Home at the Ballpark: Meet Marcie Post, Founder of Midland Miracle Field
Marcie Post, founder of Midland Miracle Field
(Photo by Reneé Deckrow, Captured Photography)
More often than not, I find that the real life stories of our neighbors are far more interesting than any blockbuster at the theatre. Marie Post is the Assistant Director of Public Services for the City of Midland Parks and Recreation Department. She’s also someone who experienced the loss of a child, and that changes you. She found a beautiful way to honor her son, Julian, through the creation of the Midland Miracle Field. Read on to learn all about it.
Love,
Max
Max: Marcie, thanks for joining me today. To start, can you share a bit about your connection to Midland? How long have you lived here, and what inspired you to stay?
Marcie: I’ve lived in Midland since 2011. I grew up about an hour north of Midland, so I spent many a Saturday at the Midland Mall for the better half of the 90’s. For our family, it was the community. I commuted from Mt. Pleasant for the first few years (with a newborn) and it just made sense to move to the community. I found a pretty fabulous friend group and that made all the difference.
M: The Midland Miracle Field is a remarkable initiative that you helped found. Can you tell us the story behind its creation? What inspired you to establish a barrier-free baseball field for individuals of all ability levels?
MP: The parks and recreation department had talked about the idea many times and well before it came to fruition. For us the catalyst was the birth of my son Julian, who had Downs Syndrome. A friend showed me a video of her family member playing in a Cincinnati league and I knew that Julian would need this service, this space, this community - something special. Julian didn’t survive due to a secondary congenital condition, but that made it even more important to build the field.
M: I can’t imagine how hard that was for you and your family. Thank you for sharing with me. Can you tell us about the Miracle Field scholarship you’ve created in honor of Julian, and specifically, how it supports the athletes?
MP: After Julian’s death we set up a scholarship fund in his name for our athletes. This scholarship is available to anyone who wants to play Miracle League. Our family wants to make sure that cost is never a barrier to play at the Miracle Field. The cost of doctor’s appointments, travel, etc. is so expensive for our families, so this is one thing they should never have to worry about.
M: The Miracle Field plays a crucial role in fostering inclusivity in recreation. Why do you believe it's important for communities to have spaces like the Miracle Field, and what impact have you seen it have on the individuals who use it?
MP: On paper we built a baseball field for kids and adults with disabilities – but what we actually created was a true community within our community. The Miracle Field is a safe space for all – no matter your ability – and that’s why it’s so important. Our athletes can explore their abilities and be themselves and that is what make us so special. This is why it’s so important to have a space like a Miracle Field. As far as the impact is concerned – it’s limitless. I’ve seen our athletes gain comfort and get physically stronger and really start to learn the fundamentals of baseball. And more than baseball – other sports, too. I’ve seen their parents relax, be able to enjoy the day and also say to me, “what else can we do.” It’s opened up the doors of possibility that may not have been there had we not built this field.
M: When does the spring season start and how can athletes get signed up?
MP: The spring season starts on Saturday, April 27th. Registration begins Monday, March 4th. Our athletes can register at: www.cityofmidlandmi.gov/miraclefield
M: Community support is so important to the success of initiatives like the Miracle Field. How can people in the community get involved, volunteer, or support the Miracle Field, and what kind of experience can they expect when they do?
We need volunteers every week. Buddies help our athletes bat, run/roll, and just have a great time with our athletes.
Buddies can register at https://www.volunteerglbr.org/partner-portal/volunteer-opportunities. I would say that Buddies can expect the unexpected. No day is ever that same at the field – but what I would say is that each buddy can expect to have a life-changing experience. We’re loud, we’re fun and it’s pile of positivity.
M: Looking ahead, what excites you the most about the future of the Miracle Field and other inclusive recreation initiatives in Midland? What are your hopes for the community's engagement and participation?
MP: I have so many ideas but not enough hours in the day – but what I can tell you is that Midland’s future is inclusive. I want to make Midland a destination for people with disabilities so they feel safe, welcome, and at home in our community. I also want to do more recreation programming as it relates to therapeutic recreation. I have big plans!
M: I can’t wait to see those plans come to life! Finally, Marcie, what do you personally love most about Midland?
MP: The community. It’s our home and I love that I get to help make it better every day.
M: Thanks so much for sharing with me today and for all that you do for Midland! You are appreciated.
Do you have a Midland County story you would like to tell that aligns with our vision?