If you’re looking for something to do this Friday and Saturday, you should check out the Beep Baseball!
The City of Indianapolis Parks & Recreation has partnered with the National Beep Baseball Association (NBBA) to host 36th Annual Beep Baseball World Series competition at the Mary and John Geisse Soccer Complex Aug. 1 – 6, 2011.
Never heard of Beep Baseball? It’s an adaptive version of America’s favorite pastime for the blind and visually impaired.
Sixteen teams from across the country and a team from Taiwan will have been competing in a round-robin style all week. Games will continue on Friday, and the final game takes place Saturday, August 6.
“Beep Baseball players are an inspiring group of athletes who have overcome adversity to become leaders in adult athletics and in their communities,” said Mayor Greg Ballard. “I welcome all the teams to our city and look forward to a competitive series.”
The NBBA was formed in 1975 to offer the blind and visually impaired population an opportunity to participate in competitive sports once limited only to the sighted public. The game is modified with the use of a ball that emits a rapid beep and bases that sound a buzz after the ball is hit. Team members are blindfolded to keep the playing field level. The object is to maximize the opportunities of putting the ball in play. Indianapolis is home to two Beep Baseball teams that travel around the country and compete in tournaments.
“It would be tough to find a more dedicated group than the athletes, volunteers and donors who have dedicated their time, effort, and financial support to make the NBBA World Series a success,” said Dan Greene, NBBA president. “Both at the national level, and at the local level, the quality and inspiration of these athletes are the major reason we all keep playing ball.”
If you’d like to volunteer to help with the NBBA World Series, contact Allen McClendon at (317) 327-7036.