Lansing Sun

Michigan State University's baseball and softball teams collaborated to host the Beautiful Lives Project Field of Dreams event on Thursday afternoon at McLane Stadium at Jeff Ishbia Field. This marks the third consecutive year that MSU has partnered with co-founder Bryce Weiler for this initiative.

The Beautiful Lives Project aims to provide individuals with disabilities opportunities to engage in activities and events that might otherwise be inaccessible due to physical or facility constraints.

Approximately 100 participants attended the event, where student-athletes from MSU's baseball and softball teams conducted various drills and activities. These included playing catch, running bases, fielding, pitching, and hitting.

"We had a great time teaming up with @MSU_Softball to host @BryceWeiler and the Beautiful Lives Project Field of Dreams today!! Tune in to @WLNS at 6 pm for more on today's event!! #GoGreen | #SpartansWill," Michigan State Baseball tweeted.

Michigan State was the first college baseball and softball team to host this event three years ago. Weiler's group now collaborates with various college sports teams across the country as well as minor league baseball teams. Weiler, who is blind, serves as both co-founder of the Beautiful Lives Project and its National Advocacy Officer. He also works as a disability consultant for the Baltimore Orioles.

"It's a chance for our kids and our softball program to give back a little bit and have a chance to influence some lives of young people," said MSU baseball head coach Jake Boss Jr. "These young kids walk out of here with a big smile on their face, and that's the goal."

After completing all on-field activities, participants took group photos, while student-athletes signed autographs and took individual pictures with the children despite many needing to leave early for school.

"I hope they learn a ton," said MSU softball head coach Sharonda McDonald-Kelley. "It's fun to watch them just laugh and have a good time chasing the kids around; you can see genuine joy on their faces."

Weiler expressed his enthusiasm about returning to MSU annually: "Today was our third-annual Field of Dreams event here with Michigan State baseball and softball teams... I hope the baseball and softball players at Michigan State realize that they have such a great platform as Big Ten athletes."

MSU junior Hannah Hawley noted how much they learned from interacting with participants: "Today opens your eyes a lot... It puts things in perspective for everyone."

Weiler later shared his personal story with student-athletes, leaving an impression on many including Hawley: "He didn't take it as an obstacle... it's just great what he's doing."

Baseball sophomore Ryan McKay reflected positively on his experience: "It was awesome... but just being able to help them is a blessing for us."

Michigan State remains enthusiastic about seeing this initiative spread further within collegiate sports programs nationwide.

For more information on the Beautiful Lives Project, visit www.beautifullives.org.

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