Karen Windell-Zabel

Career Overview

Karen Helmacy Zabel (formerly Windell) competed from 1989 to 1993 and quickly established herself as one of the most dominant defensive players of her era. A native of Yorktown, Indiana, Karen was introduced to beep baseball by Jerry Windell, one of the top all-around players in NBBA history. She proved to be a fast learner and an exceptional athlete during a period when games were high scoring and the bases were still set at 90 feet.

Karen played for the Indianapolis Eagles from 1989 to 1991 and the Windy City Hoosiers in 1993. Her speed, instincts, and relentless pursuit of every ball made her a defensive force. Teammates often joked that she could run faster sideways tracking a ball than forward toward the base. Tournament after tournament, she backed up that reputation with elite performances.

World Series Impact

Karen earned World Series All-Star recognition four times in five seasons:

• 1989 Defensive All-Star at Topeka, KS
• 1990 Defensive All-Star with 44 putouts at Chicago, IL
• 1991 Defensive MVP with 54 putouts at Houston, TX
• 1993 Defensive All-Star with 32 putouts at Austin, TX

Her 54 putouts at the 1991 World Series remain one of the most remarkable defensive performances of that era.

In 1990, Karen helped lead the Indianapolis Eagles to a World Series Championship. That season she not only excelled in the field but also caught for Jerry Windell when he pitched. With Jerry being legally blind, having a catcher who could consistently provide a reliable target was essential. Karen’s work behind the plate contributed meaningfully to the team’s championship success.

In Her Words

“In May of 1989 I married Jerry Windell who was at the time and continues to be one of the top Beepball players in the country. Jerry introduced me to the game and was confident that I would be successful at it.”

“Our team won the World Series in 1990 and I made the All Tournament Team for Defense. I was Defensive MVP at the 1991 World Series. In the other two World Series I played in I also made the Defensive All Star Team. I was always one of the top defensive players and it was often joked that I could run much faster sideways toward a ball in the field than forward toward the base. I don’t believe there was a tournament I participated in where I was not named to the All Tournament Team.”

“Especially given that Jerry is legally blind, having a catcher that could provide a good target was important and I really felt I contributed in a small way to his success as a pitcher.”

Legacy

Karen Helmacy Zabel’s career may have spanned only five seasons, but her impact was lasting. She demonstrated that women could excel at the highest level of competitive beep baseball. Her athleticism, dedication, and championship performance made her an inspiration to female athletes throughout the league.