[blindkid] Baseball question

Tue Apr 7 12:08:02 UTC 2009

Mindy,
We used to have a beep ball team in Houston. Since many of our kids were younger, we adapted the adult beep ball rules for our kids. Here is a brief summary of how the game is played. Also, we had sighted siblings play with us since EVERYONE must wear a sleep shade. It's a great game and very competitive!
Regards,
Kim Cunningahm
Beep Baseball is played similarly to traditional baseball with the following exceptions:

1. The bases are tall foam structures that emit a beep. There are only “first" and "third" bases.
3. The baseball is larger and heavier than a softball and also emits a beep (different from bases).
4. Children use a batting tee.
5. All players must wear blindfolds while fielding and batting.
6. Six players per team. 
7. Six innings per game.
8. An out is either when the batters swings 4 times without hitting the ball from the tee, or when a fielder picks up the batted ball,  raises it above his head so the umpire can see it, and yells “Got it!”  BEFORE the batter reaches a base.     
9. If the batter reaches the base before a fielder picks up the ball, then a run is scored and the batter returns to the bench. 
10. Two sighted “spotters” are allowed in the outfield. The spotter tells which child should field the ball based on the direction the ball is hit. For safety reasons, the child will field the ball only after his name is called by the spotter.  The other children will be assisting if the ball is missed by this player. The fielders will talk to other players to let them know if they got the ball or missed it. At this time the other players will listen to the direction of the ball and try to make an out.
11. NO LOUD NOISES OR TALKING DURING PLAY! The players will rely on their auditory skills during the game. Clapping and talking can be done after the batter is finished with his turn.
12.  After the batter has hit the ball (must travel at least 10 ft. from base), a sighted catcher will signal for either first or third base to be switched on –causing a BEEP. The bases are operated by toggle switches and do not emit sounds until switched ON. At this time, the batter will have to listen for which base is beeping and run quickly to this base. 
13. Fielders are encouraged to talk to one another during play so that they can be aware of what is happening. 

*The above rules have been modified for children. Official rules can be found at www.nbba.org/rules

--- On Mon, 4/6/09, Mindy Lipsey <mindy_lipsey at yahoo.com> wrote:

From: Mindy Lipsey <mindy_lipsey at yahoo.com>
Subject: [blindkid] Baseball question
To: "NFBnet Blind Kid Mailing List (for parents of blind children)" <blindkid at nfbnet.org>, "nfb sports" <sportsandrec-request at nfbnet.org>
Date: Monday, April 6, 2009, 7:13 PM

My son has been playing baseball for 4 years.  This is the beginning of his 5th season.  He is very athletic and has done exceptionally well up until this year.

Due to Stargardts, his vision is now 20/200.  This is the first year where he's now having trouble hitting the ball.  He can catch and he has a great arm, but he is now swinging too late and continually missing the ball.

He wants to continue playing and doesn't want to quit.  But, Josh is also frustrated and angry.  Tonight is the first time he's ever said he wished he didn't have an eye disease.  He says he wishes god would have given it to another kid who doesn't love sports like he does.

I realize there are other sports that Josh can continue to participate in forever.  Wrestling is one sport he began last year and he loves it.  But he also loves baseball.

My question for the group is:  Are there any adaptations others have tried that have allowed their children to continue to play baseball?

Thanks-
Mindy

Mindy Lipsey
Mediaedge:cia
410-530-5555
9207 Harvest Rush Road
Owings Mills, MD  21117

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