle League Field was a dream of Sharron Turman’s that she shared with Jonesboro Mayor Harold Perrin sometime in 2011. At the time, it was estimated that the project wold cost at least $1.5 million dollars to build.
Saturday, the new Miracle League Field project became a reality and was officially dedicated at special ceremonies. Mayor Perrin told those in attendance that the project grew to over $3.3 million dollars and has been built almost entirely with donated funds, services and product.
Below are pictures from today’s event courtesy of Mike Chojnaki, who took the pictures and posted them to the Miracle League of Jonesboro, AR Facebook pages. Mike has over 250 pictures posted to that Facebook page available at this link.
Today’s ceremony began with prayer from Sister Illene from the Holy Angels Convent.
The “largest trophy in the world” was donated by Camfill Farr APC.
Kelly Stevens was the chief welder on the trophy project. She shared the inspiration for the project, including the naming of the player on top of the trophy, “Landon.”
JRG’s Trey Stafford and KAIT’s Diana Davis hosted today’s event. Also pictured is Diana’s daughter, Miss Greater Jonesboro Destiny Quinn.
Additional funds were donated to the Miracle League project today, including this check for over $26,000 presented by the 2014 Leadership Jonesboro class from the Jonesboro Chamber of Commerce.
The new GiGi’s Cupcakes presented $1,250.
Dedication of the new Homer statue just inside the front gate.
The Jonesboro Fire Department Pipes and Drums played “America the Beautiful.”
Miracle League Ambassador Gavin Grubbs sang the National Anthem.
The Overcomers Choir (Central Baptist Church) provided inspirational entertainment under the direction of Pat Qualls-Taylor and Lynn Williams.
Mayor Harold Perrin presenting Sharron Turman, who led the drive for the Miracle League project, with a special gift.
Borrowing a scene from Field of Dreams, members of the ASU Red Wolves Baseball Team escort the Miracle League Ambassadors from a corn patch on the North side of the facility on to the field for the ceremonies.
Trey and Diana yucking it up with Sharron Turman.
Release of the balloons!
Miracle League Ambassadors threw the “first pitches” at the new Miracle League Field.
The Miracle League project owes a great debt of gratitude to Coach Tommy Raffo and the ASU Red Wolves Baseball Team. Their interaction and work with the special children at today’s ceremonies and initial games was an inspiration to everyone.
See all of the pictures taken by Mike Chojnaki at this Facebook link.
