THE FOLLOWIN IS AN EXPERIENCE CHAMPAIGN – URBANA RELEASE
Champaign, IL—Prairie Fields Park in Savoy will host four teams for the Annual Savoy Beep Baseball Tournament, July 18 from 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Hosted by the National Beep Baseball Association, the tournament is an adaptive version of baseball for the blind, low-vision, and legally blind. The event is supported by the Champaign Lion’s Club, Dick’s House of Sport, the Village of Savoy, MindsEye Radio, and Experience Champaign-Urbana.
Athletes from around the Midwest will travel to Savoy to compete, including the Indy Thunder, Chicago Comets, Chicago Sirens, and Gateway Archers.
The games are similar to baseball with some noted differences to accommodate the needs of the players. The second base is removed, while first and third bases are four-foot-high padded cylinders with speakers, giving off a continuous buzzing sound when activated. Each team fields a sighted pitcher and catcher, with specific rules for communicating the pitching of the ball. The balls emit a beeping sound, helping the team on the field play defense. A complete overview of the rules of Beep Baseball can be found on the NBBA website.
“We are excited to bring our brand of baseball to Champaign County. Beep baseball is a real eye opener for fans. In Beepball, we say silence is golden, but applause is necessary,” states Tournament Director Darnell Booker.
“We are honored to continue to host this incredible tournament,” explains Mark Brown, Director of Event Services and Film for Experience Champaign-Urbana. “Witnessing the athleticism and skill required to be a part of this adaptive sport is an exceptional opportunity for our community. We look forward to welcoming athletes and their fans to the area.”
Games will be free and open to the public, and media representatives are encouraged to attend the event. For more information about the NBBA, visit them online at nbba.org.
