SAN DIEGO – Nov. 3, 2010 – While many major leaguers are resting after the long season, a
handful of baseball greats will take the mound on Saturday, November 13th starting at 10 AM at
Engel Family Field, a Little Padres Park, to pitch to a lineup of powerful Miracle League batters.
The event will focus attention on the “Buy-a-Brick” fundraising program currently underway to
support the Miracle League. The Miracle League of San Diego provides the opportunity for
children with special needs to experience the fun of playing organized baseball on a diamond
specially-designed for their safety in San Dieguito Park. Students and adults serve as volunteer
buddies assisting the special needs athletes in the dugout, around the field and at the plate.

Among the MLB active and former players are Brad Ausmus (recent retired San Diego Padre
and Los Angeles Dodger), Heath Bell (Padres All-Star closer and 2010 Delivery Man of the
Year), Mark Loretta (Padres Special Assistant, Baseball Operations and former Padres and Red
Sox All-Star), and current Padres outfielder Will Venable. Discussions are underway with
additional Major Leaguers at press time. Also on hand will be the Padres’ Swingin’ Friar and
members of the Pad Squad. Sue Botos, Director of the Padres Foundation, said “the San Diego
Padres are pleased to participate in this event and showcase our players’ and club’s involvement
in the community. We have a strong partnership with the Miracle League of San Diego, and we
are proud of the work they do to ensure special needs children can enjoy and excel at America’s
favorite past time.”

Commenting on the event, Miracle League Founder and President Dan Engel said “This is also a
great way to call attention to our “Buy-a-brick” fundraiser which allows individuals and families
to have a personalized brick placed in the Miracle League “Walk of Champions” with all
proceeds supporting the maintenance of our special field. It is a chance to have a personal link to
this site where the dreams of these terrific athletes are fulfilled.” Bricks can be purchased online
at https://www.bricksrus.com/order/miracleleague/index.php and cost only $75 for a 4” x 8”
brick or $150 for a 8” x 8” brick. Engel went on to note that the Big Leaguers have their work
cut out for them. “Heath Bell pitched once during our Spring season and was rocked badly by
our sluggers. They lit him up like a Tiki torch!”

Each of the big leaguers will take a hand at pitching during one of the five 2-inning games taking
place on Saturday. Games will run on the hour starting at 10 AM. All games are played at Engel
Family Field, adjacent to the hilltop picnic and playground area in San Dieguito Park, at the
intersection of Lomas Santa Fe Drive and Highland Drive. Parking is available at San Dieguito
Park for the event and the Miracle League concession stand will be serving traditional ball park
fare during the day.

About the Miracle League of San Diego
The Miracle League of San Diego (“MLSD”) provides children with mental or physical
challenges an opportunity to play baseball as a team member in an organized league believing
that “every child deserves a chance to play baseball.” In a unique public/non-profit partnership
with the County of San Diego Parks and Recreation Department, and with the support of the San
Diego Padres, MLSD built Engel Family Field, the first ADA accessible ball field of its kind in
Southern California. The field surface is a flat cushioned rubber mat that ensures that children
with disabilities can safely and successfully play baseball. Upgrades include an electronic
scoreboard and state-of-the-art PA system that provide Miracle Leaguers a unique experience.
Since launching in May 2007, MLSD operates two baseball seasons every year, with the spring
season generally running from March through May and fall from September through November.
For more information visit www.miracleleagueofsandiego.org.