Miracle League Announcer Puts Smiles on Players and Parents Faces

Saturday games at the Miracle League of Plymouth field would not be the same without Jonathan Weid.

The Plymouth father of four spends more than five hours each week announcing four Miracle League games - and he does it all as a volunteer. 

"What I love about it are the smiles from the kids," Weid said. "It's my favorite part. I always tell people to just imagine their own son or daughter not being able to go out in their own back yard to play. These fields, this organization provides that chance for every child to play baseball, no matter their disability or their ability."

Deb Madonna, President of the Miracle League of Plymouth said she would be sad without Weid. 

"He has a great voice and his commentary on each kid is so special, it means a lot to the parents," she said. "He's very good at what he does. How he calls the game, it makes every moment exciting. He really fulfills the experience for everybody. He's the whole package. God love him, he's there all day at every game. We greatly appreciate it. He just makes it perfect."

Weid first got involved with the Miracle League when his son, a baseball player, was looking for volunteer opportunities and came across the organization and became a buddy for the players. Weid said his wife was on the website and saw that announcers were needed.

As a former radio broadcaster with baseball coaching experience, Weid contacted Madonna and offered his services. The rest, as they say, is history. 

"The Miracle League is less about baseball and more about the kids," Weid said.

Listening to Weid announce the games is more of a play-by-play, like listening on the radio as opposed to listening at the ball park. Weid said he makes jokes to keep the crowd entertained. 

"Every time a kid comes up to the plate, I want them to feel like they're in the bottom of the 9th inning, two outs in the World Series - that's what I want them to feel like," Weid said. "It doesn't matter if I'm tired or sick, every kid gets the World Series treatment. A lot of these kids will hit the ball a foot, but as far as they're concerned, it's way back. They come up and hit the ball and its the most amazing hit ever. Every kid wins the game every at bat."

As for the jokes, they're simple one-liners about the players being called up from the minors or picked up from leagues in Arizona or Florida.

"I make up random stats and everybody is always batting 1,000," he said. "They (the players) get to hear their name announced and they get to hear themselves talked about. It makes them feel good, and then their parents get a chuckle out of it too." 

In addition to Weid and his son, his wife also sits on the Miracle League's special events committee.

And it's looking like his two youngest children may also follow in their father's footsteps. 

"My 6-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter - we'll be at home and they will be playing amongst themselves and I'll hear them fire off one of the Miracle League kids names while they're simulating their own games at home," he said. "So they know the Miracle League kids as well as we all do. That's pretty cute."

Check out Weid at the Miracle League field during the fall season, which will continue every Saturday through Oct. 5. For more information on how to get involved volunteering, visit the Miracle League online.