250 athletes participating Saturday in Joe Nuxhall Miracle League opening day parade

More than 250 athletes, Joey The Can-Do Kangaroo, and the 1869 Cincinnati Red Stockings vintage baseball team will all be at the Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Field’s Opening Day parade.

Set for 10 a.m., Saturday, April 18, more than 250 youth and adult league players will follow parade marshals Larry and Debi Handley from Sacred Heart Church to the Groh Lane fields.

“Just like the Reds and the Findlay Market Opening Day Parade, we want to celebrate the start of a new season and the athletes who give us all so many reasons to smile,” says Kim Nuxhall, president and board chairman of the Nuxhall Foundation.

“There’s no better way to open our Joy Factory for more miracles than with a parade, and we are thankful to the community that always shows up in a big way to cheer on our all-stars.”

The Handleys – owners of Little Brown Dog Productions – were selected as grand marshals in recognition of all the video content they’ve produced for the organization since the fields opened in 2012, said Tyler Bradshaw, executive director of the Nuxhall Foundation.

The Handleys – who have an adult son player – began their efforts in 2012 – when the facility opened.

“Their videos have inspired others to share in our mission, get involved, and give. I still get chills and tears when I watch the videos they have created for us,” Nuxhall said.

“The only thing bigger than their talent? Their giving hearts. We can’t wait to celebrate all the good they’ve done for us.”

The parade will leave the church’s River Road parking lot to the right, turn left onto Mississippi Road and right on Groh Lane to the fields.

“The Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields represent all things good, positive, and encouraging, and have for more than a decade,” Larry Handley said.

“It’s no wonder they start every year with an exciting, love-filled parade. We are proud and honored to be the grand marshals for the 2026 edition.”

This year there are about 150 players in the Great Miami Valley YMCA Youth League on 10 teams. Another 175 will play on the 10 adult teams from the Therapeutic Recreation for the Disabled.

Youth games begin April 25 and run through the first week in June. A second session is held in the fall.

Adult games begin May 1 and run through the end of July.

“Our all-stars and their families feed off the energy from our supporters,” Bradshaw said.

“That march through our local neighborhood in Fairfield is one of the most moving and memorable moments of the entire year because we see how many people loved Joe and how they continue to love our mission. We are in awe of how our community comes together to cheer on our all-stars, and we can’t wait to see the crowd again this year.”