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From batting to loading bases, Brewers help Miracle League participants play ball

Posted at 5:47 PM, Jul 29, 2017
and last updated 2017-07-29 18:48:18-04

MILWAUKEE, WI - The Miracle League of Milwaukee hosted a day of all-stars and athleticism at the Werner Family Foundation field Saturday.

The unique event is only in its second year, bringing in Miracle League Players from all around the state to play in an all-star game with some of Milwaukee's own professional All-Stars.

"Excited,” Ryan Vandenavond exclaimed.

That’s the only word he said comes to mind when describing how he feels after crushing it with the hit of the day.

“My baseball skills are the best," he continued.

Vandenavond's confidence is at its peak because of the Miracle League All-Star game he's participating in. The game gives kids with special needs a chance play baseball regardless of their ability, something Vandenavond's mom considers a really good thing.

“[I'm] happy he can do something like this," Amy Vandenavond said. "Because otherwise, he couldn’t do an organized baseball game normally."

A few Brewers players also shared in the day of baseball that means so much to so many -- from batting to loading bases, Brent Suter said he knows this is the kind of game that positively impacts young lives.

"[The highlight for me is] the smiles on the kids' faces," Suter said. "The excitement when they’re running around the bases and scoring, it’s the best. It warms the heart."

Following the game, the Brewers Community Foundation presented a $10,000 check to the Miracle League of Milwaukee in an effort to support more events like the All-Star Game.