Michigan Miracle League's Field in Southfield Vandalized

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WJBK) - Donna and Derrick Relph surveyed the damage Monday from graffiti and explertatives spray painted on the field of the Miracle League of Michigan.  It is located at the Southfield Civic Center.

The organization provides kids with physical and mental disabilities the opportunity to play baseball on a field specially designed and made of rubber pellets to accomodate players in wheelchairs or using walkers or crutches.

"Our initial recation was one of disbelief and shock.  I couldn't believe someone would be so callious as to come out and deface something as beautiful as this field," said Derrick Relph.

The vandals also sprayed painted a conession stand and announcer's booth.

The Miracle League started at the field in 2004, and volunteers and donations keep it going.  Replacing the entire field would cost about $60,000.

"We have a disabled son.  He was six years old at the time and we were looking for something for him to do, and the Miracle League was a blessing to us and countless others.  I mean, it was something that came along at the right time, and we were blessed to be a part of it from day one," Derrick Relph told us.

The Miracle League season is slated to begin on Saturday, June 4.  Organizers hope to have the ballpark cleaned up by then.

"My sense is there's probably going to have to be some money put into replacing this surface because this is not your average field.  It's pretty special," Derrick Relph said.

Using solvents to clean the rubber could damage it.  League leaders are looking at options and ways to pay for the clean up.

Click here to learn more about the Michigan Miracle League >>

Baseball and the Miracle League give special kids a great opportunity.

"We've seen kids on respirators out here.  We've seen blind kids run the bases with rope assistance, and it's an opportunity for them to come out and shine and showcase their talents and their abilities just like anybody else," said Derrick Relph.