MIAMI – Marlins legend Jeff Conine — affectionately known as “Mr. Marlin” — and his son, Marlins outfielder Griffin Conine, spent Tuesday morning with a group of visually impaired and blind teens at loanDepot Park for the annual Beep Ball Classic.
Beep ball is an adapted version of baseball that uses auditory cues, allowing blind and visually impaired players to locate the ball and bases.
The event brought energy and joy to the field as participants took part in the unique experience of playing baseball at loanDepot Park.
“Yeah, Miami Lighthouse here playing baseball, which you would never think of someone that’s visually impaired or blind, being able to come on Loan Depot Park and playing the game of baseball,” Conine said. “So it’s joyous to be out here, see the technology that they use, that they get involved and are engaged in the game. You can hear the excitement just when they make contact with the ball and run to their sounding beacon and and score runs. It’s fun. We love it.”
The Beep Ball Classic is part of a larger summer initiative that includes a Sensory Tour on July 23, giving blind and visually impaired teens the opportunity to walk the field, explore team equipment in the dugout with a Marlins player, and engage in a guided tour of the stadium facilities.
Participants in the event are enrolled in pre-employment transition services, a program that prepares individuals aged 14–22 for the workforce or higher education.
The curriculum includes training in assistive technology, job readiness, home management, mobility and social skills.
The collaboration with the Marlins not only highlights the power of community partnership but also offers young people a memorable and inclusive introduction to America’s pastime.
The Sensory tour will take place starting at 9 a.m. at loanDepot Park.
