CARY, N.C. — After 14 years of coaching, Chuck Padvorac’s life took a turn for the better after he met a boy in a wheelchair. 

“One day, [he] reached up and grabbed me by the shirt and said, ‘I want you to be my coach,'” Padvorac said. 

That moment started the coach’s passion that has kept him devoted to the Miracle League of the Triangle, part of a nationwide nonprofit baseball league for children and adults living with special needs. Miracle League of the Triangle has 42 teams with more than 600 players from 5 to 95 years old. 

The teams bring in volunteers who work one-on-one with each player to ensure they have support tailored to their individual needs.

“Every player is a unique person, and so you have to meet them where they are,” Padvorac said. “If a player is not having a good day, an assistant coach can work with them and suddenly they’re having a good day.”

Despite its success, Miracle League is actively seeking volunteers. Kyle Coburn, the volunteer coordinator, emphasized the organization’s growth needs. 

“We need people to spread the word, let our community know that we’re here, we’re ready for them, and we want them to come play,” Coburn said.

He said that Miracle League volunteers aren’t required to have prior baseball knowledge—just a willingness to engage with players. Padvorac encourages anyone considering volunteering to take the leap.

“Just come out and try, buddy, and or try coaching once,” Padvorac said. “Because once you do you, we hope that you’ll want to come back, and you’ll never go away from it.”

Miracle League offers various volunteer opportunities, including serving as a buddy for a player, coaching or announcing games. The league has two 8-week seasons that run in the spring and fall each year. For those interested in getting involved, visit the website.