Method and apparatus for playing a ball game

Abstract

A method and an apparatus for playing a ball game are disclosed. The game involves a customized bat and a ball. The ball is uniquely designed to overcome typical obstacles of bat and ball games, allowing players to hit and pitch the ball in a variety of new ways. The object of the game is to score more points than the opposition by using the bat to hit the ball past a set of designated landmarks on a field in order to score.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is filed contemporaneously with the Design Patent Application, attorney docket number S003-4010, entitled BALL.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Baseball games that are available on the market use a plastic, foam or rubber ball and a bat to simulate the game of baseball. The goal of these games is to bring the experience of hitting and pitching to the backyard and streets of homes in a safe and fun environment without requiring the use of a hardball.

The major problem for most simulated ball games is the lack of pitching options due to which, hitting becomes somewhat mundane. Another problem is that most plastic bats are too short for older kids and adults.

While some manufacturers have developed various types of balls and bats to help increase pitching options and hitting distance, most have failed to develop products that effectively pit pitcher against hitter. As such, most products on the market focus more on hitting and less on pitching. Furthermore, most products fail to provide excitement for teenagers and adults looking to participate in a more challenging simulated baseball environment.

In these respects, the game according to the present invention departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so, provides an apparatus for teenagers and adults to enjoy a higher level of simulated baseball.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, method and apparatus for playing a ball game is disclosed. The invention provides a new type of synthetic ball and wood bat, which provides pitchers with the opportunity to throw more pitches, hitters with a challenging hitting environment, and players with distance characteristics not part of traditional backyard ball games.

The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new type of ball and bat for use in a simulated baseball game environment that has many advantages mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new type of game which is not anticipated, rendered, obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior balls, either alone or in any combination thereof.

The apparatus generally comprises of two components: a polyethylene plastic ball which has wide-open mouth on one end with neck, rectangle body, hollow inside, and closed bottom, and a square thin wood bat with rounded edges which is solid.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.

One object of the present invention is to provide pitchers with many more pitches that will overcome the shortcomings of the prior art plastic, rubber, or foam balls. Another object of the invention is to provide batters with a more challenging hitting environment. Another object is to provide a plastic ball which travels further when hit than most plastic balls. Another object is to provide a plastic ball which is easy to throw.

Another object is to provide a plastic ball which is easy to grip. Another object is to provide a wood bat which is longer, thinner, and provides more swing power and plate coverage. Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects and advantages are within the scope of the present invention.

A further object of the invention is to provide methods and rules for playing the ball game with a uniquely designed ball and a bat.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction and method illustrated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 illustrates an arrangement of the field space for playing the ball game;

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a ball;

FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom plan view of a base of the ball shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the ball illustrating an opening of the ball;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the ball;

FIG. 6 provides exemplary various dimensions of the ball;

FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a front elevational view of a bat utilized by the players in the game;

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a bottom plan view of the bat;

FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of a top plan view of the bat;

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of the ball game illustrating a method of playing game and the rules associated with the same;

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a routine to determine a foul assessment and the decision making process surrounding the foul assessment;

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of a routine for count assessment;

FIG. 13 illustrates a variation of a pitch using the ball in one embodiment;

FIG. 14 illustrates a variation of a pitch using the ball in a second embodiment;

FIG. 15 illustrates a variation of a pitch using the ball in a third embodiment;

FIG. 16 illustrates a variation of a pitch using the ball in a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 17 illustrates a variation of a pitch using the ball in a fifth embodiment; and

FIG. 18 illustrates a variation of a pitch using the ball in a sixth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of methods of playing a ball game and a structure of a typical ball are described below in detail. Methods of playing a ball game involve, for example, at least two players, a ball, a bat and a typical field to play the ball game. The methods and the structure of the ball are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates an arrangement of the field space for playing the ball game. In one embodiment, the ball game is played in a backyard or in a park or in any open field space. Many other field variations are possible and can be implemented in connection with playing the ball game. Similarly, many other variations in rules may be adopted in connection with the ball game and utilized with the following described field arrangement:

The game requires at least two players. A triangular field is marked using FIG. 1 as an example, designating one landmark to be a marker for a single line 2. Another landmark, further away from the single marker, is used to designate a double line 4. Yet another landmark, further away from double line 4 landmark, is used to designate a triple line 6. In one embodiment, triple line 6 is an imaginary triple line. Triple line 6 may be a fence, wall, or some other type of landmark. All three lines, single line 2, double line 4, and triple line 6, extend horizontally across the field. A batter's plate 8 is designated to be at the bottom of the field. A strike zone 14 is designated to be an area above batter's plate 8, extending approximately 3 feet wide and from the batter's head to the batter's ankles. A right-side foul line 16 is designated to be a horizontal line on the right side of the field, extending from the right side of the batter's plate to triple line 6. A left-side foul line 18 is designated to be a horizontal line on the left side of the field, extending from the left side of the batter's plate to triple line 6. A pitcher's plate 11 is designated to be about 25 to 30 feet away from batter's plate 8 and in the center of right-side foul line 16, and left-side foul line 18. Scoring employs the use of four imaginary bases—a first base, a second base, a third base, and a home base (batter's plate) as shown by dotted lines in FIG. 1. Imaginary runners occupy the bases according to the types of hits registered by the batter or the batting team.

Generally, the ball game is played with 2-6 players for a length of 6 innings. In one embodiment, the ball game can be played in less than 6 innings. The game requires a ball 30 and a bat 120. Players are split into two teams with an equal number of players on each team. If there is an odd number of players, then one team may have one extra player. One team starts as the batting team, while the other team plays as the fielding team. The batting team uses a consistent batter rotation wherein each player takes a single turn being a batter 10. The fielding team selects one player to be pitcher for the inning while the rest of the team plays as catchers on the field. No pitcher may pitch two innings until each player on the team has pitched once. Once the batting team has accumulated three outs, the teams switch roles. One inning of play is completed after each team has had a turn batting.

The method and guidelines for playing the ball game are as follows in accordance with one embodiment:

• • A) Each game is generally played in six innings. In one embodiment, each team will have three outs per inning.
  • B) Batter 10 and a pitcher 12 stand on their respective plates. Pitcher 12 is approximately 30 feet from batter's plate 8.
  • C) Strike zone 14 is 3 feet wide with the height determined from batter's plate 8 to the shoulders of batter 10.
  • D) Pitcher 12 throws ball 30 either down strike zone 14 or slightly outside of strike zone 14 with the intention of striking out batter 10. Some variations of pitches unique to this ball game are described in FIGS. 13 through 18.
  • E) If batter 10 attempts to hit ball 30 with bat 120 and misses, one strike is assessed.
  • F) If batter 10 hits ball 30, and ball 30 lands within 4 feet of batter's plate 8 or lands behind batter 10, a foul is assessed. A foul is equivalent to a strike unless two strikes have already been assessed.
  • G) Or, if thrown ball 30 hits batter's plate 8 while in the air, one strike is assessed.
  • H) Only one strike can be assessed per throw.
  • I) If ball 30 is thrown outside strike zone 14 and batter 10 does not attempt to hit ball 30, one ball is assessed.
  • J) If batter 10 is hit by thrown ball 30 while ball 30 is in the air or after hitting the ground, one ball is assessed.
  • K) After three (3) strikes, one out is assessed.
  • L) After four (4) balls, known as a walk, batter 10 or batter 10's team is given credit for one single hit.
  • M) After an out, homerun, single, double, triple, or walk, the strike and ball counts are reset to zero.
  • N) If ball 30 is caught in the air after batter 10 hits ball 30, it is an out.
  • O) If batter 10 hits ball 30 and ball 30 hits the ground before single line 4, one out is assessed, unless ball 30 lands within 4 feet of batter's plate 8 (Refer to D above).
  • P) If batter 10 hits ball 30 and ball 30 lands outside right-side foul line 16 by a right-handed batter, one out is assessed.
  • Q) If batter 10 hits ball 30 and ball 30 lands outside left-side foul line 18 by a right-handed batter, one strike is assessed, unless batter 10 already has two strikes.
  • R) If batter 10 hits ball 30 and ball 30 lands outside left-side foul line 18 by a left-handed batter, one out is assessed.
  • S) If batter 10 hits ball 30 and ball 30 lands outside right-side foul line 16 by a left-handed batter one strike is assessed, unless batter 10 already has two strikes.
  • T) Scoring position is tracked by the use of three imaginary bases: first base, second base, and third base. No base running is necessary as imaginary runners will be used. Each base can only be occupied by one imaginary runner, and imaginary runners will run from base to base in sequential order.
  • U) If batter 10 hits ball 30 and ball 30 is hit past one of single line 2, double line 4 landmarks, then credit is given to batter 10 or batter 10's team for the respective hit. If batter 10 hits ball 30 and ball 30 hits the triple line 6 landmark, then credit is given to batter 10 or batter 10's team for the respective hit. A single hit earns an imaginary runner to first base. A double hit earns an imaginary runner to second base. A triple hit earns an imaginary runner to third base.
  • V) If batter 10 hits ball 30 and ball 30 is hit over triple line 6 landmark while in the air, then a home run is scored.
  • W) Batter 10 scores each time a runner advances past third base. A home run allows all runners on base, as well as the batter to score.
  • X) Runners must be forced in to score. For example, if batter 10 hits double line 4 while there is already an imaginary runner on second base, then the second base runner will be moved by ‘force’ to the third base and an additional imaginary runner will take the second base. If another double is hit, then the third base runner scores.

The ball game is played in the field utilizing a uniquely designed ball (as depicted in FIGS. 2 through 6) and a uniquely designed bat (as depicted in FIGS. 7 through 9). Ball 30 utilized in the ball game of the present invention is designed to overcome many of the disadvantages of a typical ball game. The design of ball 30 allows players to easily grip and throw ball 30 thereby providing a more challenging hitting environment for the players.

FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 depict various different sectional views and FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of ball 30. FIG. 6, in particular, identifies various dimensions of ball 30. The dimensions shown in FIG. 6 are exemplary only, and changes and modifications can be made therein which are within the full intended scope of the invention as herein described and claimed.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of ball 30. In one embodiment, ball 30 is a uniquely shaped bottle with an upper reduced neck portion 32. Ball 30 has an opening 38 at its upper (first) end and a closed bottom. Ball 30 generally has a rectangular cross section (as also shown in FIG. 6), a square bottom with rounded corners and indentions to provide a firm grip, and a curved upper shoulder to which is joined a circular neck. Ball 30 has a uniform thickness. Ball 30 is generally fabricated from polyethylene plastic material. Upper reduced neck portion 32 of ball 30 is sized to receive bat 120 when bat 120 and ball 30 are packaged together in a shipping container (not shown). Further, while ball 30 is generally made of polyethylene plastic, other design or cost considerations may dictate that ball 30 be made from other similar materials.

In one embodiment, ball 30 is in the form of a bottle having an interior cavity 31 and opening 38 thereto at the top of reduced neck portion 32, which, unlike traditional balls, allows for the game to be played in a safe and fun environment. The unique design allows for ball 30 to collapse on impact from bat 120, minimizing any property damage or bodily harm. In addition, bat 120, which is made of wood material, will not break upon impact from ball 30. In another embodiment, neck portion 32 is not reduced.

Neck portion 32 includes a grooved circular base 34 seamlessly connected to a stepped up circular portion 35 to form a circular neck 36 providing circular opening 38 (also shown in FIG. 4). In one embodiment, circular opening 38 has an approximate diameter of 1.188 inches. In one embodiment, circular neck 36 is extending straight up in a vertical direction from an upper surface 40 of grooved circular base 34. In another embodiment, circular neck 36 is extending up in a vertical direction from a stepped up circular surface 37. In one embodiment, grooved circular base 34 has an external diameter of 1.850 inches. As illustrated in FIG. 2, grooved circular base 34 is seamlessly connected in a downward direction with side surfaces to form a smooth shoulder 42 of ball 30. Side surfaces of ball 30 are seamlessly connected with rounded bottom edge surfaces 56a (shown in FIG. 5 below), 56b, 56c and 56d located adjacent to bottom portion of ball 30 to form a base 60. In one embodiment, side surfaces of ball 30 are made of four flat surfaces 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d (shown in FIG. 3 below) and four curved corner surfaces 46a, 46b, 46c, 46d (shown in FIG. 3 below).

FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom plan view of base 60 of ball 30 shown in FIG. 2. In one embodiment, ball 30's four flat surfaces 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d (44a and 44b also depicted in FIG. 5 below) and four curved corner surfaces 46a, 46b, 46c, 46d (46a, 46b and 46d also depicted in FIG. 5 below) are joined with four rounded bottom edge surfaces (56a shown in FIG. 5 below) to form a closed bottom of ball 30. Flat surfaces 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d are joined seamlessly with corresponding curved corner surfaces 46a, 46b, 46c, 46d to provide ball 30 a smooth gripping surface and a firm grip to the players. In one embodiment, flat surfaces 44a and 44c are positioned approximately 2.450 inches apart. Similarly, flat surfaces 44b and 44d are positioned approximately 2.450 inches apart. As shown in FIG. 3, the closed bottom of ball 30 further includes a circular indentation 62 with two dimples 64a, 64b on opposite sides. In another embodiment, the closed bottom has the circular indentation with four dimples. Dimples 64a and 64b, as well as the indentation 62, provide a player with a unique area for gripping ball 30.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of ball 30 illustrating opening 38 of ball 30. As shown in one embodiment, circular opening 38 is centrally located. In one embodiment, circular base 34 of neck portion 32 (shown in FIG. 2) is grooved inward to create a smaller circular neck 36. Reduced neck portion 32 of ball 30 is joined with smooth shoulder 42.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of ball 30. In one embodiment, ball 30 is made of a light but durable plastic material. The light nature of ball 30 limits the distance in which ball 30 can travel, keeping ball 30 safely within the playing field. The perspective view of FIG. 5 depicts the structure and exemplifies the composition of ball 30. The light and hollow features of ball 30 contribute to its unique design which encourages pitchers to use a range of pitches, as illustrated in FIGS. 13 through 18, or create their own pitches. As depicted in FIG. 5, in one embodiment, grooved circular base 34 which joins to circular neck 36 is smaller than 2.450 inches (as shown in FIG. 6). Shoulder surfaces 78a, 78b, 78c and 78d (78c and 78d not shown), extend in a downward direction from reduced neck portion 32 (also shown in FIG. 2 above) and join seamlessly with each respective flat surfaces 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d (44a and 44b shown in FIG. 5) and curved corner surfaces 46a, 46b, 46c, 46d to form an upper body of ball 30 and to maintain the consistency of ball 30's smooth gripping surface. Additionally, flat surfaces 44a and 44b, and curved corner surfaces 46a and 46b, are seamlessly joined with their corresponding shoulder surfaces 78a, 78b, respectively, to maintain the smooth shape and contour of ball 30. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 5, flat surfaces 44a and 44b, and curved corner surfaces 46a and 46b, are seamlessly joined with their corresponding rounded edge surfaces 56a and 56b to form a closed bottom of ball 30.

FIG. 6 identifies various dimensions of ball 30 shown in FIG. 2. The dimensions shown in FIG. 6 are exemplary only, and changes and modifications can be made therein which are within the full intended scope of the invention as herein described and claimed.

FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a front elevational view of bat 120 utilized by the players in the game. Bat 120 has a rectangular shape with rounded edges. In one embodiment, bat 120 is long and slender in shape and made of a light material such as wood or plastic. The handle, making up an upper portion 122 of bat 120, is covered with a rubber or foam-like surface 124 to aid in the unique handling and gripping of bat 120. In an alternative embodiment, upper portion 122 of bat 120 is dipped in a rubber coating to achieve a uniform thickness by utilizing a commercially available rubber coating techniques. Bat 120 has rounded edges (as shown in FIG. 8).

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a bottom plan view of bat 120. Bat 120 has a square shape 140 with rounded edges. Each side surface meets a curved border to form a smooth batting surface and rounded edges. As illustrated, each side 142a meets a rounded border 144a to maintain the consistency of the bat's shape. For example, side surface 142a meets a rounded boarder 144a, which, in turn, is seamlessly joined with side surface 142b and so on, as shown in FIG. 8. The top of bat 120 is uniquely designed to fit inside ball 30 for convenient storage, and can also be used to fix dents in ball 30.

FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of a top plan view of bat 120. Bat 120's square-like base 160 is covered with uniform rubber or foam-like surface 124 (also shown in FIG. 7).

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of the ball game illustrating a method of playing game and the rules associated with the same. When the ball game is played according to one embodiment of the rules, several sets of results, dependent on the status of the ball, are possible. Batter 10 starts off with an initial state (step 200) of 0 strikes, 0 balls, and 0 outs. When pitcher 12 throws ball 30 to batter 10 (step 202), if ball 30 hits batter 10 (step 204), then one ball is assessed to the ball count (step 206a). Assessment (step 208a) of the count is computed, as explained in detail in FIG. 12.

If batter 10 does not swing (step 210) and ball 30 hits batter's plate 8 (step 212), one strike is added to the count (step 214a). If ball 30 does not hit batter's plate 8 and fails to be thrown in strike zone 14 (step 216), one ball is assessed to the count (step 206b). If ball 30 is thrown into strike zone 14 (step 216) when batter 10 fails to swing, then one strike is added to the count (step 214) and assessment (step 208b) is computed. If batter 10 does swing and misses, one strike is added to the count (step 214a). If ball 30 is hit (step 218) and caught (step 220), then one out is added to the count (step 222a). If the ball 30 is not hit when the batter swings, one strike is added to the count (step 214) and assessment (step 208c) is computed. After a ball, strike, or out, assessment (step 208c and step 208d) of the count is computed.

After ball 30 is hit outside of the foul lines (step 224), assessment of the foul is computed (step 226), as explained in FIG. 11. If ball 30 lands within 4 feet of batter's plate 8 or behind batter 10 (step 228), then batter 10 receives a foul. As shown in section 229a of FIG. 10, a foul adds a strike (step 214b) to batter 10's count if batter 10 has less than two strikes (step 232a). Batter 10 then returns to batting (step 230a).

Depending on whether or not ball 30 passes single line 2, double line 4, or triple line 6, batter 10 is either given an out or credit for the respective base hit. If ball 30 fails to pass single line 2 while in the air (step 234), one out is added to the count (step 222b), and the count assessment is computed (step 208e). If ball 30 passes only single line 2 while in the air, then one imaginary runner goes to first base (step 238). If ball 30 passes only double line 4 while in the air (step 236), then one imaginary runner goes to second base (step 246). If ball 30 hits triple line 6 (step 244) landmark in the air, then one imaginary runner goes to third base (step 250). After any base hit, runners up to and including the newly ran base are pushed forward one base until each runner occupies one base or is forced from third base (and scores) (step 240a). If ball 30 passes triple line 6 landmark in the air (step 248), then a homerun is scored and all runners on base, in addition to batter 10, score (step 252). After any homerun or base hit, the ball and strike counts are reset to zero (step 242a and step 242b), and there is a return to batting (step 232b and step 232c).

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a routine to determine a foul assessment and the decision making process surrounding the foul assessment (step 226 shown in FIG. 10). If batter 10 is right-handed (step 302) and ball 30 is fouled to the right-side of the field (step 304), one out is added to the count (step 222c). Afterwards, the count assessment is computed (step 208f). If ball 30 is fouled to the right-side of the field and batter 10 is left-handed (step 308), then one foul is assessed (step 229b).

Similarly, if ball 30 is fouled to the left-side of the field (step 310) and batter 10 is left-handed (step 308), one out is added to the count (step 222d). Afterwards, the count assessment is computed (step 208g). If ball 30 is fouled to the left-side of the field and batter 10 is right-handed, then one foul is assessed (step 229b). Section 229b of FIG. 11 (which is similar to Section 229a shown in FIG. 10) depicts the process.

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of a routine for count assessment (steps 208a, 208b, 208c, 208d, 208e shown in FIG. 10 and steps 208f and 208g shown in FIG. 11). If four balls have been assessed (step 352), then batter 10 gets credit for a walk (step 354) (an imaginary runner to first base). As with any base hit, if there is already a runner at first base, that runner is “forced” to the next base until each runner occupies only one base or is forced from third base (and scores) (step 240b). Afterwards, the ball and strike counts are reset to zero (step 242c), and there is a return to batting (step 232d).

If less than four balls have been assessed, the routine examines the strike count. If batter 10 has three strikes (step 356), one out is added to the count (step 222e). After an out, the ball and strike counts are reset (step 242d).

Following a reset, or if batter 10 has less than three strikes, the routine examines the number of outs. If three outs have been assessed (step 358), the batting and pitching teams switch according to the game-type (step 360). Otherwise, batter 10 returns to batting (step 232d).

FIG. 13 illustrates a variation of a pitch using ball 30 in one embodiment. This view shows a right-overhand grip. Pitcher 12 uses his or her index finger 402 and middle finger 404 to spin the bottom of ball 30. Pitcher 12's thumb 400 and ring finger 406 clasp opposite sides of ball 30. For added comfort or grip, pinky finger 408 may also grip the side of the ball 30. This pitch is thrown hard directly towards plate 8 resulting in a fast, straight pitch. In addition, the pitch may be thrown from different arm angles (side arm or under arm) to achieve greater variation of the pitch.

FIG. 14 illustrates a variation of a pitch using ball 30 in a second embodiment. This view shows a modified right-overhand grip where pitcher 12 uses grooved circular neck 36 (not shown) of ball 30 as a gripping base. As shown, thumb 400 is clasped along the neck of ball 30 and meets ring finger 406 to form the base 412 of the grip. Index finger 402 and middle finger 404 are placed on a corner 420 (the combined area of surfaces 46 and 56 from FIG. 5) of ball 30. As the ball is thrown, the pitcher snaps his or her wrist 410 downward in order to keep ball 30 low and have it sink as it approaches the batter's plate 8.

FIG. 15 illustrates a variation of a pitch using ball 30 in a third embodiment. This view shows a right-hand two-finger grip. Pitcher's thumb 400 and index finger 402 are used to grip the protruding part of grooved circular neck 36 of ball 30. In another embodiment, pitcher 12's middle finger 404 may also span the elongated, smooth part of circular neck 36 for an increased grip or extra comfort. The pitch is thrown from a starting point above the level of the target in a north-to-south motion. The ball can also be thrown from the pitcher's side using an east-to-west or west-to-east motion. If this pitch is thrown hard using a snap of wrist 410, the ball will break or change motion faster.

FIG. 16 illustrates a variation of a pitch using ball 30 in a fourth embodiment. This view shows a right-hand palm grip which holds ball 30 in a horizontal position. Pitcher 12 uses the dimples on the bottom of ball 30 as a grip support for pitcher's thumb 400. The remaining fingers 402, 404, 406 clasp ball 30 along one of the curved corner surfaces 420 with pinky finger 408 on neck 36 of ball 30. The pitch is thrown to an area above and behind batter 12 in order to maximize on the pitch's corkscrew motion. In addition, the pitch may be thrown from different arm angles to achieve greater variation on the motion of the pitch.

FIG. 17 illustrates a variation of a pitch using ball 30 in a fifth embodiment. This figure includes a side-perspective view 430 and a top-perspective view 440. View 430 shows a right-hand V-grip where the open end of the ball is faced into the palm of the pitcher's hand. The sides of the V-grip are formed by the thumb 400 and other fingers 402, 404. The grip is created by the exertion of inward force by the pitcher's knuckles, ideally placed along the smooth curved corner surfaces of ball 30.

Top-perspective view 440 shows finger positions utilized in this pitch. As depicted in view 430, thumb 400 grips the lower portion slightly above the neck of ball 30. Index finger 402 and middle finger 404 grip one side 442 of ball 30, while remaining ring finger 406 and pinky finger 408 grip the lower part of the adjacent side 444. The pitch is thrown with the open-end of the ball facing downward and with no rotation. As a result of this pitch, ball 30 should float towards the batter's plate 8 in an unpredictable manner.

FIG. 18 illustrates a variation of a pitch using ball 30 in a sixth embodiment. This view shows a right-hand palm-grip where two or more sides are covered by the pitcher's palm and fingers 402, 404, 406, 408. Pitcher's thumb 400 rests near the top of ball's grooved circular neck 36. The pitch is thrown with the open-end facing up, and should break slightly to the right for a right-handed pitcher (left otherwise) before heading down.

The above description of playing the game is exemplary and is not to be considered as limiting since simple rule changes may be made within the spirit of the game disclosed. While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for playing a ball game, said method comprising:

defining rules of the ball game;

identifying participants for the ball game;

playing the ball game with a uniquely designed ball, wherein the uniquely designed ball has an opening at an upper portion and a closed bottom at a lower portion; and

assessing results of the ball game.

2. The method according to claim 1 wherein said step of defining rules further comprises the steps of defining requirements for a strike zone.

3. The method according to claim 1 wherein said step of defining rules further comprises the steps of defining requirements for a foul.

4. The method according to claim 1 wherein said step of defining rules further comprises the steps of defining as to when a strike would be assessed against a pitcher.

5. The method according to claim 1 wherein said step of defining rules further comprises the steps of defining when one ball would be assessed.

6. The method according to claim 1 wherein said step of defining rules further comprises the steps of defining relationship among strikes, out, homerun, single, double, triple, or walk.

7. The method according to claim 1 wherein said step of defining rules further comprises the steps of defining a number of points batter receives upon hitting a ball under a certain pre-determined conditions.

8. The method according to claim 1 wherein said step of identifying participants further comprises the steps of identifying at least one of a pitcher and a batter.

9. The method according to claim 1 wherein said step of defining rules further comprises the steps of defining rules relating to count assessment.

10. The method according to claim 10 wherein said step of defining rules further includes agreeing between participants that,

a) if four balls have been accumulated, then a batter gets credit for a walk,

b) if less than four balls have been accumulated, the strike count is assessed, and

c) if the batter has three strikes, one out is added to the count.

11. A ball for a ball game, comprising:

a neck portion seamlessly connected to a stepped up circular portion to form a neck providing a circular opening;

a plurality of shoulder surfaces to form a shoulder of the ball, each shoulder surface extending in a downward direction from the neck portion;

a plurality of flat surfaces, a plurality of curved corner surfaces, and the plurality of shoulder surfaces, all joined together to form an upper body of the ball; and

the plurality of flat surfaces, the plurality of curved corner surfaces, and the plurality of rounded bottom edge surfaces, all joined together to form a closed bottom of the ball.

12. The ball according to claim 11 wherein the neck is extending in a vertical direction from an upper surface of the circular base.

13. The ball according to claim 11 wherein said neck has a circular opening that is centrally located.

14. The ball according to claim 11 wherein said circular base of the stepped up circular portion is grooved inward to create a smaller circular but elongated neck.

15. The ball according to claim 11 wherein said stepped up circular base of circular portion is grooved inward to create a smaller circular neck.

16. The ball according to claim 11 wherein said ball has shoulder surfaces extending in a downward direction from the circular base of the circular portion, said ball has four flat surfaces and four curved corner surfaces, wherein each flat surface is seamlessly connected to a corresponding curved corner surface to form an upper body of the ball.

17. The ball according to claim 11 wherein said ball is made of a light but durable plastic material.

18. The ball according to claim 12 wherein said flat surfaces are seamlessly connected to corresponding curved corner surfaces to maintain the smooth shape and contour of the ball.

19. A game apparatus, comprising:

a ball having a bottle shape; and

a rectangular shaped bat.

20. The game apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the ball has an interior cavity and an opening thereto at the top of a reduced neck portion of the ball.

21. The game apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the bat has an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion coated to aid in smooth gripping of the bat.

22. The game apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the bat is coated with rubber like material.

23. The game apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the bat is coated with a foam-like material.

24. The game apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the bat is coated by dipping into a rubber coating to provide a smooth rubber like finish.

25. The game apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the bat is long and slender in shape and has rounded edges.

26. A method of play, comprising of:

a) selecting players;

b) designating field landmarks which define a batter's plate, a single line, a double line, and a triple line;

c) selecting a position for each of the players as a batter, a pitcher, or a catcher;

d) designating a strike-zone;

e) the pitcher throwing a ball in an attempt to get the batter out;

f) the batter attempting to hit the ball in an attempt to score;

g) assessing the condition of the ball after each ball is thrown;

h) utilizing imaginary runners and bases to designate the batter's scoring position; and

i) advancing imaginary runners to the bases depending on which landmarks the ball passes.

27. The method according to claim 26 wherein the strike-zone is defined as the area above the batter's plate, 3 feet wide which extends from the batter's head to ankles.