The National Beep Baseball Association (NBBA) has officially announced that the 2015 World Series of Beep Baseball is coming to Rochester July 26th – August 1st at Grace & Truth Sportspark.
The goal of the World Series of Beep Baseball is to offer individuals who are blind or visually impaired an opportunity to compete for a baseball championship. There will be 20-25 teams with visual impairments participating from all over the country, as well as teams from Canada, Dominican Republic and Taiwan.
Beep Baseball is an adaptive version of baseball designed for people who are visually impaired or blind. This exciting World Series will bring more than 20 teams from around the world to the region.
According to the BrailleWorks website: “The rules of beep baseball are very similar to the original game, except that the pitcher throws to his teammates and the bases are shaped like tackling dummies instead of the small white squares fans are accustomed to.
In 1976 the National Beep Baseball Association (NBBA) was organized. The NBBA manages the annual Beep Ball World Series, which brings together blind athletes from all across the world to compete in the winner-take-all tournament.”
Hosting a prestigious event at this level requires support from many community leaders.
Among these leaders are David and Ilene Flaum who have stepped up as the Presenting Sponsor on behalf of the University of Rochester Flaum Eye Institute.
The Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI) has been an important partner as well. As the community leader for impacting the lives of the visually impaired, they have been a key component to the World Series coming to Rochester.
Gidget Hopf, President & CEO of ABVI says, “ABVI is thrilled to be part of this important event which showcases the talents of people who are blind and visually impaired. We have a long history of empowering people to pursue their dreams and look forward to a great tournament.”
At the press conference in Rochester, Steve Guerra, Secretary of NBBA, National Beep Baseball Association (he bumped into the microphone and said, jokingly, “there’s no beeper on the mic), said: “The excitement of the tournament coming to Rochester, NY from Rochester Minnesota, it’s no coincidence, we love Rochester, who doesn’t love Rochester, whether it be in the Midwest or the East Coast.”
“The players love the fact we can go to a site, find fields conducive to playing the sport.”
“There’s no team sport for the blind or visually impaired that comes close to the level of competition that beep baseball brings.”
There are many different ways the community can get involved ranging from volunteering to supporting the Adopt-A-Ball Fundraising Campaign to sponsorship and many more.
Visit www.monroecountysports.org/BeepBaseball to find out all the ways to get involved.
To be selected to host the World Series of Beep Baseball, Monroe County Sports Commission on behalf of Rochester had to go up against many other communities.
Public Relations Director of the NBBA said, “Rochester was selected to host this event due to the strong support of the community, a large volunteer pool and beautiful facilities that include great playing fields.”
For More Information Rich Mackey richm@monroecountysports.org Office – 585.262.3832 ext. 13.