Hello,

My name is Justen and I am a blind athelete who plays for the Boston Renegades Beep Baseball Team. "Beep ball" is an adaptive form of baseball for the blind. I am in my third year playing the sport and with the Renegades.
 

Participating in sports was very tough growing up as a blind person. As much as I enjoyed being active and desired to be involved, I was never given the full opportunity to experience sports as everyone else. People were generally harsh and at times tried their hardest to ensure I quit and stayed away. Unfortunately, I let them win and never played in an organized sport, minus a couple of years of track in elementary school. Although I’ve always had the desire to play in sports, I subjected myself to studies and schoolwork. I decided to move to Boston from Hawai’I where I was born and raised to attend college a couple of years after graduating from high school.
 

After living in Boston for six years, my youngest brother, Shayne, who is also blind and a huge sports fanatic, moved in with me. He eventually learned of the Renegades and talked to me about the sport and if I’d be interested in getting involved. I was definitely interested, but very nervous. I didn’t know what to expect—the idea that there was a sport that was very inclusive was just part of it. I was also excited about the idea that everyone was on the same page as myself and wouldn’t judge me for being blind.
 

Three years later, I’m still very involved with the team. I have successfully contributed as both a defensive and offensive player. For once in my life, people constantly tell me that they “need me” on the team. It’s a huge contrast from what it was like growing up. I’m still trying to get used to the idea—but I enjoy every moment of it. I do experience the ups and downs that being on a team is about—and I’m glad to have made the decision.
 

In order to make this all happen, we spend the year looking for donations, mostlymonetary. Our coaching staff is on a 100% volunteer basis. Since we are the only team in New England, we travel to other parts of the country like New York and Philadelphia; as well as the World Series which changes every year (this year, it's in Indianapolis). In addition, we use adaptive technologies for our equipment, including the balls and bases. This is all made possible through donations made by friends, family, and those interested in making a difference in the lives of the blind and visually impaired.
Please make a donation of any amount to help support the team! We always appreciate the support, especially since our coaches are 100% volunteers, which means all the money goes to equipment, travel, and other fees such as insurance.
 

If you have any questions, please let me know. You can find out more information about the sport and our team at http://www.blindcitizens.org/renegades.html.
 

Please feel free to spread the word to your friends, family, co-workers, etc. as well! Thank you!
 

Aloha!
Justen