Fresh off a 54-win season and a trip to the NCAA Division II Softball World Series, the Missouri Southern State University softball team will share its time and talents with a special group of athletes when it hosts the Miracle League of Joplin All-Star game Saturday at Pat Lipira Field.
Saturday marks the third year MSSU has hosted the Miracle League event, which began in 2024 as an idea for community outreach by former player Abby DeSanto.
“It’s pretty surreal that Coach B continues to make it a thing,” DeSanto said of softball coach Hallie Blackney. “I’m glad it took off and that the members of the Miracle League can come and have fun. It’s a great opportunity for them to come and play on a college field, and I’m glad that it is continuing.”
She also said she’s glad that new MSSU players get to experience the event.
With 10 newcomers, including four transfers and six signees, the event offers a chance for the new Lions to deepen bonds with their MSSU teammates and become further acclimated to the program’s culture.
“The goal of the day will be for them to be comfortable being uncomfortable,” Blackney said of her new players. “There are going to be some newcomers that have never been around an event like this. There might be some nerves, but that allows them to rely on their teammates. Eventually they get comfortable doing it as well, so you do see some growth throughout the day.”
Blackney talked about what she hopes the rest of the team gains from sharing their talents with the Miracle Leaguers.
“It’s about remembering how lucky we are to play this game and to give back to our community,” Blackney said. “They get a sense of joy from it too. Playing at this level can be very stressful and at times it’s hard to find the fun. But they get to see the Miracle Leaguers out there having so much fun and showing so much joy that they get reminded of why they do this. It provides a lot of perspective for us — that we are truly blessed and lucky to do what we do.”
Lion pitcher Kiki Pickens is no stranger to the Miracle League. Her high school team also volunteered for the organization. She was on hand last year with her Southern teammates to help show the Miracle Leaguers a good time.
“It’s an experience a lot of people take for granted if they are able-bodied and able to do this every day,” Pickens said after last year’s event. “These kids are out here giving it their all no matter what challenges they have in life.”
The event is one of four outreach projects the Lions will take part in this fall. Blackney said each year, the seniors organize the Miracle League event, the juniors will choose a September event, the sophomores an October event and the freshmen an event in November.
“Its about playing for something bigger than yourself,” Blackney said of the outreach events. “By doing what we do in the fall, it kind of proves to our newcomers what they heard during the recruiting process. Now they get to see it and be a part of it.”
Blackney also talked about what she hopes the Miracle Leaguers get out of Saturday’s event.
“Just having a good time and having fun getting to be around our players and coaches, just having memories that last a really long time,” Blackney said.
A local business is also getting in on Saturday’s event. Blackney said HTeaO is donating tea and lemonade for the event.
“We’re really appreciative of what they do,” Blackney said. “It will be a nice addition to the event.”
Youth Miracle Leaguers will play from 10-10:30 a.m. and the adult payers will take the field from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
Leave a Comment