Elkhart County Miracle Leaving Nappanee After One Season
NAPPANEE — The Elkhart County Miracle will be moving from Nappanee to Elkhart after just one season.
After playing its inaugural season in 2023 at NorthWood High School’s Field of Dreams, the team announced last week that it will play its home games next summer at the Elkhart Athletic Complex, on the former campus of Elkhart Central High School.
“Our club had a great launch last year at NorthWood’s Field of Dreams facility as we brought minor league baseball back to Elkhart County for the first time in 113 years,” said the team’s president, Craig Wallin. “I’m really looking forward to playing at our new home in Elkhart.”
The Elkhart County Miracle play in the independent Northern League. The team is primarily made up of top-tier, college-eligible and minor league prospects from across the country, as well as a few players from the Michiana area.
The team’s 55-game home and away league schedule features games beginning in May and ending the second weekend in August. College-eligible players can also be employed part time by area business in a program approved by the NCAA, and are housed free of charge by host families.
The Northern League enjoys a rich history of developing Major League and Hall of Fame players over the last century. Hank Aaron, Orlando Cepeda, Lou Brock, Gaylord Perry, Jim Palmer, Roger Maris, and Don Larsen are among a few who began their MLB career path in the league.
The Elkhart County Miracle is the newest Northern League franchise and is owned by Elkhart County Miracle Baseball, Inc. The league features teams from across Northern Indiana and Chicagoland.
“I believe the new location is ideal for the franchise’s growth,” said Northern League President Don Popravak. “Playing minutes from the central downtown area will attract an even larger fan base.”
The Miracle finished 20-33 in their inaugural season. Prior the Miracle, the last pro team to play in Elkhart County was the Elkhart Blue Sox in 1910.
For more information, go to elkhartcountymiracle.com.