Our Belief
Every child deserves a chance to play baseball
Our Mission
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- Provide opportunities for children with disabilities to play Miracle League Baseball, regardless of their capabilities.
- Promote community support and sponsorship of Miracle Leagues.
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- Promote the construction of special facilities that meet the unique needs of Miracle League players and their families.
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Our Thanks
Miracle League of Green Bay is possible largely because of the generosity of Dick Resch and former Green Bay Packer Brett Favre & his wife Deanna.
The Allouez Optimists Miracle League of Green Bay provides kids with mental and/or physical challenges, 4 to 19 years old, an opportunity to play baseball as a team member, with real uniforms, in an organized league, regardless of their capabilities.
Founded in 2006, it was one of only two Miracle League programs in Wisconsin at that time – the other was in Kenosha.
At Miracle League of Green Bay, it’s all about the smiles – and there are plenty to go around. If you want to see the pure joy of playing baseball, just come on out to Resch Miracle Field.
We have more than just baseball. The Favre Family Miracle Recreation area offers a handicap-accessible playground, named after its major contributors, Brett and Deanna Favre.
It’s our field of dreams. We built it and they have come. It’s a special place for special kids where we’re making miracles happen.
Want to have a positive impact on a special kid? Every little bit helps.
Our Board of Directors
This group is committed to providing an environment where the Miracle League of Green Bay can continue to fulfill its mission and thrive for generations.
- Paul Liegeois, Founder
- Gary Rogaczewski, Executive Director
- Tim Jorgensen, President
- Brad Lange, Vice President
- Melissa Lundberg, Treasurer
- Craig Francois, Secretary
- Laura Mossakowski, Director
- Rick Chernick, Director
- Kurt Gajeski, Director
- Scott Herber, Director
- Jacob Jirschele, Director
- Tom Olson, Director
- Steve Seidl, President Emeritus
- Jon Syndergaard, Director
- Andrew Tobisch, Director
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Paul Liegeois
Paul was the driving force in founding The Miracle League of Green Bay in 2006. He brought the idea to Green Bay after visiting a friend in Georgia. That's were he saw Miracle League for the first time and knew he wanted to bring the same joy of playing baseball to kids in Northeast Wisconsin. -
Gary Rogaczewski
920-615-6609
Gary's been part of Miracle League in Green Bay every year except the first. That was 2008. Now, he's the Executive Director of the league, and his passion for giving these special kids the chance to play ball shines through as he ensures Miracle League is a great experience for everybody.
Our history
Shortly after his retirement from his electric and gas utility executive job of 33 years, our Founder and General Manager, Paul Liegeois, and his wife Mary Jo, visited with long-time friends and business associate, Dean Alford and his family in Atlanta, Georgia. Through discussion with Alford, now Chairman of the national Miracle League Association, he learned about the history and efforts of he and his Rotary Club in establishing the Miracle League program, and viewed the HBO video about the project. Intrigued by the concept, Liegeois brought the idea back to his Optimist Club in Green Bay, and in late 2005, decided to proceed to see if he couldn’t create the same wonderful program for the children in the Green Bay and surrounding areas. Read more.
Miracle League's national history
In 1998 Rockdale Youth Baseball Association’s coach Eddie Bagwell invited the first child with a disability to play baseball on his team; Michael a 7 year old child in a wheel chair attended every game and practice, while cheering on his 5 year old brother. In 1999, other children with disabilities were invited to play baseball. The players had expressed the desire to dress in uniforms, make plays in the field and round the bases just like their main stream peers. The league began with 35 players on four teams.
Our Sponsors
- Dick Resch
- Brett Favre Fourward Foundation – Brett & Deanna Favre
- Village of Allouez – In-Kind Use of Field Value
- Anonymous – Playground Contribution
- Bernie & Alyce Dahlin Family Foundation
- Schneider National Foundation, Inc
- WPS Resources Foundation
- Cloud Family Foundation
- Green Bay Packaging Corporation
- Procter and Gamble
- Jack & Engrid Meng Family
- Fred & Paula Schultz
- Paul Van Laanen
- Don & Darleen Long
- Schreiber Foods Community Fund
- Green Bay Home Medical Equipment
- Dominion Energy
- Pepsi Cola Bottling of NEW & Pepsi Refreshes America Proj. – Bleachers
- Associated Bank
- Greater Green Bay Community Foundation, Inc.
- Nature’s Way
- Nicolet National Bank
- Knights of Columbus – Abbot Pennings Council
- Tom Dallman and Cheri Long
- Sunrise Optimist Club of Green Bay
- Gary Ziegelbauer & Marti Spittell
- Tim & Judy Howald
- Investors Community Bank
- BayCare Clinics Foundation
- Sunrise Optimist Club of Green Bay
- Hermans & Associates
- Kevin & Samantha Platkowski
- Frank Mattia
- Allouez Optimist Club Foundation
- Wisconsin Public Service
- DePere Christian Outreach Corp
- Sue and Tom Olmsted
- Timber Rattlers Baseball, Inc
- Pink Flamingo Softball Tournament
- ESPN Disney Worldwide Inc.- Monday Night Football “Fans Helping Fans”
- VF Foundation (Jansport) – On Behalf of Tim Van Asten
- Nicolet National Foundation
- Caliente,Inc.
- Shopko Foundation
- Northeastern Wisconsin Sports Advancement, Inc – Red Smith Award
- Target Stores Foundation
- Johnson Bank
- Green Bay Preble Optimists Foundation
- K C Stock Foundation
- Cornerstone Foundation
- A.M.S. Annual Golf Outing – Lisa Kiley, Sponsor
- Harp & Eagle, Inc (St. Brendan’s Inn )Annual Golf Outing – Barry Fitzgerald, Mgr./Sponsor
- Ameriprise Employees – Proceeds from Booth at Appleton Octoberfest
- Brian Strnad – In Memory of Barbara Strnad
- Ameriprise Financial – Matching Gifts
- Allouez Optimist Club
- Northeast Green Bay Kiwanis
- Donn Bramer, Bramer Photography – Trophy Sponsor
- Steve & Mary Lynn Seidl
- Steve Seidl & Associates
- Bryan & Ann Spaeth
- Wayne & Karen Destree
- Jim & Sue Ritchay
- Mike & Carol Debbout – Flag Pole & Flag
- Morley Murphy Foundation
- Karen Hilliard
- Gene and Donna Eggers
- Enzymatic Therapy, Inc.
- Sherry Steffel
- Optimist Club of Green Bay – Wednesday Noon
- Francis Drew
- Mike Devereau and Renee Soquet/Enzymatic Therapy, Inc.
- Verizon Wireless Zone Foundation
- James Frawley
- Tony and Melissa Steffek
- Steve and Denise Syler
- Wells Fargo Bank
- Women’s Club of De Pere
- Ambrosius Studios & Redwood Inn – Trophy Sponsors
- Volunteer Center of Green Bay – Award
- Bellevue Business and Professional Association
- Dan & Penny Bollom
- 50-50 Raffle Luxemburg Raceway – Jim & Teresa Anderson, Sponsors
- Barb Rosin
2006
- Allaura Financial Solutions
- Max & Erma’s
2006-2009
- Edward Jones Investments – Larry Barton, Financial Advisor
2006-2012
- Gandrud Chevrolet Nissan Dodge Chrysler
2007
- Bellin Health
2007-2008
- BayCare Clinics
- Superior Commercial Structures
- Home Interiors
2007-2012
- Laura Mossakowski, LLC – Financial Planning for Women
- Saranac Glove Company
- Donn Bramer Photography
- Broadway Automotive
2008-2010
- NEW i Tech
2008-2011
- Al Naumann Financial, LLC
2008-2012
- SCHWABE, NA. – Enzymatic Therapy
- NEW ReBath of NEW
2009-2012
- Shopko
- Knights of Columbus – DePere Abbot Pennings Council
2010-2011
- Johnson Bank
- Logicalis
2010-2012
- Allcox & Associates
- KI
2012
- Le Mieux & Son Toyota
- My Brother’s Keeper, Inc.
- USBank
2006-2012
- Resource One Realty – Tom Monahan
2008
- RE-BATH of Northeastern Wisconsin – Threse & Brent Martin
- NEW i Tech – Kevin Platkowski
2009-2011
- US Bank
2009-2012
- Shopko
- SCHWABE, NS. – Enzymatic Therapy, Inc.
2010-2012
- KI
2012
- Camera Corner
- Paul and Mary Jo Liegeois
- Village of Allouez – In-Kind Village Hall Use/Field Maintenance
- Howard-Suamico Optimist Club
- Alloeuz Little League Baseball – Bats
- Southwest Storm Baseball – Balls
- Jim Steffel – In-Kind
- Team Apparel,Inc – In-Kind
- Kessenich Family – Norbert Coleman Memorial
- Broadway Enterprises – Broadway and Van Boxtel
- DePere Girls Softball – Helmets & Bats
- Benchmark Consultants – Mike Audit
- David & Colleen Van Zeeland
- DePere Little League Baseball – Bats
- Green Bay Retired Men’s Club
- Ashwaubenon Friday A.M. Optimist Club
- Frederick Schmidt
- P & M Leasing
- M&I Bank
- Jeffrey and Katie Hampton
- Dan and Penny Bollom
- John O’Brien
- Lynwood Hart
- WPS Foundation – Matching Gifts
- Knights of Columbus – Sts Peter & Paul #10552
- Schroeder’s Floral – Anniversay Celebration
- Marlon and Marieta Hermitanio
- Gary Lichtenberg
- Charlie & Ann Heidemann
- Murphy Development, Inc
- Curt & Barb Fuszard
- Andy and Colleen Sipiorski
- Todd and Tina Williquette
- Jilayne and Mark Robinson
- Steve and Michelle Brenzel
- Benjamin Wagner
- Nick & Lynn Lanser
- Kim and Jeff Kralovetz
- Shopko Express – Gift Card-Consessions Supplies
- Tom & Elaine Delsart
- Bill & Lorena Heinrich
- Will & Gail Stark
- Charles & Lorna Wood
- Bob Gafvert
- Larry & Peg Nelson
- Retired Men’s Club of Green Bay
- Jamie and Amy Blom
- Dave and Patricia Jones
- Lori Stein
- Annonymous Donor
- Goldwing Road Riders – Deanne & Shaun Stamnes
- Ed & Barbara Vogel
- Eric & Stella Algrem
- Scott & Amy Alexander
- Harbour Credit Union
- Dave & Jane Linz
- Stu Goldman
- Brad & Jodi Lange
- Ryan Family Trust
- Alan & Jeanette Derenne
- Knights of Columbus #617
- John & Sandra Jacques
- Janice Hanson
- Margueritte Gardner
- Harold and Joann Vander Loop
- Laure Ropson
- Ray and Judi Kopish
- Cindie Niemann
- Jerome Van Sistine
- Sharon Deleruyelle
- Ken Hornick
- Tony Steffek – Turkey Bowl for Charity
- Green Bay Monday Noon Optimist Club
- Peter & Pat Beckham
- Staff and Student Workers – Cofrin Library UW Green Bay
- Beau Liegeois
- Karma Koenig
- Dana and Muriel Johnson
- Patty and James Wolfcale
- Michael Gosser
- Dan Popkey, et al
- Sally Doyle
- Mary Daley
- Patricia LeBotte
- Paul and Jane Kyles
- Veterans of Foreign Wars – Winiecki Post 9677
- St Vincent Hospital
- Jim and Bonnie Kopish
- Alwin Chaltry
- Douglas and Tammy Basten
- Nancy Schneider
- Bill and Sherry Sweasy
- The Entertainer Magazine
- Susan Hamer
- Peter Borchart
- Leon Dax
- Michelle Walker
- Molly Ryan
- Dorothy Vanden Berg
- John & Sara Vandermause
- Lisa Samorske
- Rebecca & Joe Blume
- Robert & Kathy Mottl
- Carmine Nell
- Jeff & Debra Van Den Berg
- Webster Dental Associates – Chuck Meuller
- Mike Hagerty
- Ashwaubenon H.S. – On Behalf of Retirement of Ginny Reinke
- Aaron Lopaz
- Jeff & Lynn Timm
- Marianne Capelle
- Jerome & Martha Jolly
- Peter & Pat Beckham
- Associated Bank – Friday Blue Jeans Fund
- Fabio Perini NA – Employees
- Jo Ann Otto
- Carolyn Reedy
- Brown County Retired Educators Association
- Joan Korbas
- Bob Steffel
- Schenck Employees – Proceeds from Jeans Day
- DeGroot, Inc
- Northeast Asphalt, Inc
- Fly Me Flag Company
- JW Industries, Inc.
- Village of Allouez
- North American Specialty Flooring – Pro Traxx, Inc.
- Liser Landscaping & Nursery
- Northern Sound Contracting
- Fortress Fence Company
- County Materials, Inc.
- Foth Companies
- S. Lamp, Inc.
- Superior Commercial Structures
- Tweet-Garot Mechanical
- Rob and Lori Schahczinski
Last updated: Feb. 10, 2019
FAQs
Who's eligible to play?
Any child between the ages of 4 to 19 with a mental or physical challenge who may be otherwise unable to enjoy playing the sport of baseball from anywhere in the Northeastern Wisconsin area.
Where are the games played?
At Resch Miracle Field at Optimist Park, the corner of Libal St. and Kalb Ave in Allouez.
When will the season start?
The season opening day is the first Saturday in June. Registration deadline is April 1st.
Where can I register?
Player Registration and Volunteer Registration is done online at this website, www.greenbaymiracleleague.com. Players may register any time after January 1 up to the April 1 deadline. Volunteers can register anytime, but are encouraged to sign up early so player assignments can be made. At least one parent of each player must be registered each season.
Fill in the online form, select “Agree” for the Player Release, click on “Submit” to send the form electronically. Registration is not complete until the player fee is received. Print out a copy of the completed form and send it with your check by April 1 to:
Gary Rogaczewski Executive Director
c/o Miracle League
2072 N Rock River Circle
De Pere, WI 54115
Is the field handicap accessible?
The field is rubber surfaced, completely safe, and handicap accessible. A new field was dedicated in 2007 and named “Resch Miracle Field.” In addition, the park also has the “Favre Family Miracle Recreation Area” – a shelter, with bathrooms and concession stand, and a safe, rubber surface, handicap accessible playground.
What's the cost to participate?
Cost per player is $45, which includes a major league look-alike team jersey, a baseball cap, and player insurance through the league. Team sponsors and scholarship donors help to defray costs of any child that has a hardship in paying the fee. No child will be turned away for inability to pay.
What times will games be played?
The season starts the first Saturday in June with an Opening Ceremony and closes on the first Saturday in August. All teams play on opening and closing days. Those are the only Saturday games.
Otherwise, each team plays once per week on either Tuesdays at 4, 5:30 or 7 p.m.; Wednesdays at 5:30 or 7 p.m.; or Thursdays at 4, 5:30 or 7 p.m. Please check the schedule for details.
How are volunteers involved?
Volunteers are needed primarily to serve as buddies to the participants (each player MUST have a buddy in order to play.) Other volunteering opportunities include buddy coordinators and team assistants.
Each player is matched with an able-bodied buddy (14+ yrs.) Buddies have strict rules to adhere to and assist the participant with batting, fielding and getting around the bases as much or as little as needed.
The player bats, fields, rounds bases, as nearly close to actual baseball league rules as he/she is capable of. Every player bats each inning, all batters are safe, there are no outs, and the last batter hits a home run. Games last two innings. In addition, each team will have a coach and team assistant. Players are pitched to, according to their ability to bat, and may use a tee, as necessary. Score ends in a tie.
Volunteers are needed! If you’re interested, please sign up online or contact Mel Rissling, Volunteer Coordinator, at 920-544-0072.
What type of baseball is used?
The official Miracle League baseball is a soft, regulation baseball-sized rubber ball, the kind used in T-Ball.
How did the Miracle League start?
The first Miracle League field opened in Conyers, Georgia, in April 2000. Word spread and, as of 2011, there were 250 communities in the U.S. with Miracle Leagues started. Over 100 of those have or are in progress of constructing the special-surface fields. The Miracle League Association has an aggressive plan to help 500 communities, like ours, all over the globe, build baseball complexes.
Is Miracle League a non-profit?
The Miracle League of Green Bay is a 501(c)(3), tax-exempt, non-profit, charitable organization.
Where does the league get its funding?
Funding is solely through public contributions, team sponsors, participant fees, and league sponsorship donations. Contributions are welcome. If you would like to contribute or sponsor a child, contact the League through the contact information on the About page.
Who do I contact for more information?
Gary Rogaczewski, Executive Director
Allouez Optimists Miracle League of Green Bay
1900 Libal St.
Green Bay, WI 54301
920-544-0072
Gary.Rogaczewski@gmail.com
Last update: June 14, 2022
