Beep Baseball

Beep Baseball

Beep baseball is a sport that is made for people who are blind or have a visual impairment. It is a very fascinating game that resembles baseball in many ways with a few modifications. 

First the ball is a 16 in softball with an implanted beeping device so the players can detect where it is. There are only 3 bases, instead of 4, and each one is made of rubber padding, standing three feet high with a speaker facing home plate. 

Everyone wears blindfolds no matter what their seeing ability is. This makes it fair for everyone. 

When the batter hits the ball they will either have to run to 1st or 3rd base which ever one is activated. Players never know which one they will have to run to; they do not go to all bases.  

There are only 6 innings unless more are needed for a tie and each player gets four outs. 

Each team does have a sighted pitcher and catcher; the pitcher has to say two things, one just before the pitch they say "ready" and as the ball is released they say "pitch" or "ball". 

The most difficult part of beep baseball is defense, there are only 6 players instead of 9. Most of the time the ball is not caught in the air (only 5 documented cases of this happening since beginning of beep baseball), but the players use their bodies to stop the ball and then display it to the umpire. They do not have to throw it to get a player out. 

I think Beep Baseball would be a great experience for people with visual impairments to gain confidence and have a great time.

For more information visit the following websites:

American Association of Adaptive Sports Programs: http://www.adaptedsports.org/adaptedsports/athletics/athletics_beep_baseball.html

National Beep Baseball Association: http://www.nbba.org/about_game.htm

Youtube video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNXqN_QVmpk