FAIRFIELD, OH (September 1, 2023)—For years, Joe Nuxhall traveled the country as a player and broadcaster, staying in hotels, riding on buses, and visiting ballparks of all different varieties, making new friends in every city along the way.
Now, the special needs athletes from his hometown, wearing his name across their jerseys, got to experience that same adventure.
For the first-time in the history of The Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields, 24 special needs athletes and their families—along with a dedicated crew of volunteers and supporters—took part in a travel team experience, journeying to The Ripken Experience in Pigeon Forge, TN to play the game that Joe Nuxhall loved.
VIDEO: Miracle Series 2023 (Produced by Larry & Debi Handley of Little Brown Dog Productions)
The program, dubbed “The Miracle Series,” took part within the larger Black Bear Tournament being held at The Ripken Experience, which hosted more than 1,200 athletes from across the United States. Only four Miracle League teams in the country were invited to participate in this barrier-breaking baseball experience: The Miracle League of the South Hills, PA (the host team), The Miracle League of Mercer County, NJ, and The Miracle League of Sioux City, IA.
“In his more than 60 years in professional baseball, Dad took a lot of roadtrips,” says Kim Nuxhall, President and Board Chairman of The Nuxhall Foundation. “But this one, by far, would have been his absolute favorite because of all of you who work hand-in-hand to achieve the dreams we have for our players. Our athletes have given us the experience of a lifetime through this trip, and folks, we are just getting started.”
Marking Miles, Making History
On July 29, families traveled the 311 miles from the Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields to Pigeon Forge individually, and were welcomed to a two-night stay at The Wilderness at the Smokies Waterpark Resort & Family Adventure Center. With massive indoor and outdoor waterparks, and more than 12 different dining options on site, the team hotel provided the perfect combination of luxury and fun for participating families, many of whom turned the trip into a great summer vacation.
PHOTO GALLERY: MIRACLE SERIES 2023 (Photo Credit: Jeff Weeks, Steve Schwartz, Linda Dragan)
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