The Grand Strand Miracle League celebrated its 11th year in Myrtle Beach by opening its 2012 season Thursday with a barbecue and baseball at James C. Benton Miracle League Field.

The league is dedicated to providing people with physical and mental disabilities the opportunity to play baseball. The special field accommodates wheelchairs and walkers, and each player is assigned a volunteer buddy during the game.

“We are really excited as always to kick off a new season,” said league director Tory Mackey. “The kids have been waiting all summer and anticipating a really fun reunion.”

The GSML was the second such league in the United States, according to its website, and has added soccer – which begins Sept. 25 – to its offerings. One of the goals is to raise enough money to expand even further.

“Our big hope is having a handicap accessible playground very soon at our facility,” Mackey said.

Mackey also hopes to add a lot more of something else: players. There is no cost to participate in the games and players range in age from 3 to 43.

“We feel like there are so many kids out there who could play,” she said. “We are always looking for more players.”

For more information on how to volunteer or donate, visit the league website at grandstrandmiracleleague.com.

Todd Garvin, tgarvin@thesunnews.com