BEEP BASEBALL TOURNAMENT COMES TO LAS VEGAS: A CELEBRATION OF ACCESSIBILITY AND COMPETITIVE SPIRIT
ST. LOUIS, MO/LAS VEGAS, NV – Mindseye, a nonprofit organization based in Belleville, IL, in partnership with the SoCal Beep Baseball Association (SCBBA), is thrilled to announce the Viva Las BeepBall Invitational Tournament is returning to Las Vegas on Friday, March 28, and Saturday, March 29 at Alyn Beck Memorial Park. This marks the second year in a row that this tournament is being held, continuing its tradition of competitive play and community engagement. This event is free and open to the public, inviting spectators to witness the thrilling competition and learn more about this adaptive sport for blind and visually impaired athletes.
“At Mindseye, we are committed to breaking down barriers to accessibility through sports and recreation,” said Mike Curtis, Director of Special Initiatives at Mindseye. “This tournament is not just about competition; it’s about community, inclusion, and demonstrating that adaptive sports are just as intense and exciting as any other form of athletics.”
Beep Baseball is an exhilarating variation of traditional baseball, specifically designed for athletes with visual impairments. The game uses a beeping ball and buzzing bases, allowing players to rely on sound to hit and field. This inclusive sport allows visually impaired athletes to compete at a high level while showcasing their athleticism and teamwork.
“The SoCal Beep Baseball Association is proud to once again co-host this tournament in Las Vegas,” said Darren Keepers, President of SCBBA. “The enthusiasm and talent of these athletes continue to grow each year, and we’re excited to provide a platform for them to compete at the highest level. We encourage the community to come out, cheer on the teams, and witness the excitement of Beep Baseball firsthand.”
The tournament will feature an impressive lineup of competitive teams, including:
● Gateway Archers
● San Gabriel Valley Panthers
● Sirens
● Indy Thunder
● Vibin Vixens
● Philly Fire
The two-day tournament promises intense matchups, inspiring performances, and a chance for the community to support adaptive sports. Attendees will gain insight into the challenges and triumphs of visually impaired athletes, making for an unforgettable experience.
“The National Beep Baseball Association (NBBA) is thrilled to see this tournament return for a second year,” said Richie Flores, President of the National Beep Baseball Association. “Events like these are essential in expanding the reach of Beep Baseball and providing visually impaired athletes with more opportunities to compete and excel. We look forward to seeing the incredible talent on display and the community’s support for this growing sport.”
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
To ensure the success of this event, the organizations are seeking volunteers to serve as base umpires, field judges, and scorekeepers. No prior experience is necessary, and training will be provided. Volunteers will play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the game while supporting the athletes in their pursuit of excellence.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Mindseye’s Adaptive Athletics Coordinator Cole Pedtke at cpedtke@mindseyeradio.org or (618) 467-8687. MindsEye welcomes volunteers of all ages and backgrounds and encourages individuals seeking a rewarding experience to join their dedicated team.
For more information and updates about the tournament, Gateway Archers, and MindsEye Adaptive Athletics please visit www.MindsEyeRadio.org. To learn more about the SoCal Beep Baseball Association, visit www.socalbeepbaseball.org.
For a comprehensive understanding of BeepBall, visit www.socalbeepbaseball.org/what-is-beep-baseball/.
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About MindsEye
The nonprofit MindsEye strives to build a more inclusive community by translating vision into audio for individuals who are blind or have low vision. The Broadcast Information Program provides listeners access to long-form journalism and local news. The Audio Description Program enables every person who attends a theatre production or museum exhibit the chance to enjoy a rewarding experience. The Adaptive Athletics Program raises awareness and provides educational and competitive opportunities for athletes who are blind or partially sighted. For more information, visit MindsEyeRadio.org.
About the Gateway Archers
MindsEye founded the Gateway Archers in 2020. The team of 12 is comprised chiefly of home-grown players from across St. Louis and the Metro East. They are a nationally competitive team participating in the Beep Baseball World Series hosted by the National Beep Baseball Association. This year’s World Series will be held in Norman, Oklahoma, at the beginning of August.
About SoCal Beep Baseball Association
SoCal Beep Baseball Association (SCBBA) is dedicated to providing individuals who are visually impaired with the opportunity to play America’s favorite pastime, baseball. Our goal is to promote fitness, teamwork, and most importantly, fun, through our programs and events. Founded in 2018 by Darren Keepers, SCBBA has grown to become a leading organization in the west coast beep baseball community. Our members come from all over Southern California to compete and we are proud to have a strong and supportive community of players, coaches, and volunteers.
Media Contact: Jason Frazier – Executive Director, Jfrazier@mindseyeradio.org