Adaptive baseball hits a home run at George Mason

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In a first for any university in the United States, visually impaired baseball players are getting a chance to step up to the plate at George Mason University. Led by a volunteer coach and University Life's Mason Recreation and Disability Services offices, Mason's Beep baseball initiative is gaining momentum after a successful community learn-to-play clinic last fall.

Beep baseball allows blind and visually impaired batters to listen for a loud beep coming from a ball pitched by a sighted pitcher. Photo by Paul Bazzano/Mason Recreation

The adaptive sport of Beep baseball allows blind and visually impaired batters to listen for a loud beep coming from a ball pitched by a sighted pitcher. If the batter hits the ball, they run to one of two buzzing bases. If they touch the base before the ball is fielded, they've scored a run. It's a game that prioritizes communication, teamwork, and athleticism. This initiative supports George Mason's efforts to build an inclusive community where all students are valued and have meaningful ways to participate, connect, and belong.

"Beep baseball is a fantastic way for Mason to tap into some underserved populations via athletics," said Paul J. Bazzano, assistant director of competitive sports with Mason Recreation. "Beep baseball brings together students, staff, and community members in a meaningful way. It's about creating space for inclusive play and laying the groundwork for something that can grow far beyond campus."

Bazzano said that it is also providing opportunities for George Mason as there really are no collegiate Beep baseball programs. "But we have had some conversations with other schools interested in forming their own teams."

The addition of Beep baseball to Mason Recreation represents the fulfillment of a lifelong passion of a George Mason philanthropist, the late Dr. Barry R. Berkey, through the vision of his wife, Velma Berkey. She proposed the idea to Bazzano and sponsored the three-year pilot program.

The beep baseball initiative by Mason Recreation is the first of its kind. Photo by Paul Bazzano/Mason Recreation

"My husband's dream was to become a major league baseball player, but he became a doctor instead," Berkey said. "In later years Barry's vision gradually deteriorated, which greatly impacted watching and enjoying his favorite sport. We became very sensitive to visually impaired and blind kids who may be in the same position. After my husband passed away, I delved into reading about Beep baseball, which inspired me to present the sport to George Mason University."

Berkey said the George Mason community has an opportunity to be an innovator and leader by bringing this sport to campus and the region. "The team can serve as a model for other colleges and universities, serving as a mentor further down the road for high schools and Little League teams."

Jeff Rhines, head coach of the Philadelphia team that won the 2024 Beep Baseball National Championship, helped arrange Mason's first learn-to-play clinic. Alfonso Medrano, head coach for a Houston-based team, also provided valuable input. Students and members of the surrounding community who participated described it as a fantastic community-building experience.

"We had two blind students who thoroughly enjoyed it and said they would definitely do it again," said Naomi Martinez-Jones, director of Disability Services at George Mason. "We also had some of George Mason's baseball team help and participate. It was great for everyone to have that connection with each other."

George Mason's long-term goal is to build a competitive team made up of students, staff, and community members to play in tournaments and events sanctioned by the National Beep Baseball Association. As a first step, Mason Recreation is working to connect with other teams and recruitinga volunteer coach. There are plans to offer more training and networking events and launch a sustainable, inclusive team with regular practices and programming.

To learn more, reach out to Bazzano at [email protected].