loader image

About us

Buddy League, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Garland, TX that provides recreational opportunities for children with special needs. 

Heather and Curt Miller founded Buddy League in the fall of 2002 for their son, Ben, and other children with special needs. When the local little league would no longer make accommodations for Ben, Heather and Curt created the idea for Buddy League. Beginning with two, 5-player teams, Buddy League has grown to serving over 150 players and families from across the Dallas Metroplex each season.

Over the past 22 years, Buddy League has served hundreds of children with special needs across the Dallas metroplex. We’ve hosted thousands of unique youth volunteers experiencing Buddy League alongside kids not so different from themselves.

 

Read Ben's story

Our mission
To create recreational opportunities for children with special needs to help them develop active lifestyles, build social relationships, and learn the values of teamwork in an accepting, inclusive, and fun environment.

Our vision
We strive to provide opportunities for building social skills, self-esteem, and peer
relationships. Players are not the only ones who win at Buddy League. Buddies learn just
as much; they see enthusiasm, determination, tolerance, joy, and unconditional love at every
Buddy League game. No games are protested here and there is no rivalry. If players need a high
five or a hug at home plate, they’ll find it at Buddy League. Everyone wins here

Our objectives

  • To promote inclusion, understanding, and acceptance in our North Texas community.
  • To build player’s self-esteem and social relationships as a member of a team.
  • To create a lasting impression on volunteers in the community so they can change the world.
  • To enable recreational opportunities for children with special needs and help them develop and maintain active lifestyles.
Ben sitting on steps at home thinking. His hand is on his chin and arm in on his knee
Alyssa hugging her Buddy

Buddy League Board of Directors

Meet the Board

baseball favicon

Our Buddy League Board of Directors is comprised of family members of individuals with special needs, educators, and long-time Buddy League volunteers.

A gold-foiled baseball card featuring Heather Miller, with Buddy League since 2002. She's holding a player and speaking into the microphone.
Heather Miller, President & Co-Founder
Red, blue, and gold-foil baseball card featuring Curt Miller, with Buddy League since 2002. He's wearing a baseball glove and pitching a ball across the infield.
Curt Miller, Treasurer & Co-Founder
A glittery purple baseball card featuring Karen Moore, with Buddy League since 2003. She's smiling near the bleachers with large sunglasses.
Karen Moore, Secretary
A blue and gold-foil baseball card featuring Frankie Lloyd, with Buddy League since 2009. The's smiling and sitting at the announcers stand holding a microphone.
Frankie Lloyd, Member-at-Large
A colorful foil baseball card featuring Joey Shortino, with Buddy League since 2003. He's smiling and standing in the outfield.
Joey Shortino, Communications Director
A shiny, pink baseball card with a silver glitter border featuring Tanner Poteet, with Buddy League since 2012. She's posing and smiling in the outfield.
Tanner Poteet, Volunteer Director
A glittery-green and white baseball card with Brooke Stringer, with Buddy League since 2005. She's cheering along a baseline with both hands in the air.
Brooke Stringer, Fun & Engagement Director
A holographic black and blue baseball card featuring Quinton Stinson, with Buddy League since 2016. He's smiling with another player and posing in front of the field.
Quinton Stinson, Member-at-Large

Register your player
Follow us on social media
Sponsor our season
Get directions to the park
View our game schedule
View the park rules
Toll Free
1-885-245-45635
New York
1-455-245-45623
Toronto
1-657-544-45623