NORTHWOOD — Jeff Barton’s dream of helping those with disabilities is coming true.
The Walbridge resident is the originator and president of the Miracle League of Northwest Ohio, an
organization with a mission to provide opportunities for area children and adults with disabilities to
enjoy the thrill of sports.
“I talked to a lot of parents and they said, ‘We need stuff for our kids to do. They’re left out of so
many things because of their mental or physical disability,’” Barton said. “I know the impact that
sports had on me growing up. The relationships you’re able to develop through sports and the social
skills it helps you develop, I don’t think any kid should be told they can’t do that.”
Barton started the Miracle League in 2006 with the goal of building a specially-designed field that would
allow people with mental and physical handicaps to enjoy the game of baseball. That vision has become a
reality with the field’s recent dedication.
“For these kids not to have the opportunity to display their abilities, was just something I felt we as a
community needed to do,” Barton said.
The field, located on Tracy Road in Northwood, features a rubberized playing surface similar to that of a
running track which covers the entire field. It allows children and adults who would not normally have
the chance to play baseball an opportunity to participate.
The field has also been used for kickball, and Barton hopes to get an adult baseball league and possibly
a flag football league, among others, started.
Approximately 60 children are participating in the baseball league, with four teams that play a four-week
schedule in the fall with another four weeks in the spring. The field is 145 feet down the foul lines
and 155 feet to center field. The field is open to the public, but reservations must be made trough the
city of Northwood.
The field is designed for those with special needs, but Barton was quick to point out that anyone can
participate.
“We have several kids in our league that play that have no disability whatsoever. The majority of kids do
have special needs,” Barton said. “We’re a league for everybody. The field is just designed to make
baseball adaptable to their special needs.”
Some children have gone on to play in local recreation leagues after getting their feet wet playing with
the Miracle League, which has been using a normal playing field in Northwood the last two years.
“The parents say what it’s done for their kids at a social level is remarkable. They’re now more willing
to go up to people they don’t know and talk to them, whereas before they just didn’t have that
confidence or that social ability,” Barton said. “They’ve made new friends. It’s just done wonders for
their personalities and their ability to socialize with others.”
Barton spent eight years working for Josina Lott Residential and Community Services, a home for adults
with mental retardation. Building on his work there, he enrolled in a program named “Leadership Toledo”
that encourages its participants to get more involved in their community.
“I got some good exposure to people with special needs during those eight years,” Barton said. Leadership
Toledo “encourages you to get more involved in your community, to do things in your community, and use
resources that you have.”
Barton, who now works for the University of Toledo as the director of development for the College of
Pharmacy, put together a group of 15 volunteers that make up the board of the Miracle League, which is a
non-profit organization.
“We enjoy getting out there and assisting the kids play ball,” Barton said. “It’s just something we’re
all passionate about.”
Barton started the MLNWO to ensure that all the donations and funds that are raised stayed local and are
used specifically in this area. Wal-Mart was a main sponsor for the project, as well as ProMedica Health
System, Marleau Hercules Fence Co., Bowers Asphalt and Paving, the Toledo Mud Hens and the city of
Northwood.
Barton, who played football, baseball and ran track at Northwood High School, lives with his wife Lisa
and their two toddler boys, Vince and Brody. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business
administration from Toledo.
“My goal with this is just to set an example for the community as far as educating people on individuals
with special needs,” Barton said. “Once you get past the obvious physical or mental disability you’ll
find out that the individuals that play in our league are not much different than you and I.”
“When they show up on Sundays to play they’re always smiling,” he added. “They’re pumped up and ready.
They’re glad to be included in something.”
For more information on the league, visit its Web site at www.mlnwo.org. Donations may be sent to: The City of Northwood,
6000 Wales Road, Northwood, 43619. Make checks payable to Miracle League of Northwest Ohio.
Jeff Barton. 9/9/09 (Photo: J.D. Pooley/Sentinel-Tribune)