Two-Strike Baseball and Modified Scoring System

Abstract

The invention is an improved baseball game which reduces the time of play by having the participants start each at bat with two balls and two strikes, and which replaces the runs scored system of scoring with a scoring system that awards points for particular baseball plays and results.

By simultaneously modifying the baseball scoring system to a system that awards points for particular plays, particular results and sportsmanship, the invention will provide each player with a greater opportunity to influence the outcome of a game. Another object and advantage of the point system is that by rewarding particular baseball play, a greater emphasis will be placed on executing fundamental baseball skills.

In making both these changes simultaneously as one package, the invention has the object and advantage of creating a new and improved version of the traditional baseball game.

Claims

1. A baseball-type game played on a playing field including first, second, and third bases, home plate, an infield and an outfield, said game being carried out in accordance with traditional rules of baseball game play including rules defining strikes, balls, runs and outs, said traditional rules of game play being modified such that every player at bat starts each at bat with a count of two balls and two strikes as a method for reducing the duration of playing time in a competitive baseball game, and where the runs scored scoring system is replaced by a points scoring system, which awards points for offensive plays, defensive plays and sportsmanship.

2. The game of claim 1 wherein said traditional rules of baseball game play comprise the Rules of Baseball promulgated by the American Baseball League, National Baseball League, Major League Baseball, or any other professional baseball league.

3. The game of claim 1 wherein said traditional rules of baseball game play comprise the Rules of Baseball promulgated by the NCAA or NFHS.

4. The game of claim 1 wherein said traditional rules of baseball game play comprise the Rules of Baseball promulgated by Little League Baseball, Colt Baseball, Pony Baseball, Babe Ruth Baseball, Dixie Baseball or any other your baseball organization.

6. The game of claim 1 carried out using a regulation-sized baseball.

7. The game of claim 1 carried out using a regulation-sized softball.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION—PREFERRED EMBODIMENT DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 shows the traditional baseball field.

[0010] FIG. 2 shows a specific example of how the traditional rules (e.g., Pony Baseball Rules, Little League Rules, etc.) are modified by the invention.

[0011] FIG. 3 shows a specific example of a score sheet that can be used with the invention.

[0012] FIG. 4 shows a close up of the score sheet used displayed in FIG. 3.

[0013] FIG. 5 shows a play-by-play description of the first four inning of a game actually played between the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Angels on Jul. 31, 2005 showing the cumulative runs scored under the traditional scoring system.

[0014] FIG. 6 shows a play-by-play description of the first four inning of a game actually played between the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Angels on Jul. 31, 2005 using the invention's points scoring system.

[0015] One embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0016] A baseball-type game played on a traditional playing field as illustrated in FIG. 1 including first, second, and third bases, home plate, an infield and an outfield. This game is carried out in accordance with the traditional rules of baseball game (e.g., Little League Baseball Rules, Pony Baseball Rules, etc.) with two differences. First, all batters come to the plate with 2 strikes and 2 balls. Second, the runs scored scoring system is replaced by a point system that awards points for offensive plays, defensive plays and sportsmanship.

[0017] The following describes the point scoring system illustrated in FIG. 3: [0018] a. For offensive plays, one single point is awarded to the team at bat whenever a player scores a run, walks, is hit by a pitch, hits a single base hit, or when a player advances without scoring due to a balk. Two points are awarded to the team at bat whenever a player hits a double or a runner scores as a result of a balk. Three points are awarded to the team at bat whenever there is a triple, and four points are awarded for each home run. [0019] b. For defensive plays, one point is awarded to the team on the field (defensive team) for each strikeout, each pick-off by the pitcher, for each pick-off by the catcher, for each player that is called out trying to steal a base, for each time the offensive team is retired in order (“3 Up 3 Down”), for each outfield assist, and if there is a put out before the third out involving the lead runner. Two points will be awarded to the defensive team for each double-play or if multiple assists result in an out. Five points are awarded for triple plays. [0020] c. If any player or coach is ejected from the game, the opposing team receives five points.

[0021] Most league and tournament baseball games are officially recorded on a score sheet. FIG. 3 is a scoring sheet for use to officially record games using the invention.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a close up of the score sheet that is used for the invention as described in FIG. 3.

[0023] FIG. 5 provides a play-by-play illustration of how the traditional scoring system works. This illustration is limited to four innings of a Major League game that actually occurred between the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Angels on Jul. 31, 2005. At the end of four innings, the score is 3-1 in favor of the Angels. Under the traditional run scores method of scoring, these four innings had two scoring plays that resulted from two home runs. There was a solo home run by Jason Giambi of the New York Yankees in the bottom of the third inning, which led to one run for the Yankees. The other scoring play was a fourth inning three-run homer by the Los Angeles Angels' Bengie Molina, which resulted in the 3-1 lead for the Angels after four innings.

[0024] FIG. 6 takes the same 4 innings illustrated in FIG. 5, but uses the invention's point scoring system in lieu of the runs scored scoring system. Thus, FIG. 6 provides a play-by-play illustration of how the points scoring system works. The point total after four innings is 19 to 16 in favor of the Angels. FIG. 6 identifies twenty-two (22) scoring plays, eleven by each team. Of the eleven scoring plays by the Angels, leading to 19 points, seven were for offensive plays and four for defensive plays. The Yankees scored its 16 points on five offensive plays and six defensive plays. Here is a summary of the scoring plays:

[0025] Five scoring plays involving players hitting singles.

[0026] Two scoring plays involving players receiving walks.

[0027] Three scoring plays involving players stealing bases.

[0028] One scoring play involving players being thrown out attempting to steal a base.

[0029] One scoring play involving runners scoring.

[0030] Two scoring plays involving players hitting home runs.

[0031] One scoring play involving double plays.

[0032] Two scoring plays involving pitchers getting 3 Up 3 Down

[0033] Seven scoring plays involving strikeouts.

[0034] The invention contemplates there are various possibilities with regard to how points are awarded beyond what is illustrated by FIGS. 2 and 6. For example, successfully executing a hit and run play could be awarded a points. Or in the area of sportsmanship, the opposing team could be awarded a point if a player throws a bat, glove or batting helmet in anger while on the playing field.

Advantages

[0035] From the description above, a number of advantages become evident: [0036] a. The pace of playing a baseball game is considerably sped up by the invention. For every plate appearance by a batter, four pitches have been eliminated, thereby effectively cutting playing time in half. As noted above, this provides advantages to players, coaches, fans, parents and family members. [0037] b. By leaving each batter with just one strike, the batter's concentration must focus on making contact with each pitch. The best way to make contact is to have a fundamentally sound baseball swing using appropriate hitting mechanics and the appropriate mental approach (e.g., “protecting the plate”, “two-strike drill”). Thus, the invention places an emphasis on adopting the proper mental approach and executing fundamental baseball skills. [0038] c. The pitcher, who under the invention must face each batter with a starting batting count of two balls and two strikes, must concentrate on throwing quality pitches. If the pitcher walks batters, the opposing team will earn points. Conversely, the pitcher can earn points by striking out players or retiring the batters in order (i.e., “3 Up 3 Down”). The invention thus places pitches in a situation where they must throw quality pitches. Consequently, as with the batters, the invention encourages pitchers to use the appropriate mechanics and proper mental approach. [0039] d. The invention will dramatically cut down on the number of pitches thrown in a game. For example, if in a high-school game a pitcher threw 3 strikes to the minimum number of batters for seven innings, there will be 63 strikes thrown. Under the invention, that total has been reduced to just 21 strikes. By eliminating the need to throw two-thirds of the strikes needed in any baseball game, the invention protects pitchers' arms. [0040] e. By providing additional scoring opportunities, the invention substantially increases the number of participating players who have a measurable impact on the score of the game and thus its outcome. As illustrated by the real-life facts portrayed in FIGS. 4 and 5, scoring opportunities can increase ten-fold under the invention. [0041] f. By awarding points for executing baseball plays such as bunting, stealing, and getting the lead runner out, the invention encourages the execution of skills that are frequently over-looked by players and coaches. By awarding points concerning all aspects of playing baseball, including sportsmanship, the invention encourages the development of more complete players.

Conclusion Ramifications and Scope

[0042] Accordingly, the reader will see that the invention is an improved baseball game which reduces the time of play by having the participants start each at bat with two balls and two strikes, and which replaces the runs scored system of scoring with a scoring system that awards points for executing particular baseball plays and results.

[0043] Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiment bur as merely providing illustrations of the some of the presently preferred embodiments.