ORLANDO, Fla. – Central Florida Miracle League was down to its last out.
For years, the field at the heart of the beloved special needs baseball league has been falling apart. Cracked turf, uneven surfaces, and standing water turned what should’ve been a safe haven into a hazard for the athletes who call it home.
The situation left league president Mike Houlihan with a daunting dilemma: either raise enough money to replace the field or the league would be forced to shut down after 20 years.
“We want them to have a good time here, not come out here and get hurt,” Houlihan said. “Without changing this field out, we would’ve had to fold the league.”
News 6 anchor Justin Warmoth spotlighted the league’s pickle the day before their spring season got underway at Trotter’s Park in Orlando. The response was immediate.
“So many people saw that interview,” Houlihan said. “It wasn’t just from us sending it out through the league, but people were coming to us saying they saw the interview and wanted to help.”
Donations poured in from the community—$5 here, $100 there—chipping away at their roughly $80,000 goal for a new turf field.
Nearly $4,000 came in within the first 24 hours. But then, two power hitters stepped up in a big way.
After seeing the story posted on Rep. Anna Eskamani’s Facebook page, Jesse Eisner reached out to his friend and business partner, Matt Steinberg. Together, they donated $80,000—each putting up $40,000.
“It floors me that they’ve been able to function,” Eisner told News 6. “I’m really glad they’re going to get something. I’m very excited for them.”
The news overwhelmed Houlihan and league director Jeanette Borbolla, whose son plays in the league.
“I broke down,” Houlihan said. “I couldn’t make it through the whole phone call to tell you the truth. I was dumbfounded. I know what it meant to me, but it means more to our players and their families and their caregivers.”
“The immediate outpour and concern from the community was heart-filling, honoring, and humbling,” Borbolla added. “Not everyone is going to take the response you did, so for that we are humbled and appreciative.”
The league is officially under contract for a new field, which is set to be completed by November. Since our story first aired, more than $100,000 dollars has been raised.
“We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for News 6, yourself and your team,” Houlihan said. “I don’t think the league would’ve survived.”
With the field renovation now on deck, the league is dreaming bigger: permanent bathrooms, concessions, maybe even a scoreboard. But for now, they’re just grateful they’ll be able to continue providing an outlet for these special athletes.
“We hit a plateau,” Houlihan explained. “We’re not in a plateau anymore. We’re getting this done. We’re going to play ball and it’s just amazing.”
If you’d like to help Central Florida Miracle League, click here.
