The Miracle League of Alexandria

“What a great weekend in West Palm Beach with our Miracle League player, Devon Brown at the National Miracle League All-Star games, November 3 – 5” stated Mac Slover, Chair of the Miracle League of Alexandria. “I am so proud of Devon, one of our longest participating adults in the Miracle League of Alexandria program. Devon did a great job in the homerun derby contest and playing in the all-star game for the Ray’s team.” His mother, Althea Brown, was able to travel with Devon down as well as some of his family members from Florida were able to watch him play. One of the MLA’s newest donors (Sheri and Mark), who live in Del Ray Beach, Florida even came up the cheer Devon on!!!!

Friday night was the opening ceremony at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter. Prior to the parade of teams, the players were able to meet baseball Hall of Famer, Johnny Bench – the greatest catcher ever!  Devon was Ray’s flag bearer during the parade and was so proud to be selected. All the players, league directors and parents were provided free food and ice cream prior to a game between the Miracle League Cardinals and Marlins all-star teams.

Saturday, Devon participated in the Homerun Derby Contest hitting very well but came just short of hitting a homerun on the modified field. Devon and his teammates on the Ray’s played a fun and exciting game against the Yankees Saturday afternoon.  Devon hit well and lived up to his nickname of “Speedy” as he circled the bases for a homerun each time to many spectators cheering him on. (Every hit is a homerun for each player). Devon had a good time playing in the outfield with his “Angel in the Outfield” Buddie.  He is a terrific athlete and has a very strong arm.

Saturday night concluded the festivities for the day as we attended the annual awards ceremony at the Wellington International Equestrian Center in Wellington. We were served a buffet dinner and desserts before all the players were honored with their awards. It was a wonderful end to an awesome day!

Sunday, the weekend concluded with Breakfast with Homer, the Mascot for the Miracle League. Devon was very excited to be able to sit and eat with Homer.

Slover stated “I am so proud our Miracle League has been to be able to provide our participants and their families the opportunity to experience playing baseball with 120 other Miracle League participants from all over the USA, Puerto Rico, Canada, and Mexico. It also allows our parents to be able to meet and talk with other parents from around the country too who have special needs children or adults. It is a great avenue to the parents and me to share resources.  It is quite an experience for them and me. This was the fifth year for the National Miracle League All-Star games (except for 2020 – due to Covid). Thus far, we have taken our youth to the games in Findley, Ohio, Sioux City, Iowa, Houston, Tx., Murfreesboro, Tenn., and now in West Palm Beach.”

“Again, I am once again a proud league director who was able to see another one of our participants achieve success, feel really great about what they have accomplished and to have the experience of a lifetime playing baseball. Way to go Devon!” Slover concluded.

The National Miracle League All-Star game will be held in Newton County, Georgia (outside Atlanta), October 4 – 6, 2024.

The Chamber ALX held its 40 Under 40 awards July 20, celebrating the achievements and community impact of the next generation of Alexandrians, all under the age of 40, for significant accomplishments in their chosen field.

Held at the American Physical Therapy Association Headquarters, the 8th annual event, presented by The Jen Walker Team, recognized the most recent selection of honorees based on professional accomplishments, scholastic achievements, community impact, and personal story. Mayor Justin Wilson was joined by members of City Council, City Manager Jim Parajon and Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker in celebrating the newest honorees. Chamber Chair Nicole McGrew and Micki McNaughton of The Jen Walker Team served as emcees.

The City of Alexandria Commission on Persons With Disabilities, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, presented the 2023 Disability Awareness Awards June 13 at the American Physical Therapy Association headquarters in Potomac Yard.

Honored at the event were Alexandria City High School senior Katherine Radt, Miracle League Board Chair and Volunteer Coordinator Mac Slover, and Cherry Blossom PACE — Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly.

Slover was honored with the John Duty Collins III Outstanding Advocate for Persons with Disabilities Award, which recognizes an individual who advocates for and contributes to the promotion of equal opportunity for people with disabilities in Alexandria.

“It has been a lifelong passion of mine to work with youth and adults with disabilities,” said Slover, who retired in 2018 following a 30-year career as director of sports for the city’s Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities. “Working with the City of Alexandria gave me that opportunity. But the real heroes are the youth and the adults that I work with every week and the volunteers that come out each week, every year for our Miracle League athletes.”

The Miracle League of Alexandria played in the Inaugural “Night of Miracles” Game with the Miracle League of Prince William County on Saturday, June 3 at Pfitzner Stadium in Woodbridge, VA.

The game featured the combined total of over 40 players from each league who were placed on teams for the game. The night was wonderful as the players, parents, “Angels in the Outfield” and spectators were treated to a wonderful game showcasing the joint efforts the leagues to play the game.

Following the game, everyone was treated to a picnic style dinner. Each of the players and volunteers received awards and certificates for participating.

The plan is to make this an annual game at the end of each spring season in Woodbridge and then an annual game each fall in Alexandria around the 9/11 Anniversary.