Method of playing a game

Abstract

A method of playing a game having certain aspects and rules similar to those of regulation baseball, but with modifications to suit a wider range of age, gender and ability than regulation baseball. Only fastball pitches are allowed. Specifically, all pitches other than fastballs (e.g., curveballs) are prohibited. A penalty may be issued when the pitcher delivers a pitch other than a fastball. In addition, rules are provided that will speed up the pace of the game, such as issuing a strikeout after two strikes and a walk to the batter after three balls. The game also provides that divisions may be organized according to the velocity of pitching, age and / or gender of players. The game also optionally provides for the use of a reduced injury factor ball and a wooden bat for increased safety.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION [0001] The invention relates to a method of playing a game having certain rules similar to those of regulation baseball but with modifications designed to suit a wider range of age, gender and ability than regulation baseball. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Regulation baseball, also commonly known as “hardball” (including both American Major League and Little League Baseball, and other leagues around the world), is a highly competitive sport demanding high levels of skill, and is tailored to suit only a narrow range of players. In particular, curveball pitches and other pitch variations such as changeups, split fingered pitches, sliders, screwballs and knuckleballs, that are allowed in regulation baseball, add significantly to the difficulty level of the game. Further, regulation baseball can be a dangerous sport as a result of batters being struck by deceptive pitches such as curveballs, runners colliding with other players, and the nature of the ball's hardc...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] In view of the foregoing, an object of the present invention is to provide a variation of regulation baseball that incorporates substantially the same aspects and rules of regulation baseball, and gives the players the excitement and feel of regulation baseball without the same level of difficulty of play, and in particular without the same high skill level required in batting and pitching as in regulation baseball. A further object of the invention is to take the element of fear and / or embarrassment of the players out of the game. In the game of the present invention, pitches are limited to fastballs. Curveballs and other non-fastball pitches are ruled as automatic balls. Pitchers may only throw and batters need only hit fastball pitches, as opposed to more difficult curveball pitches and other more difficult non-fastball pitches. The instant game is designed to provide players with less opportunity for failure and be less intimidating than regulation baseball as a result of the limitation of pitches to only fastballs. The game is also intended to provide more challenge and excitement, and to require more skill than other games such as softball. The game of the present invention will thus be suitable for a wider range of skill levels, and will attract more youths and adults to return to playing in organized leagues that they would have otherwise not played in because of the lack of challenge in softball, or because of the pressure, competition and much higher level of skill in batting and pitching that is demanded in traditional regulation baseball.

[0010] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a game that provides more participation by the players and is more exciting and higher scoring than regulation baseball. The game of the instant invention allows for only fastball pitches, and as a result. It Is expected that the batters will have more hits and score more runs. In addition, there will consequently be more balls put in play and more fielding required by the players on the field.

[0012] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a game that is safer and less intimidating to players than regulation baseball. The instant invention provides rules for optional tagging, allows only non-curving fastball pitches, provides a ball with a softer core than what is used in regulation baseball, a safety first base, wooden bats and helmets, and disallows metal spikes. As a result, it is expected that there be less collisions between runners and players on the field, as well as fewer injuries resulting from being struck by the ball.

Problems solved by technology

In particular, curveball pitches and other pitch variations such as changeups, split fingered pitches, sliders, screwballs and knuckleballs, that are allowed in regulation baseball, add significantly to the difficulty level of the game.

Further, regulation baseball can be a dangerous sport as a result of batters being struck by deceptive pitches such as curveballs, runners colliding with other players, and the nature of the ball's hardcore structure.

High levels of competitive pressure are put on players.

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