Our Story

Vision to Reality

The Miracle League of Northern Indiana grew out of a long-time dream from Dick Pfeil, a local entrepreneur and philanthropist. As the father of two adult children with cerebral palsy, he understood the barriers people with disabilities face. After discovering a Miracle Field in Florida, Dick was immediately inspired.

“I knew a Miracle Field must find a place in our community.”

In 2011, he began exploring the possibilities and connected with Miracle League National, the nonprofit that helps more than 300 communities worldwide bring similar dreams to life. Then, in 2023, Dick brought his vision to Mishawaka, imagining a Miracle Field where people with disabilities could finally experience what it feels like to wear a jersey and truly be part of a team. City leaders embraced the vision and selected Normain Park as the perfect home for northern Indiana’s first Miracle Field.

An elderly man smiling outdoors, wearing sunglasses and a white shirt with orange piping, holding a wooden cane, with trees and a speaker in the background.

With the site secured, Dick assembled a passionate team through the Mishawaka Parks and Recreation Foundation and launched the $5.2 million Miracle Field at Normain Park Campaign. As campaign chair, he continues to champion the project and inspire the community to help bring this long-held dream to life.

On September 24, 2025, the Mishawaka Parks and Recreation Foundation officially broke ground on Pfeil Miracle Field and Lilli’s Playground—Indiana’s first fully inclusive public play complex. Shortly after, project organizers established the Miracle League of Northern Indiana with the goal of welcoming children and adults to participate in 2026.