By David Stephens HOMETOWN NEWS There is always excitement in the air when the special kids of the Carolina Miracle League play baseball at the Spartanburg County Athletic Complex in Boiling Springs. On April 21, 2008, that excitement got ratcheted up a notch when the Byrnes Rebel football team walked down the hill en masse and stepped on the playing field to “buddy up” with the players and play some baseball. The players were overjoyed with the chance to be with the special kids. Player CJ Thomas was buddies with Nate Willis and Thomas seemed to be caught a little flat - footed when Nate hit the ball and took off for first base with Thomas in hot pursuit to catch up. Thomas said, “This is very inspiring to see these kids having fun. It makes me appreciate what God has given me.” Another player, Trevor Tarver was buddied up with Skyler Dunmile and after a turn around the bases he said, “This is a lot of fun and it feels really good to help someone else. These kids are really good at this game.” Rebel Coach Chris Miller let it be known that while his team was there, this evening was not about football and the players. Miller said, “This is not about us. This is about these kids and helping them have a good time. Our players also get an opportunity to see how blessed they are and to be thankful for that. Our program is thankful for this chance to help.”