POWERGRAMS

45 League of Special-needs children in east Alabama are taking the baseball field by storm. A League of Our Own was created to give children with physical and mental disabilities the opportunity to do what all kids should be able to do: play baseball. In this league, every child hits, gets on base, scores and wins. In 2011, Ginger Munroe approached the city of Oxford with an idea. Inspired by her autistic niece, Carly, she wanted recreational opportunities for children with disabilities. The city jumped on board and helped fund the league in partnership with the community. A unique baseball field was built with a rubberized surface, dugouts to accommodate wheelchairs, covered bleachers, adult changing stations, concession stand and press box. Since the program's inception, the number of participants has grown. Children come from surrounding counties for the opportunity to put on a uniform and be a member of a team for six weeks each spring. The league has grown so much that in 2017 a second field will open, allowing more teams and participation. "Our teams are comprised of players from across east Alabama," said Jordan Pilkington, vice president of A League of Our Own. "Our growth is attributed to word of mouth mostly but our goal is to never turn down a child from playing the game. The new field will help ensure the space needed to host the growing number of teams each Saturday during the season." Because each player needs a "buddy" on the field with them at all times, there is demand for more volunteers. Eastern Division volunteers from the Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO) took to the field during the 2016 season to assist the players. "My wife and I really enjoyed volunteering during the games," said Tony Smith, local APSO president. "It was our first time and was such a rewarding experience to help the kids enjoy a day of fun playing one of America's greatest pastimes." A League of Our Own is a place for families and volunteers to join hands and be a part of one team. The organization has pulled in volunteers from across the region and encouraged a new sense of community spirit, Smith said. The league allows kids to socialize, play ball and, most importantly, have fun. Smith said he is proud to be a member of APSO and help make children's dreams come true. "We are fortunate to be able to make a difference in others' lives by being supportive and encouraging faces," he said. For more information on A League of Our Own, visit www.aleagueofourown-oxford.com. VOLUNTEERS HELP MAKE KIDS' DREAMS COME TRUE BY JACKI LOWRY • PHOTOS BY JOEY D'ANNA

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