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"America's Favorite Pastime
Includes the Blind and
Visually Impaired!"

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Animated picture of Home-Run Hitter Swinging the Bat Animated picture of Home-Run Hitter Swinging the Bat

 

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"We're Akron Ohio's
'Favorite' Beep Baseball Team!"

...also Akron's ONLY Beep Baseball Team!  

 

 

 

 


Q:  How do you compensate for different degrees of vision?

A:  One word... "Blindfolds." All batters and all fielders are blindfolded, to ensure equality.

There are fairly strict rules in place that the umpires follow, to watch out for those trying to cheat by pushing up their blindfold a bit and look down their nose, as some have done in the past. But generally, blindfolds do the trick of equalizing varying vision levels among players.

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Q:  Does the batter ever actually HIT the ball? If so, HOW?

A:  The batter definitely hits the ball. Sometimes out of the park!

If you read the info provided on this site about how the game is played, you will find that the pitcher & catcher are on the HITTER'S team. It's their job to get the hitter to hit the ball. It's all about the timing. But yes, most definitely, there are plenty of balls hit, and plenty of balls hit hard.

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Q:  Do the outfielders ever catch fly balls?

A:  Yes, it's been known to happen on occasion. There's actually a special rule for this scenario, saying that a ball caught in mid-air is worth two outs, rather than the normal one for fielding the ball before the batter gets to the base. So, it may be a bit rare, but it does happen now & then.

The spotters by the bases are allowed to call out which zone it's heading towards, and also to yell out a warning to a fielder if it looks like it might hit that player from the air, so these warnings can help with this scenario of catching a fly ball.

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Q:  How does the fielder find the ball?

A:  Well, the ball emits a loud beeping tone, sounding a bit like a truck backing up, but a bit faster-paced. By tracking this sound, the blindfolded fielders go after the ball.

This fielding process is helped along slightly when the ball is first hit, by the spotter calling out one number, 1-6, to tell which of the 6 field zones it's heading towards. After that the fielders can talk to eachother and try helping eachother--to get the ball as quickly as possible, but no sighted help is able to be spoken after that first 'zone call.'

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Q:  Does someone help the batter find the bases?

A:  No. The bases emit a loud buzzing tone, which is able to be discerned from the beeping of the ball. When a ball is hit, a base is turned on, and begins buzzing.

The batter runs as fast as possible towards the base that just started buzzing, trying to get to the base before the fielder gets control of the beeping ball. No one helps the blindfolded batter. they have to listen for the buzzing tone and run towards it, and find the base on his or her own.

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Q:  How do the players run the bases in a straight line?

A:  Well, truthfully, they don't always run in a straight-line. They sometimes hear where the buzzing sound is generally coming from, run towards it, and as they get closer, they zone-in on it more & more until they touch it. This often happens with those experiencing it for the first time. But as with anything, practice makes perfect, as the saying goes.

Experienced beep baseball players have run the base-lines many times, and know generally which way to run and about how far, so go at it full-speed, often almost tackling or running over the base to get there as quickly as they can--before the fielder finds the ball and gains control.

That's the "name of the game" after all. If the fielder gets control of the ball first, it's an out. If the batter gets to the base first, it's a point. Plain and simple, but oh so much FUN!

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Q:  When was beep baseball invented?

A:  The actual "beep baseball" was invented in 1964, by a man named Charley Fairbanks, who was an engineer with Mountain Bell Telephone. You can find out the whole story at the NBBA site below.

The National Beep Baseball Association (NBBA) brought respect to the game and formed a beep baseball league, in the mid-70's... and has been going and growing ever since.

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Q:  How is the game played?

A:  Please read our "What Is Beep Baseball" page for all the details, but, in summary...

In Beep Baseball, all players are blindfolded, except for the pitchers & catchers, umpires & spotters. All batters, and all fielders, are blindfolded during the game, to ensure equality.

The ball, sort of like a large softball, with a 16" circumference and weighing 16-Oz., emits a loud beeping tone when a pin is pulled out of it. The bases emit a loud buzzing tone, when they are turned on after a batter hits a ball.

The batter must get to the base first--to get a point, before the fielder gains control of the ball. If the fielder gains control of the beeping ball first, before the batter gets to the buzzing base, it's an out.

There is no second-base (2nd) as in a normal game of baseball or softball. There are only first (1st) and third (3rd) bases.

When the batter hits the ball, a base is turned on and they must run to it. They won't know which base it will be before-hand.

The pitcher & the catcher are on the batters team, and it's their job to get the batter to HIT the ball (It's all about the timeing!). So there you go, in a "nutshell," that's the game of beep baseball. So come on out and watch a game for yourself. They're great fun!

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Q:  What is the NBBA?

A:  The National Beep Baseball Association (NBBA)) is the governing organization for the sport of Beep Baseball, in the United States.

They've been in existence since the mid-70's and are helping the sport to grow, both nationally and on an International level. There are already well-established beep baseball teams in Taiwan and Taipei, and other teams are starting up in other countries around the world.

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Q:  Where is beep baseball played?

A:  Beep Baseball is played in numerous states and cities around the United States, and also in other countries. The NBBA) has a list of teams on its Web site you can look over if you want.

There are some teams around the USA that have not yet seen the wisdom in joining with the sports main national organization, the NBBA, to help the sport grow as a whole, but hopefully we will all come together one day. It can only help the sport grow that much quicker.

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Q:  Who can play beep baseball?

A:  Beep Baseball is a sport designed for the blind and visually impaired, but it does allow up to two (2) sighted players on each team, if needed... not including the pitchers & catchers.

To be eligible, the visually impaired player must have a visual acuity of 20/200 or worse. This level is deemed "legally-blind" by the United States government.

Each team must have on file signed forms from each player's doctor or other recognized representative, stating that they are (at least) legally-blind.

MLB Umpires are automatically eligible, if they want to play, as they are all "blind" anyway. *Smile*

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Q:  How old do you have to be to play?

A:  Players must be at least fourteen (14) years old to play. There is no age limit that we know of. If you are seventy (70), and want to play, come on out for a go at it! You might be our star player.

Seriously though, we are open to men and women, boys and girls, ages fourteen and up. If you want to give it a go, come on out and check it out, please. If you have the interest, we want to meet you!

And hey, even if you decide you can't or don't want to play, if you have the interest, you can always help coach, or help facilitate the behind-the-scenes workings of the team & organization. We are always in need of volunteer help!

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Q:  Can girls play the game?

A:  Yes, definitely. The only thing is, they have to be at least fourteen (14) years old.

Come on out to a game, or a practice, and we'll give you a chance to see for yourself if you want to give it a go! ...or we can just talk, first. No pressure.

We are just doing what we can to help the blind and visually impaired people in the Greater Akron area, get out of the house more, and get more ACTIVE!

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Q:  What equipment is needed for a team to play beep baseball?

A:  There is an official equipment list on the NBBA) site, but, here are some notes for those interested in starting a team...

First, as a player, you might want a glove, some cleats, etc., just as with most any team you'd be on. It is still baseball after all, although adapted for the blind.

Now, for teams...

  • You'll need at least one set of beeping bases, if you want to host tournaments or bring in other teams to play in your city. In the past, some teams have made their own bases, using makeshift bases that "do the job," but are not sanctioned by the NBBA and cannot be used in tournaments. but teams have done this in the past, as sometimes, the cost of a new set of buzzing bases is a bit prohibitive for start-up teams. As of the 2003 season, cost is $355 per set of bases.
  • You'll want 5 or 6 new beeping baseballs. You NEED this many to bring with you to any NBBA tournaments, so might as well get at least that many to use in local games too, as needed. $25/each as of the 2003 season.
  • Blindfolds. You will need blindfolds for players. At least 6, for when they are in the field. They often can be found for $4 or $5 each. The typical kind, often referred to as, "Nightshades."
  • Typical equipment for baseball, such as bats, gloves, catcher's equipment, batting helmets, etc. Equipment bags as well.
  • You will need to get a field to practice and play on. We suggest working with your VFW's, Lions Clubs, City Athletic Departments, etc. to find suitable fields. If you know softball or baseball people, such as those working with LittleLeague teams, ask them for leads. If you work with city departments, you will likely need to get insurance for your team. Check out the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) for leads with this.
  • Uniforms, or, at least, T-shirts & hats, with team insignia & player names & numbers on them, to help with identifying players during games.
  • You are going to want to find volunteers who will help with transportation, as this is often one of the bigger hindrances. Try to get players parents involved if the player is a youth. No matter how you do it, you will definitely want volunteers working with your team as much as possible. So start looking for others interested in and excited about the sport starting-up in your area.
  • Money! Now, we realize money and volunteers are not exactly "equipment," but they are definite necessities for any team to be successful. So they are here, for all you who are reading this to find out what is needed for a team to succeed. It is recommended that your team either work the "Fiscal Sponsorship" angle--getting in under another Nonprofit's 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, or, file the necessary paperwork and do what is necessary to become your own tax-exempt Nonprofit organization/team. Either way, this will open up many more funding options for your team, in regards to grant opportunities--such as those found on our Funding for Beep Baseball section.
So there you go. Ask about equipment, and get more than you probably wanted. But better to have more, than not enough. *Smile*

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Q:  Is Beep Baseball a Paralympic Sport?

A:  No. Not yet, anyway. Give it another decade and who knows what will happen. Beep Baseball is still in its infancy as far as growth and popularity go. A sport needs to be played in numerous countries for it to be considered as a possibility for Paralympic inclusion.

Not sure what the paralympics are? Click the following link to find out exactly what the Paralympics are.

Now, Goalball... Goalball is a Paralympic sport for the blind. It's played in more than 110 countries all around the world. It is a sport some of us are trying to get playing right here in Ohio. Although it's played in numerous countries, and multiple states across America, it's not yet "officially" being played in Ohio. So some of us are working to get this awesome paralympic sport playing all across Ohio.

So even though Beep Baseball is not yet a paralympic sport, give it another 10 or 20 years. Goalball has about that much ahead of it, as Goalball was started in the mid-40's or so, and Beep Baseball was started in the mid-60's.

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Q:  Are there any e-mail lists where people can talk about--or ask questions about--beep baseball?

A:  Yes. If you did a search on the two largest listhosts, YahooGroups and Topica, you'd find a total of about 4 beep baseball lists. 3 of them, unfortunately, are not active hardly at all, if at all. There is no traffic and only a few subscribers on each.

This is why we started another list for beep baseball. We actively promote this beep baseball e-mail discussion list to those in the game, as well as those with an interest in the game. It is a fairly active list, with at least a couple messages a week, and a constantly growing number of subscribers--all of whom are either playing the game or looking into starting teams in their area. So come on and join us on the list!

You can find out more by visiting the appropriate page on this Web site, or by sending an e-mail request to: BeepBaseball-subscribe@topica.com.

We hope to hear from you on the list soon, and look forward to helping you learn about, or discuss, the game!

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Q:  Is the name of your team the South Sharks, or the Sharks?

A:  Our full name is the "Coventry South Sharks," but our actual team NAME is, "The Sharks." "Coventry South" is a suburb of Akron, Ohio.

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Q:  Do the Sharks' really have a cheerleading squad?

A:  Yes and no. We WANT a cheerleading squad, and are planning on it, but thus far we have not found the person or people needed to facilitate and lead such a venture as part of this organization.

But we want to be an atypical team/organization. We want to stand out for more than just our possibly being a great team. We want some hype involved, too, for PR reasons, to say the least. Plus we just want to have FUN while doing it all! Who SAYS that football has to be the only sport that gets to have cheerleaders??? *Smile*

So, if you want to try out for our cheerleading squad, or think you might be just the person we've been waiting for, to help lead the squad, then by all means, please contact us today to discuss it. You can e-mail us or call us at 330.745.7853.

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Q:  Can I be a cheerleader for the Sharks?

A:  Most likely, yes. We have girls who are wheelchair-bound, but have a desire to do it,and we're willing to give them a chance once the squad gets going. We have also had high-school girls inquire and show interest in being a part of this traveling team's cheerleading squad. It doesn't matter whether you are a youth or an adult, with or without past experience. It does not matter your situation, for the most part. It only matters what your level of desire and determination is. We're all about having fun--while getting the "job" done. But, you could say that we are an "EOCS." Equal Opportunity Cheerleading Squad. *Smile*

One thing though... there ARE some parameters we will follow... namely that cheerleaders must at least be female. Sorry guys.

So, if you want to try out for the Sharks' cheerleading squad, or think you might be just the person we've been waiting for, to help lead the squad, then by all means, please contact us today to discuss it. You can e-mail us or call us at 330.745.7853.

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Q:  What are the benefits of playing beep baseball, for a blind person?

A:  Well, in many ways, playing sports when growing up totally gblind--or even visually impaired in some cases, helps the child to use muscles that are not used otherwise, and helps the body to grow & function more normally.

Many parents, whether out of fear or out of thinking they're actually 'helping' the child/youth, end up either overprotecting/sheltering the youth, or just plainly & simply doing too much FOR them rather than leting them do things for themselves. In the long run, this has been proven more often than not, to be a hindrance rather than a true help to the youth.

No matter what the reason, when a child grows up not experiencing what the body was built for, that child can have muscles that were not formed fully,or correctly. This can lead to improper balance, and lack of coordination, to say the least.

Also, participating in sports, whether a youth or an adult, helps build one's confidence and self-assurance.

As an adult, playing in sports can help you be more physically agile, as with anyone playing sports. It's not just the blind or visually impaired that being physically active helps.

Lastly, a blind or visually impaired person participating in sports, and in this instance, in beep baseball, will help to promote a positive outlook and better understanding about the truths of blindness, rather than merely allow the myths and misconceptions of blindness to continue. Simply by showing that you most certainly CAN do it, if you only WILL, helps in this way--whether you like it or not. *Smile*

To summarize...

So there you go... several reasons to get off your duff and come out and try it for yourself! It's great fun, more than anything else, though. Just ask most anyone who plays the game. For more details on coming out to a practice or a game to experience it for yourself, please, e-mail us today or call us at 330.745.7853 so we can talk.

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Q:  What are some of the perks of playing or volunteering in the sport of beep baseball?

A:  We just described the perks for a blind or visually impaired person playing the game, so let's answer the list of perks for a sighted person this time...

First, when playing under blindfold, you will be 'forced' to use your other senses, and they will sharpen a bit from that experience, each time. You will have to focus more on your hearing, on your touch, etc., and we promise you, you will be that much better off for the experience.

Then there is the fact that simply by being involved with us and having FUN with us, you will learn that blind people are people too... not something to fret needlessly over or scamper around or try to do everything for, as too many seem to do, needlessly.

Another 'perk' is that you will know that you are a part of something great! Helping to grow the team and make it successful also helps the league and the sport in general, continue to grow. This helps mmore blind people find out about it, and experience the thrill and positive impact sports has on most everyone's life, who plays.

All of these perks can be experience by you, whether you play, or volunteer your time or talents to help the game be all it can be, here in the Akron area, or nationally through other teams or the NBBA itself.

Please e-mail us today or call us at 330.745.7853 so we can talk, and see how you can get involved.

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Q:  How can I start playing?

A:  It's EASY! Just contact us! Please e-mail us today or call us at 330.745.7853 and we can talk. It's that easy! No matter whether you want to play, or simply get involved somehow and be a part of something great!

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Q:  Do you use volunteer help?

A:  Oh yes,most definitely. This organization/team is a Nonprofit entity. We are not yet--as of this writing in the spring of 2003--an official tax-exempt 501(c)(3) Nonprofit organization, but we're filling out the paperwork now and are soon going to be submitting it to the IRS.

We survive only on volunteer help and the support of our community through donations of funds and equipment.

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Q:  What are some of your main volunteer needs?

A:  Some of the main things we need volunteer help with are...

These are are biggest needs for volunteer help with the team right now. There are many smaller tasks/needs that can be met with the help of volunteers, though. Things like Web design help, design of marketing materials, logo's, etc., help with the IRS paperworrk to make this team an official tax-exempt organization, finding sponsors and donors on most any level--whether it be with funds or equipment or some other need... all these things are needs, and any and all volunteer help is greatly appreciated.

Again, if you'd like to find out if (More to the point, WHERE) your time and skills can be utilized best, please call 330.745.7853 or e-mail BeepBaseball@earthlink.net today.

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Q:  How can I start volunteering, & help your team & sport?

A:  First, read the question/answer directly above, and then, please, simply call 330.745.7853 or e-mail BeepBaseball@earthlink.net today.

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Q:  If our baseball or softball team wanted to play your team, what should we do?

A:  In our Inaugural season of beep baseball here in the Akron area, we are challenging baseball and softball teams throughout the community/region.

We are inviting teams such as Firehouse, Police, Radio-station, and both youth and adult baseball and softball teams--no matter whether they are in high-school, college, or independent leagues, to come in and play us by our rules--under blindfold.

We are doing this to help the community learn about the game, and experience it for themselves firsthand. Also to help others in our community learn that we are out there, if they want to get involved in any way--or know someone who might be willing and able to play beep baseball.

If your team would like to discuss coming out and playing us in a game of beep baseball, great! It's easy! Just call 330.745.7853 or e-mail BeepBaseball@earthlink.net today.

We'd love to play you!

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Q:  How can I start a beep baseball team in my community?

A:  Well, there are some other areas of this FAQ, and of this site, you should read, first. On the links to the left--or at the bottom of this page, you will find a page titled, "How To Start A Team." Please read it over. Then, go to the NBBA site and read their document titled, "Starting A Beep Baseball Team."

After you've read those articles, check out the NBBA's list of official and necessary equipment for playing beep baseball. It's not as hard as you might think. You just need the motivation, desire, and "stick-to-it-iveness," as they say... to get it done.

Your biggest needs are for finding players, then volunteers, then funds. Check out our 'Beep Baseball Resources' section for help with this. It has links to possible funding help, links to online equipment sources, help for learning about promoting the team, and more.

It most certainly can be done, if you are serious about it. Please call 330.745.7853 or e-mail BeepBaseball@earthlink.net today if you have any further questions. We'll always help you if we can!

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Q:  What should I do if I want to donate funds or equipment to your team?

A:  That's an easy one to answer!...   Please call us at 330.745.7853 or e-mail BeepBaseball@earthlink.net today so we can discuss your donation possibilities. Thanks for considering helping to support beep baseball--and the Coventry South Sharks... we look forward to hearing from you, and talking with you.

One thing though... in our first season (2003) we are not yet an official Nonprofit tax-exempt organization. This means that any donations right now are not yet tax-deductible. You'd be doing them simply out of the goodness of your heart--which is a great thing, definitely... but we just wanted to clarify that, so there is no misunderstanding. You will be helping a great sport--a great "cause," to get going here in the Greater Akron area, but this season, it would not be able to be done as a write-off.

But by next season, 2004, we should have everything in place and with the IRS' "blessings," we will be an official tax-exempt Nonprofit organization and any donations can then be deducted from your taxes if you wanted to use the donation as a deduction.

But we are definitely in need of funds and equipment right now, for this, our Inaugural 2003 season, so any help would be greatly appreciated! Again, please, contact us today... 330.745.7853 or e-mail us now to talk about how you can help. Thanks!

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Q:  What should I do if my company wants to sponsor your team?

A:  Another easy one to answer...   Please call us at 330.745.7853 or e-mail BeepBaseball@earthlink.net today so we can discuss your sponsorship or donation possibilities.

We offer several options, including but not limited to...

  • Game Jersey Logo. The Sharks' Game jerseys could have your logo on them, prominently displayed on either the back (Larger-just below the number), or on one of the sleeves (A patch).
  • Practice Jersey Logo. Same as above, but on our Practice Jerseys, which would be worn at practices, but also out in public, on the street, to help with promos & the like (We do things together as a team to help with promotion of the team... workouts at the gym, Aeros games, etc., regularly.).
  • Promotional T-shirt Logo. We can put your logo and contact info on our promo T-shirts, showing your support of our team and the sport of beep baseball to all, all throughout the year. These shirts are worn by players and supporters, in everyday situations. On the front, there will be various sayings on different batches of shirts, such as, "I Support Beep Baseball-Baseball for the Blind. and the Coventry South Sharks." On the back will be a listing of regional sponsors, such as yourself, with logos and contact info. It is our goal to distribute 1000 of these shirts throughout our community, each season.
  • Web site Sponsors' Page Link-Year-round. Your logo & contact info could be on our Web site all throughout the year, showing your support of our team & good work in your community. We offer both Sponsorship Page links as well as more of an "advertising" option where your banner or logo-link can be shown on every page of our site.
  • Coupon/Flier Handouts on Game Day. We can print up coupons for your business--or use your pre-printed coupons, which we will hand-out to all in attendance at each game, as well as have such coupons able to be downloaded/printed right off of our Website, if you'd like.

So, please, give us a call or send us an e-mail today, to discuss what your thoughts are about helping out the Sharks'... the beep baseball team right here in your own community! Please call 330.745.7853 ore-mail us today.

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Q:  What should I do if my company wants to sponsor a beep baseball team in another area of the USA?

A:  Well, you could do one of two things, or both...   Contact us to find out who exactly to contact in your area of interest, or, go to the NBBA site to find the list of beep baseball teams and see if there is already one in your area.

If there is not yet one in your area, we recommend contacting the NBBA directly to find out if there is currently one trying to start-up in that area. Your sponsorship might be just what they need to get going with a bang!

Please call us at 330.745.7853 or e-mail BeepBaseball@earthlink.net if you have any questions, or would like further help with this subject.

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Q:  What should I do if my company wants to sponsor beep baseball on a larger, national level?

A:  In this case, you should definitely contact the National Beep Baseball Association (NBBA) directly. Go to www.nbba.org to get the contact info for that organization.

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