the players...
The National Beep Baseball Association began in Chicago in 1976. Today, the players of the NBBA are remarkable athletes from all over the country and beyond. They demonstrate just how capable, independent, and determined people with visual impairments can be. They are not defined by their blindness; they are individuals with careers, families, friendships, goals, and a deep love of baseball.
For many, baseball and the pursuit of success are important parts of their lives, providing a place where they can compete, challenge themselves, and experience the same exhilaration and pressure that athletes everywhere know. Beep Baseball gives these players an opportunity to push beyond expectations, build confidence, develop lasting friendships, and prove to themselves and others what they can accomplish.
On the field, they aren't looking for special treatment—they want to compete, succeed, and be recognized as the capable athletes they are. Off the field, the game breeds confidence, fearlessness, and success.
For more information or to help us complete the film contact: Glen.Capek@UnSceneChicago.com
the game...
Hitting
Fielding
Fielding
The pitcher, catcher, and batter are on the same team. They work together to try to help the batter hit the ball. This includes an accurate pitch, a good target, and a consistent swing. Batters get 4 strikes for a strikeout and may let one pitch go by.
Fielding
Fielding
Fielding
The fielders then converge on that area to pick up the beeping ball. If they do so before the batter reaches the base, the batter is out.
Photo courtesy Lykowski Studios
Scoring Runs
Scoring Runs
Scoring Runs
After a hit the batter must run to one of two bases that are buzzing foam pylons. If he touches the base before the fielder picks up the ball, he is safe and it is counted as a run.
Photo courtesy Lykowski Studios
Positions
Scoring Runs
Scoring Runs
The 6 players in the field work with two sighted "spotters" from their team. When the ball is hit the spotter will call a one word command (usually a number of a zone 1-6) to let the players know where the ball was hit.
the film...
When I was a kid, I loved playing baseball with my dad. One day, he was asked to deliver special softballs to a team in need. When we arrived, we discovered the team was made up of blind players, and the special balls were “beep balls.”
My dad didn’t just deliver the balls—he jumped right in to help them pitch, catch, and swing the bat. He was immediately hooked on helping them enjoy a sport that he also loved. That’s just the way he was.
Soon after, he became the pitcher for the Chicago Bluffs, which was comprised of visually impaired players. Every Saturday, we worked together to help the team improve. The experience left a lasting impression on me. The players came from all walks of life, and not a single one cared about appearances or beliefs—they just wanted to play baseball with their friends.
For more information or to help us complete the film contact: Glen.Capek@UnSceneChicago.com
the director...
Growing up my dad encouraged me to make films and to help people...especially this community. Doing both together is an amazing experience.
I think the athletes of the NBBA deserve to have their story told so this film is inspired by the people who make up this community and how beep baseball gives them more than they could ever give to it.
The funds raised will help me finish interviews around the country, edit the final piece, and find a partner for distribution. This documentary not only will recognize current players but demonstrate how passion for a sport can overcome barriers that transcend sport. Beep baseball is like nothing you’ve ever seen. It’s about heart, it’s about family, it’s about the people who don’t let a physical challenge get in the way of the sport they love. I invite you to join me in bringing this story to life and sharing the unseen sport of beep baseball with the world.
For more information or to help us complete the film contact: Glen.Capek@UnSceneChicago.com
50 years later...
Over the last 50 years, this game has grown into a sport with its own World Series, that includes teams from across the United States and even Taiwan. These are great athletes who just happen to be visually impaired, and they are part of an amazing community.
Let's bring Beep Baseball: The UnSeen Sport to life!
For more information or to help us complete the film contact: Glen.Capek@UnSceneChicago.com
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