Photo via Lonestar Roadrunners Facebook page
The Lonestar Roadrunners, a local nonprofit Beep Baseball team comprised of all blind and visually impairedbrplayers, is heading to the National Beep Baseball World Series in Aims, Iowa.brBut before they do, they’re playing at Southlake’s Miracle League Field at 4brp.m. April 2.
If you're not familiarbrwith Beep Baseball, the sport is similar to softball in terms of hitting,brfielding and pitching, but it has modified rules regarding scoring and outs.brSound-emitting bases and balls are used as well as audible pitchers andbrdefensive spotters so that athletes can play without any sight.
The National Beep Baseball Association was created in 1964, and since then, the sport has opened up abrworld of opportunities for those who are blind or visually impaired.
Ozzy Calamaco has playedbrfor the Lonestar Roadrunners since 2012 and also manages the team's Facebook page. He’s excited about the upcoming game at Miracle League Field, and he’sbrhopeful the event will bring in some much-needed funds for the team.
“We are honored to havebrthis opportunity to play Beep Baseball at this field, and we welcome all tobrcome watch how we play without sight,” he says. “We will be raffling offbrtickets for a chance to win special items in hopes of raising funds for ourbrtrip to the World Series.”
The Lonestar Roadrunnersbrare kicking off their practices this month and will organize games and eventsbrthroughout the summer. They practice in Arlington on Sundays at 2:45 p.m. atbr1500 NW Green Oaks Boulevard. Children, teens and adults are welcome.
“We want to spreadbrawareness that nothing is impossible—miracles do happen,” Calamaco says. “Thebrbest feeling is getting to hit the ball. Once a person hits that ball, theybrcome alive. To be running freely without sight is an amazing feeling. MiraclebrLeague Field is helping us to experience the miracle of America's favoritebrpastime.”
If you're interested in playing,brsponsoring or volunteering, contact Calamaco at 817.706.4995. Tax-deductiblebrdonations can also be made through the team's GoFundMe page.