Join UK Blind Baseball Association

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The ball is hit out of the players hand with no pitching. Each unsuccessful hit is a strike, 3 strikes results in the hitter being out. When the player hits the ball, it must travel to reach the IN PLAY line which is set at 27 meters. When this happens, the umpire will shout "IN PLAY" the offensive player then runs to 1st base where they are guided by a sounded base. Unlike sighted Baseball the player cannot stop at 1st base but must either touch the base or run the outside of the base. At 2nd base there is a sighted coach who will then use clappers to guide the hitter onto the 2nd base. When the next player from the offensive team steps up to the plate play starts again with previous hitter /runner on 2nd base prepared to run to 3rd base where again a sighted coach is there to clap and guide to the base. 

Should the player running from 2nd to 3rd base successfully make it they will then attempt on the next play to reach home and win a point for their team. If the ball travels over the home run line this is a home run and allows the hitter to run around all the bases back to home to score a point for the team. The ball must hit the ground before reaching the ‘In Play’ line. If a ball is hit in fair territory but travels over the IN PLAY line without bouncing this will be called a "FLY BALL" This will result as an automatic OUT to the hitter and a "DEAD BALL" will be declared. Any other runners on base at this time will return to their respective bases.

The fielding team will respond to the call "IN PLAY" and will set off to retrieve the ball. When the team have fielded the ball, they then throw the ball to the 2nd base catcher (SIGHTED) who is communicating by shouting "2" consistently to the thrower. This is the only communication that can be made between the catcher and the fielders. 

If the hitter/runner arrives at 2nd base and touches or stays on the base before the ball is thrown to the 2nd base catcher, then they will be safe. However, if the 2nd base catcher catches the ball before the hitter/runner arrives at 2nd base this will be given out. NB the catcher must be touching the base when receiving the ball for the hitter/runner to be out. A point is scored when the runner crosses the home plate line (this is 13 feet and there is no sound or guidance to reach this base).

Any player on 2nd and 3rd base must safely reach 3rd and home respectively before the 2nd base catcher catches the ball otherwise they will be given out.

The base catcher is entitled to field the ball when in play directly from the hitter but only by maintaining touch with the 2nd base and cannot leave the base. Only the hitter/runner to 2nd base will be out. The ball is then ruled a dead ball. If there are any other hitters/runners on bases at the time, they must return to the respective base before play begins. Games usually last between 5 and 7 innings but can be adapted depending on time.  

The official ball is a “Rubber Pro. A Ball,” modified with 6 holes containing two nickel-plated brass bells.

The Team consists of 5 blind players & 2 sighted assistants.