ROTOBALL

Abstract

ROTOBALL is a sport game that depends on the strategy of the placement of defensive infielders and outfielders of varying skill levels into a predetermined and fixed rotation pattern, that is determined by each of the team managers or team captains prior to the onset of the game. The predetermined and fixed rotation pattern (allows for substitutions) and that rotation pattern remains in place for the entirety of the game. The ROTOBALL defensive rotation device displays the placement of each of the defensive players into their positions at the start of each new consecutive inning. The defensive rotation lineup device is a solution in the form of a device; that displays the rotation movement of nine players (and possible substitutions), over the course of a multiple inning of game play and is shared by both teams and the umpire as an officiating device.

Claims

1.-43. (canceled)

44. In the sport ball game of ROTOBALL there is a required element to the rules of the game that each of the nine defensive players must move into a different defensive position on the onset of each new consecutive innings in a predetermined rotation pattern.

45. In accordance with claim 44, the management of the process rotating each of the nine players must move into a different defensive position on the onset of each new inning in a predetermined rotation pattern is done with the aid of a defensive rotation device, whose sole function is to display the movement of both the infielders and outfielders in that same predetermined rotation pattern through the course of the game.

46. In accordance with claim 44, the basic component of the ROTOBALL defensive rotation device is a basic display of ball field showing the placement of all defensive positions with the embodiment of a design to add the names of each defensive players during the rotation of their defensive play over the course of the desired number of innings.

47. In accordance with claim 46, the device takes on the properties and solution of a functioning activated device when the team manager or team captain adds the defensive players names.

48. In accordance with claim 47, in the sport ball game of ROTOBALL once the defensive rotation device is activated it is ready to be exchanged by each of the teams and presented to the umpire for the officiating of the game.

49. In accordance with claim 44, once a rotation pattern is determined by the team manager or team captain and the players have been named in the sports ball game of ROTOBALL, the team manager or team captain can make substitutions to the defensive positions but cannot change the predetermined rotation pattern for the entirety of that game.

50. In accordance with claim 44, the team manager or team captain has the option to make substitutions on the defensive rotation lineup; by simply removing the old player's name and adding the new player's name for the innings that are applicable.

51. In accordance with claim 44, on the onset of a new inning no player(s) can be moved out of their rotated new position without being substituted out of the game.

52. In accordance with claim 44, however once a defensive player is substituted out of the game of ROTOBALL, the player cannot return without permission from the opposing team manager or team captain.

53. In accordance with claim 44, a typical game of ROTOBALL is 6 innings, but can be decided upon by both team managers and team captain prior to the onset of the game to last as long as nine innings; for which the ROTOBALL defensive rotation device will accommodate and display the placement of the players within their assigned defensive positions and the rotation that follows on the onset of each new inning.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0087] FIG. 1. Prior Art. Traditional baseball field with four named bases (names inserted), nine named defensive player positions (names inserted) and (with traditional numbering system per player inserted).

[0088] FIG. 2. Prior Art. Blank form. LINE UP CARD. Inventor has inserted the title BATTING LINE UP CARD (offense) FIELDING POSITION 1ST INNING (defense).

[0089] FIG. 2a. Prior Art. Sample of FIG. 2 filled in, as it would be seen at game time.

[0090] FIG. 3. Prior Art. Blank form similar to FIG. 1, enhanced (copied/inspired) by a cut and paste of a similar PRIOR ART FORM available on internet in color. This document is labeled DEFENSIVE LINE UP SHEET WITH BRACKETS. This form allows for the writing in of each inning rotation change, by player; for each consecutive 6 innings. The form can also be modified for the addition of substitute player's names, as they are inserted into the game.

[0091] FIG. 3a. Prior Art. This is FIG. 3 filled in, based upon the diagram rotation of a rotation to be described later in FIG. 4 as LEFT 8 ROTATION.

[0092] FIG. 4. Sample rotation pattern (filled in from Prior Art, inspired from both FIGS. 1 and 3a.). This a diagram of LEFT 8 ROTATION.

[0093] Catcher moves to 3rd base.

[0094] 3rd moves to shortstop.

[0095] Shortstop moves to 2nd.

[0096] 2nd moves to 1st.

[0097] 1st moves to right field.

[0098] Right field moves to center field.

[0099] Center field moves to left field.

[0100] Left field moves to pitcher.

[0101] Pitcher Moves to Catcher.

[0102] FIG. 4a. Sample rotation pattern (filled in from Prior Art, inspired from both FIGS. 1 and 3a.). This a diagram of RIGHT 8 ROTATION.

[0103] Catcher moves to 1st base.

[0104] 1st moves to 2nd.

[0105] 2nd moves to shortstop.

[0106] Shortstop moves to 3rd.

[0107] 3rd moves to left field.

[0108] Left field moves to center field.

[0109] Center field moves to right field.

[0110] Right field moves to pitcher.

[0111] Pitcher moves to catcher.

[0112] FIG. 5. Sample rotation pattern (filled in from Prior Art, inspired from both FIGS. 1 and 3a.) This is a diagram of LEFT P ROTATION.

[0113] Catcher moves to pitcher.

[0114] Pitcher moves to 3rd.

[0115] 3rd moves to shortstop.

[0116] Shortstop moves to 2nd.

[0117] 2nd to 1st.

[0118] 1st moves to right field.

[0119] Right field moves to center field.

[0120] Centerfield moves to right field.

[0121] Right field moves to catcher.

[0122] FIG. 5b. Sample rotation pattern (filled in from Prior Art, inspired from both FIGS. 1 and 3a.). This is a diagram of RIGHT P ROTATION.

[0123] Catcher moves to pitcher.

[0124] Pitcher moves to 1st.

[0125] 1st moves to 2nd.

[0126] 2nd moves to shortstop.

[0127] Shortstop moves to 3rd.

[0128] 3rd moves to left field.

[0129] Left field moves to center field.

[0130] Center field moves to right field.

[0131] Right field moves to catcher.

[0132] FIG. 6. Hand drawing of Prior Art. Sampling of Balls. (handball, pinkie ball, baseball, softball).

[0133] FIG. 7. Hand drawing of Prior Art. Sampling of Bats. (stickball, baseball and softball).

[0134] FIG. 8. ROTOBALL batter at bat, (internet drawing with verbiage of strike zone, top of shoulder, midpoint, top of pants and hollow beneath kneecaps; modified by inventor showing the adding of both the ball and wild pitch zones). Diagram of FIG. 8 shows, the limitations of each of the pitching target zones, that are subjectively called by the home plate umpire as balls, strikes and wild pitches. Pitches that are called strikes are limited to the strike zone. Pitches that are called balls are limited to the ball zone. Wild pitches are baseballs thrown outside both that ball and strike zones. The figure does not show a boxed or enclosed rectangle for the wild pitch zone; as it is infinite in all directions, from the ground to the sky and from behind the batter to any distant parts of the playing field and beyond.