Blind Cubans Take the Field for Baseball

Yubis Zapata had to stop playing baseball when he lost his eyesight during military service due to an explosion, so for him, it's a miracle now to be able to play once more, in Cuba's growing league for the blind.

Baseball has long been a national passion in Cuba but this version has only caught on in recent years. The blind champs train several times a week and even participate in international tournaments.

Zapata and his teammates say they hope the sport will be included in the 2020 Paralympics in Japan so they can bring home the trophy for Cuba, that traditionally punches above its weight in sports.

The 41-year old said the sport helps him feel liberated and provides a place for him to socialise.

The players, who are blind or visually impaired, say baseball has helped them refine their sense of orientation by sound. The ball has jingle-type bells inside so that fielders can hear where it lands and scramble for it.

Meanwhile the first base is a beeping mat, while players clap paddles at second and third base to orient runners. There is no pitcher; the batter both throws and hits the ball.