Mission

The Long Island Bombers are dedicated to educating the community about blindness. Through the game of beep baseball, we provide athletes that are blind or with a vision disability (legally blind) the opportunity to play the game and offer a support network to its members. It is the Bomber’s goal to expand educational clinics, speaking engagements and demonstrations throughout the entire region.

Beep Baseball

Beep baseball is played by athletes that are blind or with a vision disability (legally blind).
All players wear blindfolds creating an even playing field. Players utilize their entire body, diving onto the ground to stop a beeping ball to record an out, hitting a pitched ball and running 100 feet full speed toward the sound of a buzzing base to score a run.

It is baseball, in a modified version, using a beeping ball and buzzing bases.

The Team

PLAYERS

Alex Barrera

Christopher R. DeJesus, M.A.

Joseph DeJesus

Ted Fass

Meghan Fink

John Gilroy

JAMES HUGHES

MATTHEW PUVOGEL

BRAULIO THORNE

PASQUALE AGNONE

EDGAR ERICKSON

VOLUNTEERS

ANTHONY GALANTE

MICHELLE ESPOSITO

JAMES SCIORTINO

Ethan Schulman

HALL OF FAME

JOE PUVOGEL

JOIN THE BOMBERS

Schedule

Click on the event to see details

For information about practices or games, contact us at 516.764.2002 or libombersbb@gmail.com.

The Bombers will be having indoor practice at Baseball Plus in Hicksville. All are welcome to attend.

The Bombers will be having indoor practice at Baseball Plus in Hicksville. All are welcome to attend.

The Bombers will be having indoor practice at Baseball Plus in Hicksville. All are welcome to attend.

The Bombers will be having indoor practice at Baseball Plus in Hicksville. All are welcome to attend.

The Bombers will be having indoor practice at Baseball Plus, at 400 Duffy Ave, Hicksville, NY. All are welcome!

The Bombers will be having indoor practice at Baseball Plus, at 400 Duffy Ave, Hicksville, NY. All are welcome!

Hosted by the Great Neck Little League, organized by Ethan Schulman. The Great Neck Softball team will play the Bombers in a beepbaseball game. The Great Neck team will take on the challenge of hitting a beeping ball and base running while blindfolded. Children can participate and try blindfolded base running. There will be bbq lunch, live music and prizes including ice cream. Event time is 10:30-1:30, at Memorial Field, 2 West Park Place, Great Neck, NY 11023. Rain Date: May 1

The Sunset Mets Sr. Baseball team challenges the L.I. Bombers to a modified Beepbaseball game, sponsored by the Sea Cliff/Glen Head Lions. At 1:00 on Saturday, May 14, at John Maccarone Memorial Stadium, Murre Avenue, Glen Cove, NY. – 50/50 raffles, entertainment and lots of surprises. All money raised to support the Long Island Bombers.

Host team: New Jersey Titans  – Competing teams: L.I.Bombers, N.J. Titans others T.B.D. Saturday, May 21/ Game Times: 9am-12pm-3pm. Dorbrook park, Colts Neck NJ.

Host team: L.I Bombers  – Competing teams: L.I. Bombers, Philadelphia Fire, Boston Renegades and N.J Titans. Saturday, June 25/ Game Times: 9am-12pm-3pm. Spent Park, 745 East Meadow Ave,East Meadow, NY.

Host team: Philadelphia Fire  – Competing teams: L.I. Bombers, Philadelphia Fire, Boston Renegades and N.J Titans. Saturday, July 9/ Game Times: 9am-12pm-3pm. Norwood Park, 270 E. Amos land Rd., Norwood, PA 19076.

2022 Beep Baseball World Series, July 24 – July 30 in Beaumont, Texas.
Twenty Beep Baseball teams from all over the country compete over five days to determine the champions for 2022.

The Bombers and the Long Island Ducks will present a beep baseball exhibition, on August 31, between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., at the home of the Long Island Ducks, Fairfield Properties Ballpark, 33 Court House Dr., Central Islip, NY 11722. A percentage of the ticket sales will benefit the Bombers.

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Gallery

VIDEOS

Playlist

9 Videos

Donations

The Long Island Bombers are a registered 501(c) organization and operate entirely on individual, private, public and corporate sponsorships and donations. With the help of these generous contributions, our players gain confidence, get a good work out, engage in a warm social environment and enjoy a good competitive atmosphere. Our goal is to expand our educational clinics, speaking engagements and demonstrations throughout the entire region. At these clinics, we can demonstrate to people what it is like to be visually impaired.
Thank you to all of our sponsors, supporters and contributors!

Fund Raising Chairs:
Ted Fass, James Sciortino, Ethan Schulman.

Bombers GoFundMe Page:

Thank you to Bombers volunteer Ethan Schulman for producing this fantastic video showcasing our team and for creating a GoFundMe page.

View the video below to learn more about us, and consider donating to the Bombers as well.

We thank you in advance!

 
2022 Supporters

Wantagh Island Trees

Lions Club of Valley Stream
The Sunset Mets Sr. Baseball team

New Hyde Park Lions Club

Merrick Lions Club

Print Station NY

Gift of Sight

2021 Supporters

Mineola Lions

Gift of Sight
NBBA

Boston Renegades (Beast of the East Tournament)

Rachel, Ethan & Eliza Schulman

Foreseeable Future Foundation 

Rockville Centre Lions Club

Rotary Club of Great Neck

2019 Supporters
New York Yankees
Foundation Gift of Sight
Mineola Lions
Bay Shore Lions
Maspeth Lions Club
Patchogue Lions Club
Lions Club of Oyster Bay
Rockville Centre Lions Club
Franklin Square Lions Club
George Martin Burger Bar
Brookhaven Great South Bay
Starbucks
Pizzaiola
Mama Sbarros
Anthony DeFranco Salon
Home Depot
Gino’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant
Nick’s Restaurant & Pizzeria
Vintage Wine Bar & Bistro
Croxley’s Ale House
Dark Horse Tavern
Joe’s Pizzeria
GreekTown, RVC
Farmingdale Meat Market
Jordan’s Lobster
2018 Supporters
Seasons 52 Fresh Grill
George Martin Burger Bar
Gino’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant
Nick’s Restaurant & Pizzeria
Jordan’s Lobster
Good Old Gold
Seaford Cinemas
Cara Mia Restaurant
Merrick Cinemas
La Strada Restaurant
Stop and Shop
Matty’s Toy Shop
New York Mets

News

Check out the latest from the Long Island Bombers. (Updates coming soon)

Join Us

If you are interested in becoming a Long Island Bomber, fill out the form below and we will get back to you!

Contact Us

If you would like more information regarding education and awareness, how to make donations, schedule a game or a speaking engagement or if you have any other questions about the Bombers, please contact us by using the following form:

General Information

Executive Director

Ted Fass
Long Island Bombers
15 Huber Court, Rockville Centre, NY 11570

Phone: 516.764.2002

Email: libombersbb@gmail.com

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Partners and Affiliates

The Foreseeable Future Foundation is a 501(c)(3) Non Profit Organization that works with individuals and organizations that focus on the visually impaired through sports and recreation. We offer financial assistance when we can, and try to utilize the various resources we have in our organization to help those in need.
Foreseeable Future Foundation
The first of its kind on Long Island, Third Eye Insight™ (TEI) provides physical fitness classes for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Classes include instruction in the practice of Martial Arts/Self Defense, Yoga and Meditation. By promoting physical activity and sports through health and fitness classes, TEI provides its students with the motivation, self-confidence, and self-esteem to achieve their goals and to meet life's challenges head on. With vibrant health as the most valuable asset we can ever have, Third Eye Insight™ makes every effort to increase awareness on the benefits of physical fitness. Addressing mind, body and spirit, TEI's fitness programs for the blind and visually impaired are an excellent addition to an active healthy lifestyle plan.
Third Eye Insight
New York Metro Blind Hockey - Empowering and inspiring the visually impaired….
Our goal is to introduce people of all ages and skill levels to ice skating and to the sport of ice hockey, and to create a community of connected people by building up our visually impaired team for the New York Metro area. USA Hockey is working aggressively with Canadian Blind Hockey to make this an official Paralympic sport. Working together, we believe we can accomplish these goals.
Learn More
Content copyright 2021. L.I. Bombers. All rights reserved.
When Alex Barrera joined the Bombers in 2008, he quickly notched a spot in the middle of the lineup as a dependable switch-hitter with power. He hasn’t slowed since. Alex not only cemented himself as a viable offensive threat, he has taken a more active role by participating in demonstrations and other events, adding to a résumé that includes competition in two World Series-Houston in 2009 and Indianapolis in 2011 (with New Jersey Lightning). Through research, Alex learned of the Bombers on his own. He is also a martial arts student in the Japanese arts and works in the tailoring business.
Chris has been playing with the Bombers since 2011. He first learned of the sport through his brother, Joseph DeJesus. Since joining the Bombers, Chris has participated in two NBBA World Series tournaments, and has volunteered to demonstrate the sport for the community at various events on Long Island and New York City. Aside from playing the sport itself, Chris enjoys the comradery with his beep ball family, and learning about blindness through their shared experiences. Off the field, Chris attends Hofstra University as a Ph. D. student in the Clinical Psychology program and works as a student-therapist in the Phobia & Trauma Clinic.

It’s no secret that Joseph DeJesus is one of the fastest players on the Bombers. After all, his nickname is Lightning. But Joseph’s quick rise to starter and every day player was well earned during the 2011 season. He’s established himself as a consistent hitter and dependable fielder. Like most new players, Joseph joined the team after watching a demonstration at Camp Abilities. He played in his first World Series in 2012 at Ames, Iowa. A graduate of Harvard Law School, Joseph works in corporate law with a focus on private investment funds.

As the Bombers founder, a player, fundraiser and executive director, Ted Fass has filled many roles. He started and developed the team with former player Steve Guerra to channel their collective passion for baseball. As the team grew, so has Ted’s role. He’s played in the World Series multiple times, organized and competed in all six of the Long Island Classics and has been the primary fundraiser on the team. He also schedules and organizes games against several corporations and organizations within New York. Off of the field, the Nassau County Sports Commission honored Ted in 2004 with its Differently-Abled Athlete award for excellence in athletics and community service. He is also president and a member of the U.S. Blind Golf Association and chair of the 2012 National Blind Golf Tournament, which is being held at Middle Bay Country Club in Oceanside, NY.
Supporter. Player. Volunteer. Meghan Fink has had many roles since joining the Bombers in 2009. Meghan was first introduced to beep baseball at Camp Abilities, when she was introduced to the team after a demonstration at Adelphi University. She returned to the team in 2012 after a year off due to a medical condition. With her contributions, and production, increasing each year, she has cemented herself as a dependable utility player. Other then beep baseball, Meghan dances, sings and performs musical theater.

John has been with the Bombers since 2012, going to the NBBA World Series in 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2018. On the field, John likes to use his bat and his voice to help the team win as many games as possible. He also takes plenty of the Bombers’ pictures for social media. Off the field, John is a law student at St. John’s University and an aspiring baseball agent. John’s favorite things about playing with the Bombers include traveling, building camaraderie with teammates and volunteers, and having a competitive sports outlet.

Jim Hughes’ beep baseball experience extends to well before the inception of the Bombers. He’s been playing since he was an undergraduate student at Binghamton University in 1991. But he quickly joined the team in 1997 with visions of quick success. The Bombers captain for 10 straight years, Jim has many on-field accomplishments. He has competed in five World Series (Chicago 2002; Houston 2005; Cleveland 2006; Minnesota 2007; and Houston 2008), earning a selection to the defensive all-star team twice. Closer to home, Jim was named to the defensive all-star team in the 2010 Beast of the East Tournament, which encompasses the Long Island Classic, the Philly Hall of Fame Classic and the Blind Citizens Beep Baseball Championship in Sudbury, MA. He was also the MVP of the Long Island Classic in 2009. Professionally, Jim has taught AP History at Farmingdale High School for more than 20 years.

In 2005, Matt Puvogel joined the Long Island Bombers after being recruited by co-founder Steve Guerra and player Nick Esposito . Matt has competed at Eleven World Series including nine with the Long Island Bombers and two with additional NBBA teams such as the New Jersey Lightning and Bayou City Heat. In 2012 at the World Series in Aimes Iowa Matt was named to the defensive all-star team. Since his tenure with the Bombers Matt has been a prominent voice in recruiting efforts, planning and organizing games and events, giving beep baseball instruction and participating in speaking engagements and demonstrations. Matt currently works at NYC Emergency Management as an Individual Preparedness Specialist, where he outreaches and presents to people with disabilities about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Matt also obtained his Masters of Social Work from Adelphi University in 2020

A member of the Bombers since 1997, Braulio Thorne’s veteran leadership has been an invaluable asset to the team for close to two decades. Having played in each World Series the team competed in, and having played every position, Braulio’s knowledge is often relayed to the younger Bombers. A power hitting left-handed hitter, Braulio said he first joined the team because it was “the only thing in town,” and mostly enjoys the camaraderie amongst teammates and opposing players. He continues to motivate and bring new ideas and skills to the team at 52 years old.

I have been a member of the Long Island Bombers since 2013. It has been a great experience. I love that I am able to compete again. I grew up playing soccer and love the competitive atmosphere. I love the challenge of the game. Through the Bombers I have met a lot of great people with similar issues as myself that are all living productive lives. It has been an inspiration. I am currently an Assistant Technology Instructor. I help the blind and low vision interact with society using their iPhones, iPad, and or Mac. I look forward to getting together with my fellow Bombers every season.

My name is Edgar Erickson and I love the game of Beep-Baseball. There’s no better feeling than hitting the ball hard, running towards the base and scoring a run for your team. Defense requires a lot of concentration, quickness and agility. Making a good defensive play is also thrilling. My goals are to continue to improve in all aspects of the game, become a better player and in turn help my team improve. Of course, I want to continue having fun. The game of Beep-Baseball brings me a lot of joy and I can’t imagine my life without it.

The Bombers welcomed the return of volunteer Anthony Galante in 2012. With extensive knowledge of the sport due to previous experiences, Tony regularly catches among other volunteer duties, including base. Tony first joined the team in 2001, when current captain James Hughes contacted him and his wife asking to assist with the fledgling team. Now, he volunteers with his 8-year-old son.
Michelle Esposito has been a Bomber since 2003. The wife of player Nick Esposito, Michelle has enjoyed many roles as a volunteer, including bat girl, and she has volunteered at all of the Long Island Classics and two World Series. Michelle teaches 11th and 12th grade English and communication.

James Sciortino is a beep ball seasoned veteran who has more than 30 years in the sport. Having spent 10 years with a local team before the Bombers formed, James learned of the game through his mother, whose friend’s son played. After witnessing the game, he quickly joined and established himself as a pitcher with pinpoint accuracy. James joined the Bomber s in 1999, and has taken on many roles, including pitcher, president and coach. James’ knowledge is invaluable to both players and volunteers. He has participated in more than 25 World Series, including 15 with the Bombers. He also pitches to both sighted and people with visual impairments at demonstrations. Off of the field, James is, a retired senior art director in marketing, now living in North Carolina with his family and still active with the Bombers.

Ethan Schulman is a junior at Great Neck North High School. He began volunteering with the Bombers when he was 13. He is now a pitcher and a Fund Raising Chair. Ethan is also involved with organizing community outreach games for the Bombers.

Joe Puvogel had been a Volunteer for the LI Bombers for 16 years before retiring from the team in 2021. Joe had a lengthy career in Sales for the Newell Rubbermaid Co. before retiring in April of 2017. Joe became involved with the Bombers when his son Matthew joined the team in 2005. He has been a catcher, a field spotter, a coach and an organizer for the team. He has traveled to 12 World Series and helped with the many tournaments over the years. His first reaction to the exposure of what Blind and Visually Challenged athletes could do on the Baseball field was one of amazement. He has said “I was very blessed to become involved with a group like the Bombers these individuals struggle everyday to do what we all take for granted, it has made me appreciate my vision and to respect the efforts of the many fine players I’ve coached over the years”.