Abstract: A portable backstop has a vertically upstanding inverted first U-shaped frame including legs supported on a base and a second, smaller, U-shaped frame pivoted from an intermediate point of the legs of the inverted U-shaped frame. The frames support a bag-shaped mesh net for receiving a ball. When the backstop is unfolded for use, the second U-shaped frame extends outward and the net, attached around the upper perimeter of the frames, forms a pocket for receiving a ball. The second U-shaped frame folds upward against the first frame for transportation and storage. The backstop may be used indoors or outdoors.

Abstract: A ball for use in an indoor or outdoor baseball-type game played by a small number of players in a playing field of limited size. The ball is pitched by a defensive player to an offensive player who tries to strike the ball with an elongated bat. The ball weighs less than 2 ounces and is made of a resilient, low mass material of generally spherical configuration with an outside diameter of at least 2 inches, and having a plurality of interconnecting concave indentations thereon. The width of each of the indentations is at least 1/8 inch. The bat contains a longitudinal bore in the ball striking end thereof, and the dimensions of the bore and the ball are such that when the end of the bat is pressed against the ball, the ball is forced into the bore and retained therein until removed by a player.