Orioles, Pirates Partner for Miracle Field

Children who have disabilities wanting to continue their dream of playing some ball will get a chance to do so on a brand new field in Longwood Park.

The Orioles Pirates Miracle League Field of Manasota will have its grand opening at 2 p.m. Saturday in Longwood Park, 6050 Longwood Park Blvd.

The Sarasota County Commission unanimously approved Tuesday the naming of the field in recognition of the financial support provided by both the Baltimore Orioles and the Pittsburgh Pirates who each contributed $75,000 in support of the project. The Orioles have a spring training facility in Sarasota at Ed Smith Stadium, and the Pirates have one in Bradenton at McKechnie Field. 

The new field features a rubberized surface that provides a safe playing surface for children who use walkers, wheelchairs or crutches. Designed and built through a partnership between Sarasota County and the Miracle League of Manasota County, the new field is the first facility of its kind in Sarasota County.

The county began construction of the field in November 2011; it is scheduled to be completed by March 1. Last October, the Sarasota County Commission approved a joint funding agreement with the Miracle League and awarded the construction contract to Bonness Inc. of Port Charlotte for $707,654. 

The Miracle League also has committed to spending at least $250,000 by 2017 for additional improvements that could include a concession building, restrooms, a memory garden, landscaping, bleachers and field lighting, according to the county.