SALISBURY – Salisbury Lions Club members will be donning blindfolds and stepping out of their comfort zones later this month when they take on beep baseball team the Boston Renegades in a charity exhibition.
Beep baseball is a version of the traditional game designed to allow those who are visually impaired to play. Players rely on a beeping noise emanating from a ball in order to hit it and run to one or two buzzing bases.
The contest is scheduled for Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lion’s Park softball field.
To ensure it is a fair game, Lions Club members will be blindfolded throughout the process. The Lions Club became aware of the sport through their former president, Gina Devenish and her husband, Shawn who plays for the Renegades.
Devenish, who currently acts as a volunteer coach for the Renegades, said the Lions Club’s support is hugely impactful to the team.
“It’s so great to know that we have people on our side that are willing to help us promote the sport and help these guys out wherever needed. So, it’s just really great to have that connection,” she said.
Salisbury Lions Club President A.J. Pappas said the event will give those participating perspective.
“I think it’s something that people don’t really reflect on that much. They just take everything for granted. And, the whole purpose of joining a community club like the Lions is to give back, and that doesn’t always mean money. It doesn’t always mean just time. It means maybe a little empathy of what it’s like to not have,” Pappas said.
This year marks the first time Lions Club members will participate in the event, as they previously helped out, but did not play in a game between the Renegades and the Salisbury Fire Department in 2023.
All funds raised from the game will be split between the Lions Club and the Renegades. The Renegades will use their funds to help cover travel expenses for future games while Lions Club will use the funds for their EyeMobile.
The EyeMobile is a vehicle that provides free, on the spot eye screenings from trained Lions Club members.
Pappas said the EyeMobile has not been running in recent years due to lack of trained members, but he hopes to have the vehicle back in business this spring.
Tickets to the game will be free, with all concession purchases going towards the two organizations.