Proverbs suggests, “Those who give generously, receive more, will prosper and be refreshed.” Peggy McCall is a living testament. She has devoted her life to making dreams come true through Miracle League of Arkansas. When asked about her commitment to the organization, she insists it remains a source of great joy. “I’m just the luckiest girl in the world for many reasons and I mean LUCKY, and the Miracle League is one of the greatest components to that luck.”
Miracle League of Arkansas opened the baseball field at Junior Deputy in 2006. Peggy remembers how this vision came to life. As she and a friend reminisced about their sons and watching so many ball games together, Peggy realized not all parents have that kind of experience. “I was working at KIDsource Therapy; it dawned on me that kids with special needs and their parents should be able to make the same kind of memories that I have.” After a meeting with Mayor Dailey, Rotary Club 99 joined the effort. “I went to the mayor asking for land, Rotary Club 99 wanted to give the city a centennial gift – they raised the money for construction, we partnered and 18 years later we are going strong!”
That field opened in 2006; it has a special surface to accommodate the kids & adults who play baseball there. This league continues under the watchful eye of Peggy, who serves as director. Miracle League of Arkansas Board of Directors Chair Derek Owens shares, “Peggy has been the cornerstone of The Miracle League of Arkansas. Her hard work transformed our program into a beacon of hope and joy for countless children.” Fellow member John Bowen adds, “No one cares about our players, coaches and program more than Peggy. She has the wonderful ability of being the organizing force of the program without being the center of attention.”
Her resiliency is remarkable, her dedication undeniable. Peggy remembers the 2019 historic flood that destroyed the baseball field. “We picked up, stacked, washed, rinsed, sanitized and relayed ALL 26,000 tiles in seven weeks with more than 3,500 volunteer hours making it happen.” It’s these volunteers who serve as “buddies” and assist the players that are the unexpected winners. “They often step onto the field not quite sure of what they are getting into or what the experience is going to be like. The ‘buddies’ quickly realize the players aren’t that much different – having the same dreams and aspirations – just going about things a little differently.”
After nearly two decades of making magic at Miracle League of Arkansas, the field at Junior Deputy will soon have a new name: Peggy McCall Field. This is a token of appreciation for all the lives transformed by the power of community. And still, this small town girl from Illinois remains humble as ever and ready for the next adventure. John notes, “All the kids who play here, all the buddies who help and the coaches and fans know who built this field. Even after the terrible flood, Peggy always believed we would play that season, and she made all of us believe it too. They don’t call us Miracle League for nothing.”
As the organization plans to welcome friends and families to Miracle League Doubleheader later this month, Peggy insists everyone – players, families and ‘buddies’ – wins, herself included. “Our players are the best teachers, the place has an amazing sense of grace, coming to a game will have a profound impact on you and will change you. I’m blessed and honored to be a part of their journey and they a part of mine.”
Double Header
Saturday, September 21
The Hall
