A Miracle in the Outfield: The Benefits of Participation in Organized Baseball Leagues for Children with Mental and Physical Disabilities

Few studies have examined the perceived benefit of recreational activities for children with disabilities from the parent’s perspective. The purpose of this pilot study was to measure the perceptions of parents whose children with disabilities participated in an organized community baseball league. Data were collected using a survey instrument that was administered to 42 parents of children with disabilities participating in a community baseball league. An analysis of the quantitative and qualitative data suggests that parents of children with disabilities believe participation in sport activities enhances motor and psychosocial skills and that participation has a positive impact on the entire family unit. The observed positive results indicate a need for future systematic studies designed to examine the positive effects of community baseball leagues on children with disabilities and their families.