Baltimore Orioles make history by wearing Braille jerseys
There was a new addition to the Baltimore Orioles’ orange and black uniform Tuesday night – Braille letters on the front and back of their jerseys.
The jerseys, which will be autographed, authenticated, and auctioned off for charity after the game, were worn in recognition of the 40th anniversary of the National Federation of the Blind moving their national headquarters to Baltimore.
Tonight, in recognition of the 40th anniversary of the @NFB_voice moving their national headquarters to Baltimore, we’ll host National Federation of the Blind Night. #Orioles players and coaches will wear specially-designed jerseys with Braille lettering. #Birdland pic.twitter.com/XTJmjp6KoG
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) September 18, 2018
The Orioles are the first professional U.S. sports team to wear Braille-lettered uniforms during a game and after the game, one of the historic jerseys will also be sent to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
The jerseys weren’t the only Braille tribute of the night. The Orioles’ starting lineup graphic was also in Braille and attendees were also handed a Braille alphabet card before the game.
Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind, threw out the first pitch before Tuesday night’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays and Carlos Ibay, a blind concert pianist, sang the national anthem
Fans embraced the Braille themed night with a sign that said “Let’s Go O’s” in Braille.
A young fan says "Let's Go O's!"#Birdland @NFB_voice @Orioles pic.twitter.com/2SGeUeBixA
— Mid-Atlantic ADA Ctr (@ADAinfo) September 18, 2018
“They’re acknowledging that you’re there,” Erik Rodriguez, a visually impaired baseball player, told ABC News’ “Start Here” podcast. “Sometimes that’s the biggest step.”
Rodriguez, 18, plays beep baseball, a modified version of the which uses sound and beeping bases to guide visually impaired players.
“The fact that such a big organization like Baltimore is wanting to do something like that for the blind community … it makes you feel good,” Rodriguez said. “It makes you feel like they care and they want to help make a difference for the young people and the older people that are suffering from this disability.”
More from Yahoo Sports:
• Iowa State golf star found dead, man charged
• Browns coach didn’t know key info about kicker
• NFL Power Rankings: Rams’ big gamble is paying off
• Pat Forde: 7 new college coaches who have been busts so far