FAQs
Find answers to some of our volunteers’ most common questions. If you need more information or have additional questions, please contact us.
What is the Miracle League of San Diego?
The Miracle League of San Diego is a non-profit organization that provides children with mental or physical disabilities an opportunity to play baseball as a team member in an organized league. Our league is a high-quality, safe and inclusive experience for our participants and their families.
How can I volunteer?
Visit the Volunteer section of our website for detailed information on volunteer opportunities and registration. Volunteer positions include coaches, buddies, umpires, concessions and team parents. Volunteers also help with registration, equipment and field maintenance.
What are buddies and how do they help?
Buddies are volunteers who must register before the season and are assigned to a player on a one-to-one basis for the entire season. The buddy is asked to protect the player from hard hit balls, assist the player in batting and rounding the bases, and to be a friend on and off the field. Buddies will be given a Miracle League Buddy T-shirt that they must wear during games. Buddies must be at least eight years old to register and participate in Miracle League.
How will I know what to do as a buddy?
All buddies must attend our buddy basic skills training held prior to opening day, and view the buddy training video before assisting our players. This “sensitivity” training provides guidelines, suggestions, and direction on how to have fun and make the experience safe and enjoyable for our Miracle League participants.
What if a buddy cannot attend one of our scheduled games?
There may be an occasion when you have to miss a game. Players and buddies are asked to notify their coach at least 24 hours prior to the game if unable to attend.
Where can I register to volunteer?
Volunteer registration is available on our website. The registration period for volunteer coaches and buddies starts about three months before the start of a season and ends about one month before the start of a season. Game day volunteers may register throughout the year.
What can I expect after I register?
- Coaches will be contacted by Miracle League staff with detailed information about their team assignments and game schedule.
- Buddies and players will be contacted by their coaches with detailed information, usually about two weeks before opening day. Team schedules are available from your coach, on our website, or at the field during the season.
- Game Day Volunteers will be contacted by our Volunteer Coordinator and will be able to sign up for available time slots using our online scheduling tool.
Where will the games be played and when?
All games are played at Engel Family Field, a Little Padres Park, in San Dieguito Park in Del Mar. The park is located at 1628 Lomas Santa Fe Drive at the northeast corner of Lomas Santa Fe Drive and Highland Drive. All league games start on the hour on Saturday’s beginning at 10 a.m. and running through 3 p.m. or 4 p.m. Go to our league overview for more information or view our game schedule for our current season’s schedule.
How are the games played? How long is a game?
Each game lasts one hour. Games are non-competitive in nature, with every player batting, rounding the bases and scoring each inning. The score is always tied at the end of the game. The focus is on participation and inclusion rather than on winning.
Is there parking at the field?
Parking is available at the field with an ADA accessible ramp located by the lot to the right of the park entrance. Street parking is available for free and daily parking is available for $3 per car in the park’s lot. Annual County Parking passes are available for $40 (cash or check only) at the rangers’ station. It is more economical over two seasons to purchase a parking pass if you do not otherwise qualify for free parking. Passes are free for disabled and persons 62 and older. Drivers with Disabled Person Placards will be admitted for parking with no charge. If you don’t have a placard but qualify with a disabled player, please see a ranger to request a parking permit at no charge.
