Submitted
The Yard invites families, fans, and community members to Bill Burke Park on Thursday, April 24, for an evening of baseball, fun, and community celebration during the 2nd Annual Miracle Game, presented by First Bank Kansas, and the Crown Youth League Opening Ceremonies, sponsored in part by Bennington State Bank and the KC Royals RADS Program.
The Crown Youth League Opening Ceremonies will run from 4:45 to 7:30 p.m. and include a parade of youth league teams and jersey handouts for more than 400 players. Bounce houses from Bounce-A-Roos will be available for kids, and food trucks will serve eventgoers throughout the evening.
Food vendors include Samantha Fairchild’s Cookies, Bobby’s Food Co. from Topeka, Frostbite Ice, and The Amazing Mexican Food Truck, which sold out during last year’s event. A home run derby, games, giveaways, and player swag bags will also be part of the celebration.
From 5:45 to 7:30 p.m., the 2nd Annual Miracle Game will take place. This special T-ball game is designed for players with special needs and creates an inclusive, fun environment for all. The game will begin with a ceremonial first pitch thrown by Cameron Yohe, a local NubAbility.com coach and former camper.
Catching the first pitch will be Brayden Blake, the 2025 Major League Citizen Award winner and founder of Salina’s Miracle Game.
“I wanted to give an opportunity for everyone to have an equal playing field and to let everyone, no matter the circumstances, get to play this beautiful game,” Blake said. “I wanted our community to be involved so the event could be a positive influence & environment and showcase all the strong potential Salina has towards inclusiveness. Sometimes being around people who have unique abilities from ourselves can be intimidating, but it’s important for kids my age who also love baseball to step out of our comfort zones to help everyone enjoy this game & give all some time to shine.”
Members of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce are also invited for a special “Chamber After Hours” tailgate experience. Attendees can enjoy food, baseball, and community connection. Giveaways from the Kansas City Royals will be available to those who bring business cards.
The event is made possible through the support of numerous local and regional partners. Crown Youth League partners include JRI Hospitality Group, Platinum Partner Bennington State Bank, T-shirt Partner Messenger, The Venue, Martinelli’s Little Italy, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, American Family Insurance, New Horizons Dental Implant Center, Nex-Tech, and the KC Royals RADS Program.
Miracle Game partners include Walk Off Wood Bat Company, Salina Parks & Recreation, WBC Visions, Platinum Partner First Bank Kansas, and The Yard Charities.
The Yard encourages the entire community to join in this celebration of inclusion, teamwork, and the joy of baseball. The event will take place Thursday, April 24, from 4:45 to 7:30 p.m. at Bill Burke Park in Salina.
Additional details are available at www.theyardsalina.com