The Launch of Beep Cricket

In 2021, for the first time in the world, the exciting new game of Beep Cricket was launched in a Beep Cricket match between the Moreton Bay City Mayor’s XI team and the Moreton Bay BATS team. This All-Ability activity demonstrated the value of community inclusion at grass-roots level. All enjoyed a wonderful and successful event.

The new prototype of the worlds first Beeping Cricket Ball was launched during this match. In a very close game, BATS Moreton Bay came away with the WIN.

2023 Beep Cricket Competition

Registration for the competition will open in June 2023. Teams will compete for the Ian Healy Shield. Support Workers, family and friends are also welcome to register. BATS Sports Club will supply all necessary uniforms and equipment. A BBQ lunch will be provided free of charge at each match. If required, participants residing in the Moreton Bay Region, can be provided with safe transport to and from events.

The Beeping Cricket Ball Project

In the early 1990s, Paul Szep began research on the idea of producing a Beeping Cricket Ball for use by blind and vision-impaired cricketers. Although he did secure funds to produce a prototype ball, unfortunately, the ball did not stand up well to the job so, Paul decided to revisit the project at a future time.

On retirement at the age of 60, Paul revisited the idea of a beeping ball and began setting up a charity named Blind Bats Inc. to form an entity capable of doing the job. Paul applied for a grant to finance the development of the beeping ball and to run an inclusive activity called beep cricket.

Unfortunately, again the prototype ball failed but Paul was not going to give up. Determined to find a solution he sought out help from a local micro-electronics firm and now, after four prototypes, can finally say with confidence, that a suitable ball has been designed and produced. “It works just the way we wanted and the players love it,” Paul said. Now the next step is to meet the world-wide demand by scaling up the production of the ball.

Above is a photo of Cr Denise Sims (Deputy Mayor of Morton Bay Regional Council) bowling a ball at the Pine Rivers Come and Try Day.

People of all genders and usually aged 13-70 are welcome to attend our Come and Try Days of a Sunday. Soon we will be enjoying a game of football, the game of T-Ball, and a game of Tag (with a very large rugby ball). Come along with your mates, family, or carer and enjoy a free BBQ lunch.

We can provide transport if required.

The above photos are of a typical Sunday of Beep Cricket Training at Devine Court Morayfield.

Participants new to the sport, begin to learn the game, and those who are seasoned players, work on their skills.

Each Sunday, safe transport is provided via our BAT Bus service to those who need it. There is also a free BBQ lunch and the opportunity to meet new friends and/or socialize with people you already know.

All are welcome to come and try the games on offer. Men and Women, boys and girls, family and friends, support workers and mates.

Rope Trailer kindly built by HMJ Trailers Caboolture

In the above photo, our staff members are laying out the boundary rope in preparation for a Beep Cricket Match.

Participants with low or no sight, are pleased to have a boundary rope on the outer boundary of the ground. This tactile feature, along with the beeping cricket ball and the new rule changes, makes the game to be more enjoyable for all and assists the players with low or no vision to be more competitive.

At Blind Bats Inc. we try to lift the ability of vision-impaired players rather than have sighted players wear blindfolds in the search for equality. This policy is consistent throughout our activities program.