Tag Archives: independence

10 Things You (Probably) Didn't Know About Beep Baseball

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  • There are over 30 officially registered teams, according to the National Beep Baseball Association (NBBA)
  • The beeping ball used to play the sport was created in 1964 by Charles Fairbanks.
  • The game is only 6 innings long, not 9 like the traditional game of baseball, but can go in to extra innings if need be.
  • There have been only 5 documented cases of a hit ball being caught in the air during a game.
  • Runs are scored by the player making it to the base before the ball is fielded.
  • The pitcher and catcher are both sighted individuals.
  • Rather than 9 men on the field, there are 6 players.
  • The World Series for Beep Baseball is in Rochester, Minnesota for 2014, but it’s been hosted in Houston, Indianapolis, Chicago and even Denver, Colorado.
  • There are over 20 players in the NBBA Hall of Fame, dating back to 1999.
  • A defensive player does not throw the ball to another player to record an out. Outs are earned by fielding the ball before the runner reaches the base.
    • https://youtu.be/neSGIUsf1Pg]]>

    America's Past Time: Adapted

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    Adaptive sports are full of many inspirational stories. While some may go unheard or unseen, The Independence Center wants to share as many stories that inspire and motivate individuals with disabilities as possible. We’ve highlighted the world of sled hockey, and now we are shining the light on beep baseball.
    Beep baseball, named for the beeping sound the ball makes, is an adaptive sport specifically created with visually impaired individuals in mind. This adapted version on America’s pastime showcases the athleticism, drive and determination that players possess. The game was created in 1964 and has continued to evolve and grow tremendously.
    In this version of the game, you score a run by reaching a base before the opposing team’s outfielders pick up the ball. The infielders, at first and third, guard bases that look like blue foam pillars, while the pitcher, who has vision, is on your own team.
    While the National Beep Baseball Association (NBBA) has nearly 30 teams officially registered, the sport is still widely unknown in most communities. Michael Jackson, a client of The Independence Center, gave the sport a voice, along with the low-vision community, in The IC’s latest commercial. Through this commercial Michael’s story and the opportunities Beep Baseball offers will be shared and inspire visually impaired individually to follow their dreams and find their inner athlete.
    Stay tuned to view The IC’s Beep Baseball commercial soon!
    Learn more about Beep Baseball here.]]>