P.L.A.Y. Hosts Grand Opening for Prior Lake Miracle League Field

After years of planning, fundraising, and community support, the Prior Lake Miracle League welcomed athletes and families to an inclusive new baseball field at Thomas Ryan Memorial Park in 2025.

Officially named Gaby’s Grand Slam Stadium, the Prior Lake Miracle League Field gives children and adults with disabilities a place to enjoy baseball in an environment designed around accessibility, encouragement, and fun. For families throughout Prior Lake and Minnesota’s South Metro, opening day marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

A Community Dream Becomes Reality

Prior Lake Athletics for Youth, better known as P.L.A.Y., built the Miracle League field at Thomas Ryan Memorial Park following a multiyear community effort.

The field opened for fall games in 2025 and welcomed athletes and families from across Prior Lake and the surrounding South Metro. Opening day brought the mission of the project to life: creating more opportunities for people of different abilities to experience teamwork, friendship, and the joy of playing baseball.

The field’s official name, Gaby’s Grand Slam Stadium, now represents more than a place to play. It is a community gathering space where athletes can be supported, celebrated, and included.

What Is a Miracle League Field?

A Miracle League field is an adaptive baseball facility designed to make the game more accessible for athletes with physical, cognitive, or emotional disabilities. Its rubberized playing surface accommodates wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, braces, and other assistive devices while providing a smoother area for players to move around the field.

Traditional grass and dirt diamonds can create obstacles for some athletes. Miracle League fields reduce those barriers through thoughtful design and a program structure centered on participation rather than competition.

• Bat, field, and travel around the bases with assistance when needed
• Participate alongside a volunteer buddy
• Build confidence and friendships
• Experience the excitement of being part of a team
• Play in an environment centered on accessibility and encouragement

Opening Day at Gaby’s Grand Slam Stadium

The inaugural event gave athletes and families their first opportunity to experience the completed field together.

Players stepped up to bat, rounded the bases, and celebrated with their teammates and buddies. Families filled the accessible seating areas while volunteers and community supporters helped create an upbeat, welcoming game-day atmosphere.

The day also gave visitors a closer look at the features that make the stadium special, from its adaptive playing surface to spaces designed for athletes, families, and volunteers. Most importantly, opening day showed what can happen when a community works toward a shared goal.

How Does the Miracle League Buddy Program Work?

The buddy program pairs each athlete with a volunteer who can provide help, encouragement, and friendship throughout the game.

Depending on the player’s needs, a buddy may help with batting, fielding, navigating the bases, or staying engaged during play. Buddies also cheer alongside the athletes and help make each game a positive experience.

The program supports players while allowing each athlete to participate as independently as possible. Volunteering as a buddy does not require advanced baseball experience. Patience, encouragement, and a willingness to participate are the most important qualifications.

How to Volunteer with the Prior Lake Miracle League

The Prior Lake Miracle League depends on volunteers to help games and events run smoothly. Opportunities may include:

• Serving as an athlete’s buddy
• Assisting with game-day activities
• Helping with concessions
• Supporting player and family check-in
• Driving the courtesy golf cart
• Helping with other program needs

Schedules and volunteer needs may change throughout the season. Anyone interested in getting involved should visit the P.L.A.Y. Miracle League website for current information or contact the program at [email protected].

Supporting the Prior Lake Miracle League

Opening the field was a major milestone, but continued community involvement helps the program serve athletes season after season.

People can support the program by volunteering during games, serving as a buddy, sharing information with local families, or becoming a Miracle League Hero. P.L.A.Y. provides current sponsorship and support information on its Miracle League Heroes page.

Jeff Belzer’s Commitment to the Community

Jeff Belzer’s was proud to support the Prior Lake Miracle League and celebrate the athletes, families, volunteers, and community members who helped make the field possible.

As a family-owned automotive group serving Minnesota since 1980, Jeff Belzer’s believes strong communities are built through lasting relationships and meaningful local involvement. Supporting organizations like the Prior Lake Miracle League is one way we can help expand opportunities for families in the communities we serve.

The Miracle League project is a reminder that community partnerships can create places where more people feel welcomed, encouraged, and included.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Prior Lake Miracle League Field?

The field is located at Thomas Ryan Memorial Park at 4600 Busse Parkway SE in Prior Lake, Minnesota. The stadium is officially named Gaby’s Grand Slam Stadium.

When did the Prior Lake Miracle League Field open?

P.L.A.Y.’s Miracle League field opened for fall games in 2025. Visitors should check P.L.A.Y.’s website for the current season schedule.

Who can play in the Prior Lake Miracle League?

The program is designed for children and adults with physical, cognitive, or emotional disabilities that may make participation in a traditional baseball league difficult. Families should contact P.L.A.Y. for current registration and eligibility information.

What does a Miracle League buddy do?

A buddy is a volunteer who supports an athlete during the game. Depending on the athlete’s needs, the buddy may assist with batting, fielding, traveling around the bases, or staying engaged during play.

How can I volunteer with the Prior Lake Miracle League?

Volunteer opportunities may include serving as a buddy, helping with games, assisting with concessions, or supporting other program activities. Current opportunities are available through P.L.A.Y.’s Miracle League website.

How can I support the Prior Lake Miracle League?

People can support the program by volunteering, serving as a buddy, or becoming a Miracle League Hero. Visit P.L.A.Y.’s Miracle League Heroes page for current sponsorship and support information.

Key Takeaways

• The Prior Lake Miracle League Field opened at Thomas Ryan Memorial Park in 2025.
• The facility is officially known as Gaby’s Grand Slam Stadium.
• Its adaptive surface and program structure help reduce barriers for athletes with disabilities.
• Volunteer buddies help athletes participate and enjoy the game.
• Volunteers, families, Miracle League Heroes, and local partners continue to support the program.
• Jeff Belzer’s is proud to be part of the community effort surrounding the field.

A Place Where Every Athlete Can Play

The Prior Lake Miracle League Field is more than a baseball diamond. It is a place where athletes can participate, families can celebrate, volunteers can make a difference, and the community can come together around a shared belief in inclusion.

Visit the P.L.A.Y. Miracle League website for current schedules, registration details, and volunteer opportunities. You can also learn how to support the league or learn more about Jeff Belzer’s community partnerships.

Program schedules, registration details, volunteer opportunities, and support information are subject to change. Contact P.L.A.Y. for the latest Prior Lake Miracle League information.