Athlete Highlight: Travis

Travis, 25 years old, has played Miracle League for four seasons, and one word his family uses to describe Miracle Park is inspired. What they love most is the joy that fills the park, from the athletes and volunteers to the families, crowd, and even the therapy dogs that visit. Everyone is simply happy to be part of the community.

Through Miracle League, Travis has grown in confidence and independence. Last season he caught a ball for the first time, and now he can hit the ball without a tee. Being part of the league also gives him time with peers and the chance to be on the field without his mom right beside him, knowing his friends are there to help if he needs it. Because Travis isn’t eligible for many daytime programs, Miracle League gives him a safe and fun way to stay active and connected to his community and friends.

The Padres is Travis' team, they play on Wednesday nights.

For Travis’ family, this opportunity is incredibly meaningful. For years they heard many “can’ts”, that things wouldn’t be safe or possible.  His mom says, "There are many things that we know he will not be able to do. We've been told no so many times. "He's a liability" and "He wouldn't be safe." We've have had to accept that while some of his best friends play college and now pro football he would be on the sidelines. He'd be the biggest smile on the sideline, but the field, with his friends, wasn't a possibility. With Miracle League he gets to be free from Mom and on the field while his family gets to come and cheer. That's something he didn't have before and he does now. Thanks to Miracle Park he has a light to shine in."

Travis also loves spending time on the playground, especially swinging with his nieces and nephew, and his family says the inclusion of people of all ages is what makes Miracle Park so special. They are deeply thankful for the volunteers who make the games possible and for Terry Hagen, who they say has a heart of gold.