MindsEye and Lighthouse for the Blind – St. Louis are thrilled to announce they will host the 2024 and 2025 National Beep Baseball Association (NBBA) World Series in St. Louis/St. Charles, Missouri! The choice was made by the NBBA Board at their pre-2022 World Series meeting on Sunday, July 24th. Host bids were also presented by Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Aimes, Iowa (a previous World Series host).
This marks the first time that organizations, and not a city, have been chosen to host. As established nonprofits in the Greater St. Louis region, MindsEye and Lighthouse are uniquely positioned to engage the local blindness and low vision community, as suggested in the bid’s “Letter of Support” from MindsEye President and CEO Jason Frazier and Lighthouse President Eric Warnhoff:
“MindsEye and Lighthouse acting as co-hosting organizations will provide unique opportunities that the NBBA has never been afforded by host cities. With MindsEye, the NBBA will be working with an organization that has been tapped into the local blindness community 24/7, 365 days a year for the past 50 years. We already have established relationships with community partners, regional Lions Clubs, United Way of Greater St. Louis and other dedicated supporters of the blind and low vision community. These connections bring unprecedented opportunities for generating participation, spectators, volunteers, and community support and excitement.
MindsEye’s Audio Description and Broadcast Information Programs will be incorporated into the event, providing participants with accessible cultural experiences and opportunities for real-time updates and game broadcasts through the MindsEye smartphone app. Our knowledge of Beep Baseball as parent organization for the Gateway Archers and host our own fundraising recreational Beepball tournaments for 17 years will be an incredible asset.
In addition to funding, Lighthouse for the Blind – St. Louis will bring an incredible history and connection to the community as a provider of quality employment for individuals who are blind or have low vision for almost 90 years. Our extensive outreach programs that serve youth throughout the Midwest will also assist in bringing the next generation of Beep Baseball players to the World Series. St. Charles, Missouri is a part of the St. Louis region which has been nicknamed “Baseball Heaven.” It will be a privilege to show that is also “Beepball Heaven” in 2024.”
As proposed in the bid, the Series games will take place at the St. Louis Youth Soccer Association (SLYSA) fields in St. Charles, Missouri. The Marriott St. Louis -Airport will act as host hotel. The host committee is currently forming to advise and aid in planning. To get involved as a committee member or event volunteer, please contact Cole Pedtke, MindsEye Adaptive Athletics Coordinator (CPedtke@MindsEyeRadio.org).
World Series Dates: July 21-28 2024, July 20-27 2025