[blindkid] Baseball question

Tue Apr 7 15:16:39 UTC 2009

You don't say how old your son is. However, from my experience, if he's been playing ball in Little League or for a school team, I'm not sure there is any safe way to keep playing.  Some of those pitchers have enormous speed and get stronger every year.

Goalball is a blind sport.  There were some references to it earlier this week on this list.  It is a real competitive game for blind athletes.  Not every state has a team but you can search it out on the website  www.usaba.org.  Players have all degrees of visual impairment, but they wear blacked-out googles anyway, so everyone plays totally blind.  You have to see a game to appreciate how cool it is.  The woman's team from the US took the gold medal at the Paralympics in China in 2008.
I know it's no substitute for the baseball exactly, but it's really worth a look for an athletic kid.

Linda, NJ

-----Original Message-----
From: Kim Cunningham <kim at gulfimagesphoto.com>
To: (for parents of blind children)NFBnet Blind Kid Mailing List <blindkid at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tue, 7 Apr 2009 8:08 am
Subject: Re: [blindkid] Baseball question

Mindy,
e used to have a beep ball team in Houston. Since many of our kids were 
ounger, we adapted the adult beep ball rules for our kids. Here is a brief 
ummary of how the game is played. Also, we had sighted siblings play with us 
ince EVERYONE must wear a sleep shade. It's a great game and very competitive!
egards,
im Cunningahm
eep Baseball is played similarly to 
traditional baseball with the following 
xceptions:

. The bases are tall foam structures that emit a beep. There are only “first" 
nd "third" bases.
. The baseball is larger and heavier than a softball and also emits a beep 
different from bases).
. Children use a batting tee.
. All players must wear blindfolds while fielding and batting.
. Six players per team. 
. Six innings per game.
. An out is either when the batters swings 4 times without hitting the ball 
rom the tee, or when a fielder picks up the batted ball,  raises it above his 
ead so the umpire can see it, and yells “Got it!”  BEFORE the batter reaches a 
ase.     
. If the batter reaches the base before a fielder picks up the ball, then a run 
s scored and the batter returns to the bench. 
0. Two sighted “spotters” are allowed in the outfield. The spotter tells which 
hild should field the ball based on the direction the ball is hit. For safety 
easons, the child will field the ball only after his name is called by the 
potter.  The other children will be assisting if the ball is missed by this 
layer. The fielders will talk to other players to let them know if they got the 
all or missed it. At this time the other players will listen to the direction 
f the ball and try to make an out.
1. NO LOUD NOISES OR TALKING DURING PLAY! The players will rely on their 
uditory skills during the game. Clapping and talking can be done
 after the 
atter is finished with his turn.
2.  After the batter has hit the ball (must travel at least 10 ft. from base), 
 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 
ounds until switched ON. At this time, the batter will have to listen for which 
ase is beeping and run quickly to this base. 
3. Fielders are encouraged to talk to one another during play so that they can 
e aware of what is happening. 

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

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

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

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

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

e wants to continue playing and doesn't want to quit.  But, Josh is also 
rustrated and angry.  Tonight is the first time he's ever said he wished he=2
0
idn't have an eye disease.  He says he wishes god would have given it to 
nother kid who doesn't love sports like he does.

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

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

hanks-
indy

indy Lipsey
ediaedge:cia
10-530-5555
207 Harvest Rush Road
wings Mills, MD  21117

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