How It Started

In April 2005, the Opelika Lions Club were visited by the Moody Alabama Lions and were given a presentation on the Miracle Field built in Moody. The Opelika Lions were so impressed with the project that they decided to pursue bring a Miracle Field to the Opelika/Auburn area to enable people with disabilities to experience the thrill of playing baseball.

After visiting Miracle Fields in Moody and Montgomery, Alabama and Conyers Georgia, the Opelika Lions Club purchased the franchise rights to build a Miracle Field in East Alabama. With the support of Diane Alford, CEO of the National Miracle League, and the Moody Lions, the Opelika Lions Club made presentations to various community leaders and the efforts to bring this great opportunity took root and began to grow. Now it is your turn to become a part of the Miracle League of East Alabama!

The Miracle League Executive Committee is comprised of the following dedicated individuals:

Miracle Field Named for Billy Hitchcock

"Mr. Billy was the epitome of what a man should be: strong, compassionate, caring. He did not push himself on people, but he cared deeply about his fellow man. He looked for and found the best in his fellow man. He was a competitor in the truest sense of the word. He did not do what many do today--build himself up by tearing others down. No, he tried to be the best he could be. When he won, as he most often did, he didn't take the praise for himself, but gave it to others. He always appreciated, respected and acknowledged his opponent. He was a loving, caring man, a compassionate man--but he was a competitor, a tough competitor. Make no mistake about that. They called him "The Dignified War Eagle" when he was managing the Atlanta Braves. Never was there a more appropriate name. The Dignified War Eagle---that was, and is, Billy Hitchcock."


David Housel
Auburn University Athletics Director Emeritus