Beep baseball gives the blind a chance to play game they love

BOSTON — We all know Boston is home to the Red Sox. But there’s another ballclub in town that serves as the rallying point for a community.

The Boston Renegades, comprised of visually impaired players, are gearing up to play in the Indy Thunder Beep Baseball Bonanza next month.

Boston 25 joined in on a Renegades’ practice as coaches put the players through their paces, taking batting practice and fielding grounders.

Unlike a regular baseball, the ball the Renedages use beeps as it enters the field of play. This allows the visually-impaired defenders to track the ball and quickly corral it.

“I like to say that there’s ability in the word disability,” said head coach and catcher Rob Weissman. “Once they kind of make the transition to accept the blindness that impacted them at some point in life, this is a real great outlet for them.”

Elana Regan used to occupy a softball diamond before she lost her eyesight. She told Boston 25 she’s found a new love.

“Beep baseball has added a lot to my life,” Regan commented. “I use my blindness to my advantage all the time. I find it as a point of pride. I love beep ball. I honestly find it more exciting than softball.”

“Coming back to this game, and to be able to play a game that I love with other people who are also visually impaired and who are in a similar situation is just fantastic,” added rover and shorty Chris Kimball.

Players don blindfolds in the field to ensure a level playing field.

“When we get on that field and put the canes on the bench and put the blindfolds on, everyone’s equal,” says Weissman.

The Boston Renegades are always looking for new players and coaches. If you know someone who’d like to join the team, you can find the information on their website.

Link to website: The Boston Renegades - The Boston Renegades - Boston’s Beep Baseball Team an adaptive sports program operated by the Association of Blind Citizens

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