Peg Bailey Serves as Assistant Coach of Team for Visually Impaired Players

Winthrop resident Peg Bailey is well known to Viking sports fans as the long-time manager of the Winthrop High girls basketball team.

Bailey is currently assisting another sports team – the Boston Renegades – as an assistant coach. The Renegades are a ‘beep ball” team consisting of visually impaired players who play a modified baseball game.

Bailey travels to Watertown each week for a three-hour practice session with the team, the lone “beep ball” team in New England. There are regional tournaments and a World Series that will be played in Minnesota in August.

“I met the team during Disability Awareness Night at Fenway Park last year,” said Bailey, who is a nurse. “I learned about Beep Ball from the head coach and decided I wanted to assist the team.”

Bailey is a defensive coach, serving as a spotter or a caller, who yells out numbers to help players field the ball.

“I’m so impressed with the players’ tenacity and positive attitudes,” said Bailey. “They are truly inspiring. I have a true appreciation for what the players are dealing with. The players have full-time jobs during the week or attend school full time but they are there every week dedicating their efforts to the team.”

Bailey credited team founder and head coach Robert Weissman for his leadership.

“Rob is a miracle on two feet,” said Bailey. “The coordination it takes to bring this team together – you’re looking for athletes and looking for coaches. He’s doing it all. He gives these players tough love.”

There will be a documentary about the Boston Renegades shown this Sunday at 11 a.m. the West Newton Cinema. Tickets to the team’s fundraiser are $20 per person.