TL;DR:
- The game Beep Baseball is geared towards individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
- Beep Baseball is played with a 16-inch softball equipped with electronics that allow the ball to beep.
- The goal of the game is for the pitcher to get the batter to connect with the ball, not strike out the player.
- An interview with Dan Kelley, a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments, shares how the game originated, the rules of the game, and some benefits it has for the players.
In this time of need for mental health education, I had an urge to look for ways that teachers play. Play is a wonderful thing for all ages, but we do not all play the same games or play for the same reasons. In the next couple of months, I will be blogging about games that were new to me. I got to interview some really awesome people. I know you are going to want to connect with them to learn more about their work in education and beyond.
This interview is with Dan Kelley, a K-12 certified TVI (Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments). He provides instruction with the use of assistive technology for students in kindergarten all the way through seniors at the Ohio State School for the Blind. I know my Teach Better Community loves podcasts, and guess what?! Students as The Ohio State School for the Blind have a student-led podcast.
What is the name of the game or activity you enjoy playing?
Beep Baseball (www.nbba.org).
Where did Beep Baseball originate?
In the ’70s, Charlie Ward, who worked with the telephone pioneers, invented a beep baseball. This game is played with a 16-inch softball equipped with electronics that allow the ball to beep. Bases that emit a buzzing tone have evolved over the past 30 years.
Beep Baseball is geared toward people who are blind or visually impaired and is played like coach pitch. The pitcher pitches for their team and their goal is to connect with the batter, not strike out the player. Click To Tweet
What makes Beep Baseball unique?
Beep Baseball is geared toward people who are blind or visually impaired and is played like coach pitch. The pitcher pitches for their team and their goal is to connect with the batter, not strike out the player. The object is to get the ball into play. A runner has to get on first or third base before the ball is fielded by the defense. There are six fielders and a designated hitter/fielder. A game is six innings with a 12-run rule. If a team has a 12-run lead, the opponent can use their remaining outs to catch up or take the lead.
How do you play Beep Baseball?
Each batter has four strikes instead of three and is allowed one passed ball. The passed ball is used to listen and adjust the timing or for a player to catch his breath if he has an at-bat where a lot of foul balls are hit. The batter has to run out of the box each time they connect, not knowing if the ball will be fair or foul. An umpire makes that call.
On defense, there is a spotter in left field and a spotter in right field. After a ball is hit, the spotter is only allowed to say one number. Usually, teams divide the field into 12 zones, 1-6 in left and 1-6 in right. 1’s are near the foul lines and 6 is up the middle. If the spotter makes a double call, it is an automatic run for the offense.
There are 3 outs per half inning. If someone catches a fly ball, it is a side out. Catching a fly ball is rare. It has only been done twice, once at a World Series.
Fun fact: Dan was the one who caught a fly ball in the 1996 World Series in Austin, Texas.
Are rules and guidelines important in this game?
Yes, as in any sport, safety is of the utmost importance for everyone. This is why you either run to first or third base. There is not a second base or running through the home base. Everyone except the pitcher, catcher, and spotters wear blindfolds to make it even, as there are different levels of visual impairment or blindness.
Do you take a score?
Absolutely!
How does this game make you feel?
I love it. It is empowering to play this game. I’ve spent time working with the batter, pitcher, and catcher to master a consistent swing and developed timing and connection when on offense.
Running wide open down the baseline leads to plowing through a base and beating the defense. Playing defense and using my ears and athleticism helps get in front of hard-hit balls, beat a runner, and make the out.
The best thing is the comradery among players which has lead to long-lasting friendships that have developed over the years. The late nights at the bars with friends and the overall feeling of family spans the NBBA league.
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What should people know about this game or activity?
Beep Baseball is a game of skill, passion, and commitment. Teams come from all over to compete. It is fun to watch and to be a part of either as a spectator, player, or volunteer. There is a role for everyone.
I want to hear from you! We love our teachers and want you to Play Better!
Connect with me on Twitter @playyay with #playbetter #teachbetter.
About BreAnn Fennell
Mrs. BreAnn Fennell is a first-grade and second-grade looping teacher in Ashland, Ohio. She has worked in both public and private settings and is passionate about providing exciting learning environments for students. Mrs. Fennell is a published author of children’s books including Play? Yay! and Choose Your Cheer. She is a mom to two energetic boys and a defender of play!
