METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DIRECTIONAL BASEBALL HITTING

Abstract

A method for directional baseball hitting may include pitching, swinging, determining whether the swing resulted in a ball meeting hit requirements and a round requirement for a round and awarding a point if the swing was determined to result in the ball meeting the hit requirements and the round requirement for the round, summing the points awarded to a hitter to obtain a round hitter point total, and summing the round hitter point totals for the hitters of a team for the round to obtain a team round point total. A method for setting up a baseball field for directional baseball hitting may include using markers to set up first baseman, second baseman, shortstop, and third baseman areas of a baseball field. The method may further include using markers to set up left field, right field, and center field portions of an outfield of the baseball field.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/744,451, filed on Jan. 13, 2025, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Field of Invention

The present disclosure relates to directional baseball hitting in a competitive, team environment.

Discussion of the Background

Team baseball enables participants to hit pitches in a competitive, team environment. During games, participants adjust their approach to hitting (e.g., where to hit) based on game situations (e.g., the number of outs and/or the presence of one or more runners on base). The situational hitting adjustment often includes attempting to hit the baseball in a particular direction (e.g., hitting in the right field direction with a runner on second base and fewer than two outs). In addition to hitting, team baseball requires participants to field when on defense and to run the bases when on offense.

SUMMARY

Many people enjoy hitting in the competitive, team environment that team baseball provides. Many people also enjoy the additional challenge that the directional hitting component of situational hitting provides. However, not all that enjoy hitting also enjoy and are capable of fielding and running the bases. For people that enjoy baseball hitting but do not want to (or cannot) field and run bases, batting practice in which participants practice hitting pitches is an option. However, batting practice does not provide a competitive, team environment and lacks a directional hitting component.

Aspects of the invention may overcome one or more of the drawbacks of team baseball and batting practice by enabling participants to hit pitches in a competitive, team environment with a directional hitting component, without fielding, and without running the bases.

One aspect of the invention may provide a method including, for each round r of R rounds, for each hitter h of H hitters of a first team T1 for the round r: pitching, by a pitcher of the first team T1 for the round r, balls from a pitching area of a baseball field to the hitter h of the H hitters of the first team T1 for the round r during a hitting period for the hitter h of the H hitters of the first team T1 for the round r; swinging, by the hitter h of the H hitters of the first team T1 for the round r, a bat at one or more of the pitches from the pitcher of the first team T1 for the round r; for each swing of the hitter h of the H hitters of the first team T1 for the round r, determining whether the swing resulted in a ball meeting hit requirements and a round requirement for the round r and awarding a point if the swing was determined to result in the ball meeting the hit requirements and the round requirement for the round r; and summing the points awarded to the hitter h to obtain a round hitter point total p_rh for the hitter h of the H hitters of the first team T1 for the round r. The method may include, for each round r of the R rounds, summing the round hitter point totals p_rh for the H hitters of the first team T1 for the round r to obtain a first team round point total P_rT1. The method may include, for each round r of the R rounds, for each hitter h of H hitters of a second team T2 for the round r: pitching, by a pitcher of the second team T2 for the round r, balls from the pitching area of the baseball field to the hitter h of the H hitters of the second team T2 for the round r during a hitting period for the hitter h of the H hitters of the second team T2 for the round r; swinging, by the hitter h of the H hitters of the second team T2 for the round r, a bat at one or more of the pitches from the pitcher of the second team T2 for the round r; for each swing of the hitter h of the H hitters of the second team T2 for the round r, determining whether the swing resulted in a ball meeting the hit requirements and the round requirement for the round r and awarding a point if the swing was determined to result in the ball meeting the hit requirements and the round requirement for the round r; and summing the points awarded to the hitter h to obtain a round hitter point total p_rh for the hitter h of the H hitters of the second team T2 for the round r. The method may include, for each round r of R rounds, summing the round hitter point totals p_rh for the H hitters of the second team T2 for the round r to obtain a second team round point total P_rT2. R may be an integer greater than 1, and H may be an integer greater than 1. The hit requirements may include the ball not being a foul ball, and the round requirements for at least two of the R rounds may include different ones of a set of round requirements. The set of round requirements may include: the ball landing in or finishing in a left field portion of an outfield of the baseball field; the ball landing in or finishing in a center field portion of the outfield of the baseball field; the ball landing in or finishing in a right field portion of the outfield of the baseball field; the ball landing in or finishing in a pull-side portion of the outfield of the baseball field; the ball landing in or finishing in an opposite field portion of the outfield of the baseball field; the ball landing in the left field portion of the outfield of the baseball field; the ball landing in the center field portion of the outfield of the baseball field; the ball landing in the right field portion of the outfield of the baseball field; the ball landing in the pull-side portion of the outfield of the baseball field; and the ball landing in the opposite field portion of the outfield of the baseball field.

In some aspects, the method may further include, for each round r of the R rounds, if the first team round point total P_rT1 for the round r is greater than the second team round point total P_rT2 for the round r, awarding one or more runs to the first team T1; and, if the second team round point total P_rT2 for the round r is greater than the first team round point total P_rT1 for the round r, awarding one or more runs to the second team T2. In some aspects, the method may further include summing any runs awarded to the first team T1 for the R rounds to obtain a first team score total S_T1 and summing any runs awarded to the second team T2 for the R rounds to obtain a second team score total S_T2. In some aspects, the method may further include displaying at least the first and second team score totals S_T1 and S_T2 on a scoreboard of the baseball field.

In some aspects, the method may further include, for each round r of the R rounds, displaying at least the first and second team round point totals P_rT1 and P_rT1 on a scoreboard of the baseball field.

In some aspects, the method may further include summing the first team round point totals P_rT1 for the R rounds to obtain a first team game point total P_gT1 and summing the second team round point totals P_rT2 for the R rounds to obtain a second team game point total P_gT2. In some aspects, the method may further include displaying at least the first and second team game points totals P_gT1 and P_gT2 on a scoreboard of the baseball field.

In some aspects, the hitting periods for the H hitters of the first team T1 and the H hitters of the second team T2 may each be a maximum period of time, a maximum number of swings, or a combination of the period of time and the number of swings.

In some aspects, the hit requirements may include the ball reaching the outfield. In some aspects, the hit requirements may include the ball not passing through any of a first baseman area, a second baseman area, a shortstop area, and a third baseman area of the baseball field. In some aspects, the method may further include using markers (e.g., flags, nets, cones, chalk, and/or paint) to set up the first baseman area, the second baseman area, the shortstop area, and the third baseman area of the baseball field.

In some aspects, the method may further include using markers (e.g., flags, nets, cones, chalk, and/or paint) to set up the left field portion, the right field portion, and the center field portion of the outfield of the baseball field.

In some aspects, the round requirements for at least three of the R rounds may include different ones of the set of round requirements. In some aspects, the round requirements for at least four of the R rounds may include different ones of the set of round requirements. In some aspects, the round requirement for at least one of the R rounds may include: the ball landing in the pull-side portion of the outfield of the baseball field; after a previous ball lands in the in the pull-side portion of the outfield of the baseball field, the ball landing in the center field portion of the outfield of the baseball field; and, after a previous ball lands in the in the center field portion of the outfield of the baseball field, the ball landing in the opposite field portion of the outfield of the baseball field. In some aspects, the round requirement for at least one of the R rounds may include the ball hitting or going over an outfield wall or fence of the baseball field.

In some aspects, the method may further include using a computer to: sum the points awarded to each of the H hitters for each of the first and second teams T1 and T2 for each of the R rounds to obtain the round hitter point total p_rh for each of the H hitters of the first and second team T2 for each of the R rounds; sum any runs awarded to the first team T1 for the R rounds to obtain the first team score total S_T1; and sum any runs awarded to the second team T2 for the R rounds to obtain the second team score total S_T2.

Another aspect of the invention may provide an apparatus configured to: for each round r of R rounds, for each hitter h of H hitters of a first team T1 for the round r, sum points awarded to the hitter h of the H hitters of the first team T1 for the round r to obtain a round hitter point total p_rh for the hitter h of the H hitters of the first team T1 for the round r; sum the round hitter point totals p_rh for the H hitters of the first team T1 for the round r to obtain a first team round point total P_rT1; and for each hitter h of H hitters of a second team T2 for the round r, sum points awarded to the hitter h of the H hitters of the second team T2 for the round r to obtain a round hitter point total p_rh for the hitter h of the H hitters of the second team T2 for the round r, wherein a point is awarded to the hitter h of the H hitters of the second team T2 for the round r for each swing of the hitter h of the H hitters of the second team T2 for the round r that results a ball meeting hit requirements and a round requirement for the round r. A point may be awarded to the hitter h of the H hitters of the first team T1 for the round r for each swing of the hitter h of the H hitters of the first team T1 for the round r that results a ball meeting hit requirements and a round requirement for the round r. R may be an integer greater than 1, and H may be an integer greater than 1. The hit requirements may include the ball not being a foul ball, and the round requirements for at least two of the R rounds may include different ones of a set of round requirements. The set of round requirements may include: the ball landing in or finishing in a left field portion of an outfield of the baseball field; the ball landing in or finishing in a center field portion of the outfield of the baseball field; the ball landing in or finishing in a right field portion of the outfield of the baseball field; the ball landing in or finishing in a pull-side portion of the outfield of the baseball field; the ball landing in or finishing in an opposite field portion of the outfield of the baseball field; the ball landing in the left field portion of the outfield of the baseball field; the ball landing in the center field portion of the outfield of the baseball field; the ball landing in the right field portion of the outfield of the baseball field; the ball landing in the pull-side portion of the outfield of the baseball field; and the ball landing in the opposite field portion of the outfield of the baseball field.

In some aspects, the apparatus may include processing circuitry and a memory, the memory may include instructions executable by the processing circuitry, whereby the apparatus may be operative to perform the summing.

In some aspects, the apparatus may be further configured to: sum any runs awarded to the first team T1 for the R rounds to obtain a first team score total S_T1, wherein, for each round r of the R rounds, one or more runs is awarded to the first team T1 if the first team round point total P_rT1 for the round r is greater than the second team round point total P_rT2 for the round r; and sum any runs awarded to the second team T2 for the R rounds to obtain a second team score total S_T2, wherein, for each round r of the R rounds, one or more runs is awarded to the second team T2 if the second team round point total P_rT2 for the round r is greater than the first team round point total P_rT1 for the round r.

In some aspects, the apparatus may be further configured to: sum the first team round point totals P_rT1 for the R rounds to obtain a first team game point total P_gT1; and sum the second team round point totals P_rT2 for the R rounds to obtain a second team game point total P_gT2.

Still another aspect of the invention may provide a method including: using one or more markers to set up a first baseman area of a baseball field; using one or more markers to set up a second baseman area of the baseball field; using one or more markers to set up a shortstop area of the baseball field; and using one or more markers to set up a third baseman area of the baseball field.

In some aspects, the method may further include using markers to set up a left field portion, a right field portion, and a center field portion of an outfield of the baseball field. In some aspects, the markers used to setup the areas and/or portions of the baseball field may include flags and/or nets. In some aspects, the markers used to setup the areas and/or portions of the baseball field may include chalk and/or paint. In some aspects, the markers used to setup the areas and/or portions of the baseball field may include cones.

These and other embodiments encompassed within the systems and methods are described in the detailed description of the invention below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part of the specification, illustrate various, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates a process according to some aspects.

FIG. 2A illustrates a conventional baseball field.

FIG. 2B-FIG. 2D illustrate baseball fields according to some aspects.

FIG. 3A-FIG. 3D illustrate a scorebook, a scoreboard display, and a team tournament formats of a first example that uses the baseball field of FIG. 2B with four rounds and four hitters per team per round according to some aspects.

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B illustrate a scorebook and a scoreboard display of a second example that uses the baseball field of FIG. 2B with five rounds and four hitters per team per round according to some aspects.

FIG. 5A-FIG. 5C illustrate a game format, a scorebook, and a scoreboard display for a third example that uses the baseball field of FIG. 2C with five rounds and four hitters per team per round according to some aspects.

FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B illustrates a wheel play format and game format of a fourth example that uses the baseball field of FIG. 2D with seven rounds and four hitters per team per round according to some aspects.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating an exemplary system according to some aspects.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a process 100 according to some aspects. In some aspects, as shown in FIG. 1, the process 100 may include an optional step 102 of setting up a baseball field. FIG. 2A illustrates a conventional baseball field. A conventional baseball field may include an infield, an outfield, a pitcher's mound, a pitching rubber, a first base, a second base, a third base, a home plate, foul lines, batter's boxes, and/or an outfield wall or fence. FIGS. 2B-2D illustrate first, second, and third examples of baseball fields that may be setup in step 102. In some aspects, setting up the baseball field in step 102 may include setting up one or more features of a conventional baseball field (e.g., the infield, the outfield, the pitcher's mound, the pitching rubber, the first base, the second base, the third base, the home plate, the foul lines, the batter's boxes, and/or the outfield wall or fence). However, this is not required, and, in some alternative aspects, the conventional aspects of the baseball field may have been already setup (and, therefore, not setup in step 102).

In some aspects, setting up the baseball field in step 102 may include adding to a baseball field one or more features that are not part of a conventional baseball field. In some aspects, as shown in FIGS. 2B-2D, setting up the baseball field in step 102 may include setting up a left field portion of an outfield of the baseball field, a center field portion of the outfield of the baseball field, and/or a right field portion of the outfield of the baseball field. In some aspects, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, flags may be used to separate the left field, center field, and right field portions of the outfield of the baseball field. In some aspects, as shown in FIGS. 2B-2D, setting up the baseball field in step 102 may additionally or alternatively include setting up a first baseman area of an infield of the baseball field, a second baseman area of the infield of the baseball field, a shortstop area of the infield of the baseball field, and/or a third baseman area of the infield of the baseball field. In some aspects, markers may be used to set up the areas of the baseball field and/or the portions of the outfield of the baseball field. In some aspects, the markers used to setup the areas and/or portions of the baseball field may include flags and/or nets. In some aspects, the markers used to setup the areas and/or portions of the baseball field may include chalk and/or paint. In some aspects, the markers used to setup the areas and/or portions of the baseball field may include cones. In some aspects, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, flags may be used to identify the first baseman, second baseman, shortstop, and third baseman areas of the infield. In some alternative aspects, as shown in FIG. 2D, nets may be used to identify the first baseman, second baseman, shortstop, and third baseman areas of the infield. In some aspects, as shown in FIG. 2D, setting up the baseball field in step 102 may additionally or alternatively include setting up one or more bunt zones, one or more gap to gap zones, and/or one or more sacrifice fly zones.

In some aspects, the process 100 may include, for each round of R rounds, a step of conducting the round. In some aspects, R may be an integer greater than 1. In some aspects, R may be, for example and without limitation, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, or 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the process 100 may includes a step 104 of conducting a round 1 of the R rounds, a step 106 of conducting a round 2 of the R rounds, and a step 108 of conducting a round R of R rounds.

In some aspects, as shown in FIG. 1, each round r of the R rounds (e.g., each of steps 104, 106, and 108) may include, for each hitter of H hitters of a first team T1 for the round r and for each of H hitters of a second team T2 for the round r, conducting hitting for the hitter. In some aspects, H may be an integer greater than 1. In some aspects, H may be, for example and without limitation, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, or 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, conducting round 1 of the R rounds in step 104 may include a step 202 of conducting hitting for hitter 1 of the H hitters of the first team T1, a step 204 of conducting hitting for hitter 2 of the H hitters of the first team T1, a step 206 of conducting hitting for hitter H of the H hitters of the first team T1, a step 210 of conducting hitting for hitter 1 of the H hitters of the second team T2, a step 212 of conducting hitting for hitter 2 of the H hitters of the second team T2, a step 214 of conducting hitting for hitter H of the H hitters of the second team T2.

In some aspects, as shown in FIG. 1, conducting hitting for each hitter h of the H hitters of the first team T1 for the round r (e.g., each of steps 202, 204, and 206) may include steps 302, 304, 306, and/or 308. In some aspects, the step 302 may include pitching, by a pitcher of the first team T1 for the round r, balls from a pitching area of the baseball field to the hitter h of the H hitters of the first team T1 for the round r during a hitting period for the hitter h of the H hitters of the first team T1 for the round r. In some aspects, the step 304 may include swinging, by the hitter h of the H hitters of the first team T1 for the round r, a bat at one or more of the pitches from the pitcher of the first team T1 for the round r. In some aspects, the step 306 may include, for each swing of the hitter h of the H hitters of the first team T1 for the round r, determining whether the swing resulted in a ball meeting hit requirements and a round requirement for the round r and awarding a point if the swing was determined to result in the ball meeting the hit requirements and the round requirement for the round r. In some aspects, the step 308 may include summing the points awarded to the hitter h to obtain a round hitter point total p_rh for the hitter h of the H hitters of the first team T1 for the round r.

In some aspects, as shown in FIG. 1, conducting hitting for each hitter h of the H hitters of the second team T2 for the round r (e.g., each of steps 210, 212, and 214) may include steps 312, 314, 316, and/or 318. In some aspects, the step 312 may include pitching, by a pitcher of the second team T2 for the round r, balls from the pitching area of the baseball field to the hitter h of the H hitters of the second team T2 for the round r during a hitting period for the hitter h of the H hitters of the second team T2 for the round r. In some aspects, the step 314 may include swinging, by the hitter h of the H hitters of the second team T2 for the round r, a bat at one or more of the pitches from the pitcher of the second team T2 for the round r. In some aspects, the step 316 may include, for each swing of the hitter h of the H hitters of the second team T2 for the round r, determining whether the swing resulted in a ball meeting the hit requirements and the round requirement for the round r and awarding a point if the swing was determined to result in the ball meeting the hit requirements and the round requirement for the round r. In some aspects, the step 318 may include summing the points awarded to the hitter h to obtain a round hitter point total p_rh for the hitter h of the H hitters of the second team T2 for the round r.

In some aspects, the hitting periods for the H hitters of the first team T1 and the H hitters of the second team T2 (e.g., in steps 302 and 312) are each a maximum period of time (e.g., 10 seconds, 15 seconds, 20 seconds, 25 seconds, 30 seconds, 35 seconds, 45 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, or 5 minutes), a maximum number of swings (e.g., 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, or 15 swings), or a combination of the period of time and the number of swings. For example, the hitting period for each hitter of the first and second teams T1 and T2 for each round may be, for example and without limitation, 35 seconds or 8 swings (whichever comes first).

In some aspects, the hit requirements (e.g., in steps 306 and 316) may include the ball not being a foul ball. In some aspects, the hit requirements may additionally or alternatively include the ball reaching the outfield. In some aspects, the hit requirements may additionally or alternatively include the ball not passing through any of the first baseman, second baseman, shortstop, and third baseman areas of the infield of the baseball field.

In some aspects, the round requirements (e.g., in steps 306 and 316) for at least two of the R rounds may include different ones of a set of round requirements. In some aspects, the set of round requirements may include: (i) the ball landing in or finishing in the left field portion of the outfield of the baseball field, (ii) the ball landing in or finishing in the center field portion of the outfield of the baseball field, (iii) the ball landing in or finishing in the right field portion of the outfield of the baseball field, (iv) the ball landing in or finishing in a pull-side portion of the outfield of the baseball field, (v) the ball landing in or finishing in an opposite field portion of the outfield of the baseball field, (vi) the ball landing in the left field portion of the outfield of the baseball field, (vii) the ball landing in the center field portion of the outfield of the baseball field, (viii) the ball landing in the right field portion of the outfield of the baseball field, (ix) the ball landing in the pull-side portion of the outfield of the baseball field, and (x) the ball landing in the opposite field portion of the outfield of the baseball field. In some aspects in which R is an integer greater than or equal to 3, the round requirements for at least three of the R rounds may include different ones of the set of round requirements. In some aspects in which R is an integer greater than or equal to 4, the round requirements for at least four of the R rounds may include different ones of the set of round requirements. In some aspects, the pull-side and opposite field portions of the outfield of the baseball field may be the left field and right field portions, respectively, of the outfield for a right-handed hitter and the right field and left field portions, respectively, of the outfield for a left-handed hitter.

In some aspects, the round requirements (e.g., in steps 306 and 316) for at least one of the R rounds may include: (i) the ball landing in the pull-side portion of the outfield of the baseball field; (ii) after a previous ball lands in the in the pull-side portion of the outfield of the baseball field, the ball landing in the center field portion of the outfield of the baseball field; and (iii) after a previous ball lands in the in the center field portion of the outfield of the baseball field, the ball landing in the opposite field portion of the outfield of the baseball field. In some aspects, the round requirements (e.g., in steps 306 and 316) for at least one of the R rounds may include the ball hitting or going over an outfield wall or fence of the baseball field.

In some aspects, as shown in FIG. 1, each round r of the R rounds (e.g., each of steps 104, 106, and 108) may include a step 208 of summing the round hitter point totals p_rh for the H hitters of the first team T1 for the round r to obtain a first team round point total P_rT1. In some aspects, as shown in FIG. 1, each round r of the R rounds (e.g., each of steps 104, 106, and 108) may include a step 216 of summing the round hitter point totals p_rh for the H hitters of the second team T2 for the round r to obtain a second team round point total P_rT2.

In some aspects, as shown in FIG. 1, each round r of the R rounds (e.g., each of steps 104, 106, and 108) may include an optional step 218 of comparing the first and second team round point totals P_rT1 and P_rT2 for the round r. In some aspects, the step 218 may include, if the first team round point total P_rT1 for the round r is greater than the second team round point total P_rT2 for the round r, awarding one or more runs to the first team T1. In some aspects, the step 218 may include, if the second team round point total P_rT2 for the round r is greater than the first team round point total P_rT1 for the round r, awarding one or more runs to the second team T2.

In some aspects, the same number of runs (e.g., one run) may be awarded in step 218 for each round of the R rounds that is not tied. However this is not required, and, in some alternative aspects, the number of points awarded in step 218 may depend on the round r. For example, in some aspects, one run may be awarded in each round other than the last round that is not tied, and two runs may be awarded in last round (if not tied). However, this is not required. For another example, one run may be awarded in each round other than the last two rounds that is not tied, and two runs may be awarded in each of the last two rounds that is not tied. For yet another example, two runs may be awarded in each of the early rounds (e.g., rounds 1 and 2) that are not tied, three runs may be awarded in each of the middle rounds (e.g., rounds 3 and 4) that are not tied, and four runs may be awarded in each of the late rounds (e.g., rounds 5-7) that are not tied. In some aspects, the number of runs awarded may be altered based on the results of wagers/betting.

In some aspects, as shown in FIG. 1, the process 100 may include an optional step 110 of summing any runs awarded to the first team T1 for the R rounds to obtain a first team score total S_T1 and an optional step 112 of summing any runs awarded to the second team T2 for the R rounds to obtain a second team score total S_T2. In some aspects, the process 100 may include an optional step of summing the first team round point totals P_rT1 for the R rounds to obtain a first team game point total P_gT1 and an optional step of summing the second team round point totals P_rT2 for the R rounds to obtain a second team game point total P_gT2.

In some aspects, the baseball field may include one or more scoreboards (e.g., the one or more scoreboards 706 shown in FIG. 7). In some aspects, the process 100 may include displaying one or more values on a scoreboard 706 of the baseball field. For example, in some aspects, the process 100 may include displaying at least the first and second team score totals S_T1 and S_T2 on a scoreboard 706 of the baseball field. For another example, in some aspects, the process 100 may include additionally or alternatively, for each round r of the R rounds, displaying at least the first and second team round point totals P_rT1 and P_rT1 on a scoreboard of the baseball field. For yet another example, in some aspects, the process 100 may include additionally or alternatively displaying at least the first and second team game points totals P_gT1 and P_gT2 on a scoreboard 706 of the baseball field. In some aspects, the display of the scoreboard 706 may be as shown in any of FIGS. 3E, 4D, and 5C.

In some aspects, the process 100 may include using a computer (e.g., the computer 700 shown in FIG. 7) to perform the summing. For example, the process 100 may include using the computer 700 to sum the points awarded to each of the H hitters for each of the first and second teams T1 and T2 for each of the R rounds to obtain the round hitter point total p_rh for each of the H hitters of the first and second team T2 for each of the R rounds, sum any runs awarded to the first team T1 for the R rounds to obtain the first team score total S_T1, and/or sum any runs awarded to the second team T2 for the R rounds to obtain the second team score total S_T2.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a system including the computer 700, one or more scoreboards 706 of the baseball field, one or more inputs 702, and/or one or more displays 704 according to some aspects. As shown in FIG. 12, in some aspects, the computer 700 may include processing circuitry 1632 and/or one or more circuits, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a logic circuit, and the like. The processing circuitry 1632 may include one or more processors 1634 (e.g., one or more general purpose microprocessors). In some aspects, the computer 700 may include a data storage system (DSS) 1640. The DSS 1640 may include one or more non-volatile storage devices and/or one or more volatile storage devices (e.g., random access memory (RAM)). In aspects where the computer 700 includes processing circuitry 1632, the DSS 1640 may include a computer program product (CPP) 1644. CPP 1644 may include or be a computer readable medium (CRM) 1646. The CRM 1646 may store a computer program (CP) 1648 comprising computer readable instructions (CRI) 1650. In some aspects in which the computer is the computer 700 of the display device 1206, the CRM 1646 may store, among other programs, the MMA, and the CRI 1650 may include one or more instructions of the MMA. The CRM 1646 may be a non-transitory computer readable medium, such as, but not limited, to magnetic media (e.g., a hard disk), optical media (e.g., a DVD), solid state devices (e.g., random access memory (RAM) or flash memory), and the like. In some aspects, the CRI 1650 of computer program 1648 may be configured such that when executed by processing circuitry 1632, the CRI 1650 causes the computer 700 to perform steps described above (e.g., one or more of the steps described above with reference to process 100). In other aspects, the computer 100 may be configured to perform one or more of the steps described herein without the need for a computer program. That is, for example, the computer may consist merely of one or more ASICs. Hence, the features of the aspects described herein may be implemented in hardware and/or software.

In some aspects, the computer 700 (e.g., the processing circuitry 1632 of the computer 700) may be connected (wirelessly or through a wired connection) to one or more inputs 702 (e.g., one or more smartphones). In some aspects, the computer 700 may receive information indicative of the number of points awarded to swings of each hitter h of the H hitters for each of the first and second teams T1 and T2 for each of the R rounds from the one or more inputs 702. In some aspects, the computer 700 (e.g., the processing circuitry 1632 of the computer 700) may be connected (wirelessly or through a wired connection) to one or more scoreboards 706 of the baseball field, and the computer 700 may convey information (e.g., the first and second team score totals S_T1 and S_T2, the first and second team round point totals P_rT1 and P_rT1 for each round r of the R rounds, the number of runs awarded to each of the first and second teams T1 and T2 round r of the R rounds, and/or the first and second team game points totals P_gT1 and P_gT2) to the one or more scoreboards 706, which may display the conveyed information. In some aspects, the computer 700 (e.g., the processing circuitry 1632 of the computer 700) may additionally or alternatively be connected (wirelessly or through a wired connection) to one or more displays 704 (e.g., smartphones), and the computer 700 may convey information to the one or more displays 704, which may display the conveyed information. In some aspects, one or more devices (e.g., smartphones) may act as an input 702 and as a display 704.

A first example may use the baseball field of FIG. 2B with four rounds (i.e., R=4) and four hitters per team per round (i.e., H=4). FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a scorebook for one of the teams (e.g., the first team T1) for the first example according to some aspects. FIG. 3C illustrates a scoreboard display for the first example according to some aspects. FIG. 3D illustrates examples of 6 team and 9 team tournament formats for the first example according to some aspects.

In some aspects of the first example, with respects to lineups, a team's lineup may consist of four hitters (i.e., H=4), bench players may sub in at any time before an at-bat begins, player re-entry into the same spot in the lineup may be allowed at any time, and/or a pitcher may switch with any hitter in the lineup at any time. In some aspects of the first example, a pitcher may not pitch and hit in the same round r. In some aspects of the first example, a lineup change must be reported to a scorekeeper and announced by a spotting official.

In some aspects of the first example, with respect to scoring, games may include four rounds of hitting (i.e., R=4), each hitter h may have one at-bat per round r, the team with the most total points P_r in a round r may win the round. In some aspects of the first example, rounds r may be worth different amounts. In some aspects of the first example, rounds 1 through 3 may be worth 1 run, and round 4 may be worth 2 runs. In some aspects of the first example, no runs may be awarded for rounds that finish in a tie. In some aspects of the first example, the team with the most runs at the end of the game may win.

In some aspects of the first example, with respect to hitting requirements, a hitting period for a hitter h may be a maximum number of swings (e.g., a maximum of 8 swings) or a period of time (e.g., 35 seconds) whichever comes first. In some aspects, the period of time for a hitter h may begin on a pitcher first movement. In some aspects of the first example, a full swing may be counted no matter the result. In some aspects of the first example, a pitcher must be in motion before time is up for the swing to count. In some aspects of the first example, a ball put in play may not count as a point when the ball: (a) is ruled a foul ball or does not finish beyond the infield, (b) is hit between the infield flags and below the tops of the flags, or contacts any part of the flags, and/or (c) does not satisfy the round-by-round directional requirements/format. In some aspects of the first example, with respect to round requirements, the round requirement for a round r (e.g., round 1) may be that the ball must land in or finish in the section that is considered pull-side for the hitter (i.e., a pull side requirement), the round requirement for another round r (e.g., round 2) may be that the ball must land in the middle section of the field (i.e., an up the middle requirement), the round requirement for still another round r (e.g., round 3) may be that the ball must land in the section that is considered opposite field for the hitter (i.e., an opposite field requirement), and/or the round requirement for yet another round r (e.g., round 4) may be that the ball must land in the pull side, middle, and opposite field sections in sequence (i.e., an around the horn requirement).

In some aspects of the first example, an at-bat cannot begin until a lead official signals to the pitcher to begin, each team may be allowed a timeout (e.g., a 30 second timeout) to be used between the half rounds, and/or a penalty (e.g., a 2-point penalty) may be assessed by a swing clock official for delay of game. In some aspects of the first example, if a lineup falls below four players, hitter(s) may hit twice, beginning back at the leadoff spot. In some aspects of the first example, a tie game may be broken through 1 v1 sudden death a round requirement (e.g., the up the middle requirement) using the lineup that finished the game. In some aspects of the first example, with respect to equipment requirements, hitters may only use wood bats and/or cannot wear metal cleats. In some aspects of the first example, seeding may be determined in the following order: overall record, head-to-head, total aggregate points (all games), total aggregate points (all rounds of all games including the around the horn requirement), and a sudden death one-round slug off with the around the horn requirement.

In some aspects of the first example, one or more officials may officiate the games. In some aspects of the first example, the one or more officials may include one or more field officials and one or more scoring officials. In some aspects of the first example, the one or more field officials may include a lead official and one or more assistant officials (e.g., two assistant officials). In some aspects of the first example, the scoring officials may include a swing clock official, a spotting official, and a scorekeeper.

In some aspects of the first example, the lead official may (i) stand behind home plate and determine if a swing resulted in a point or no point, (ii) check with the scorekeeper, the swing clock official, the spotting official, and/or the assistant official(s) before each at bat to ensure readiness, (iii) after confirming readiness, tell pitcher that he or she is able to begin the at bat, (iv) signal a point by raising one arm and sounding a hand whistle, and/or (v) remain silent if the swing does not result in a point. In some aspects of the first example, the assistant official(s) may (i) quickly pick up as many baseballs as possible after each half round and place them in a bucket in shallow centerfield and/or (ii) occasionally bring gathered baseballs from shallow centerfield to the mound (e.g., after rounds 2 and 4). In some aspects of the first example including two assistant officials, one assistant official will stand in deep right center, and the other assistant official will stand in deep left-center. In some aspects of the first example, the assistant official(s) will raise one arm to signal a point is scored if the ball makes contact with or goes over the wall in fair territory on their half of the field.

In some aspects of the first example, the swing clock official may oversee the period of time (e.g., 35 seconds) for the hitting periods and/or count swings by the hitters. In some aspects of the first example, the time remaining in the hitting period may be displayed on stadium video board, the period of time for the hitting period may begin on pitcher's first movement, and/or the end of the period of time for the hitting period may be signaled by the swing clock official sounding a hand whistle, which may signal the end of the at-bat for the hitter. In some aspects of the first example, if a hitter reaches the maximum number of swings (e.g., 8 swings) before the time period (e.g., 35 seconds) is up, the swing clock official may signal the end of at-bat for the hitter by sounding a hand whistle.

In some aspects of the first example, the spotting official may be an announcer for the game and may identify and confirm the result of each swing with scorekeeper. In some aspects of the first example, the spotting official may announce (e.g., using a microphone) the name of the hitter walking up to hit (e.g., in the first round only), a change in lineup (e.g., a substitute entering to hit or a pitcher switching with a hitter), the points achieved by the hitter (i.e., the round hitter point total p_rh) after each at bat, the total points achieved by the hitting team (i.e., the team round point total P_r) after each half round, the head to head score after each round r, and/or the scenario entering the final round (e.g., Team 1 needs to win the round to win the game).

In some aspects of the first example, the scorekeeper may record points (or no points) based on the signals of the spotting official and/or may ensure that a bat sensor is assigned to the correct batter and synched before each game and before each at bat. In some aspects, the scorekeeper may use the computer 700 to record points (or no points). A second example may use the baseball field of FIG. 2B with five rounds (i.e., R=5), and four hitters per team per round (i.e., H=4). FIG. 4A illustrates a scorebook for one of the teams (e.g., the first team T1) for the second example according to some aspects. FIG. 4B illustrates a scoreboard display for the second example according to some aspects.

In some aspects of the second example, with respects to lineups, a team's lineup may consist of four hitters (i.e., H=4), bench players may sub in at any time before an at-bat begins, player re-entry into the same spot in the lineup may be allowed at any time, and/or a pitcher may switch with any hitter in the lineup at any time. In some aspects of the second example, a pitcher may not pitch and hit in the same round r. In some aspects of the second example, a lineup change must be reported to a scorekeeper and announced by a spotting official.

In some aspects of the second example, with respect to scoring, games may include fice rounds of hitting (i.e., R=5), each hitter h may have one at-bat per round r, the team with the most total points P_r in a round r may win the round. In some aspects of the second example, rounds r may be worth different amounts. In some aspects of the second example, rounds 1 through 4 may be worth 1 run, and round 5 may be worth 2 runs. In some aspects of the second example, no runs may be awarded for rounds that finish in a tie. In some aspects of the second example, the team with the most runs at the end of the game may win.

In some aspects of the second example, with respect to hitting requirements, a hitting period for a hitter h may be a maximum number of swings (e.g., a maximum of 8 swings) or a period of time (e.g., 35 seconds) whichever comes first. In some aspects of the second example, the period of time for a hitter h may begin on a pitcher first movement. In some aspects of the second example, a full swing may be counted no matter the result. In some aspects of the second example, a pitcher must be in motion before time is up for the swing to count. In some aspects of the second example, a ball put in play may not count as a point when the ball: (a) is ruled a foul ball or does not finish beyond the infield, (b) is hit between the infield flags and below the tops of the flags, or contacts any part of the flags, and/or (c) does not satisfy the round-by-round directional requirements/format. In some aspects of the second example, with respect to round requirements, the round requirement for a round r (e.g., round 1) may be that the ball must land in or finish in the section that is considered pull-side for the hitter (i.e., a pull side requirement), the round requirement for another round r (e.g., round 2) may be that the ball must land in the middle section of the field (i.e., an up the middle requirement), the round requirement for still another round r (e.g., round 3) may be that the ball must land in the section that is considered opposite field for the hitter (i.e., an opposite field requirement), the round requirement for yet another round r (e.g., round 4) may be that the ball must land in the pull side, middle, and opposite field sections in sequence (i.e., an around the horn requirement), and/or the round requirement for still another round r (e.g., round 5) may be that each player chooses one of the pull side requirement, the up the middle requirement, the opposite field requirement, and the around the requirement, with each hitter on a team choosing a different requirement such that all four requirements are chosen.

In some aspects of the second example, an at-bat cannot begin until a lead official signals to the pitcher to begin, each team may be allowed a timeout (e.g., a 30 second timeout) to be used between the half rounds, and/or a penalty (e.g., a 2-point penalty) may be assessed by a swing clock official for delay of game. In some aspects of the second example, if a lineup falls below four players, hitter(s) may hit twice, beginning back at the leadoff spot. In some aspects of the first example, a tie game may be broken through 1 v1 sudden death round with a round requirement (e.g., the up the middle requirement) using the lineup that finished the game. In some aspects of the second example, with respect to equipment requirements, hitters may only use wood bats and/or cannot wear metal cleats. In some aspects of the second example, seeding may be determined in the same manner as in the first example. In some aspects of the second example, one or more officials may officiate the games, and the one or more officials may be the same as the one or more officials in the first example.

A third example may use the baseball field of FIG. 2C with five rounds (i.e., R=5), and four hitters per team per round (i.e., H=4). FIG. 5A shows the game format of the third example according to some aspects. FIG. 5B illustrates a scorebook for the first and second teams T1 and T2 for the third example according to some aspects. FIG. 5C illustrates a scoreboard display for the third example according to some aspects.

In some aspects of the third example, with respect to game requirements, a team roster size may be be a minimum of 6 players and a maximum of 8. In some aspects of the third example, rosters may include a batting practice pitcher. However, this is not required, and, in some alternative aspects, a pitching machine or a coach may pitch (e.g., for younger ages). In some aspects of the third example, teams may start a game with a lineup of four hitters (i.e., H=4), and a player cannot pitch and hit in the same round. In some aspects of the third example, bench players can sub in at any time before an at-bat begins, and player re-entry into the same spot in the lineup may be allowed at any time. In some aspects of the third example, games are 5 rounds (i.e., R=5). In some aspects of the third example, each batter will hit once per round.

In some aspects of the third example, a hitting period for a hitter h may be a maximum number of swings (e.g., a maximum of 8 swings) or a period of time (e.g., 40 seconds) whichever comes first. In some aspects of the third example, a pitcher must be in motion before time is up for the swing to count. In some aspects of the third example, the team with the most points in a round wins the allotted runs for the round, no runs awarded for ties, and most runs at the end of the game wins. In some aspects of the third example, a tie game after 5 rounds completed may be broken through a 1 v1 sudden death round with a round requirement (e.g., the up the middle requirement) using the lineup that finished the game to be used.

In some aspects of the third example, with respect to tournament format, a single day tournament may include up to a maximum of 9 teams with teams playing two games and a random drawings to determine matchups. In some aspects of the third example, the top two teams may play in a championship round, and seeding may be determined in the following order: overall record, head-to-head, total hits, total innings won, and a coin flip.

In some aspects of the third example, with respect to hitting requirements, a ball put in play does not score a point when it: (i) is ruled a foul ball, (ii) lands and finishes in the infield, (iii) is hit between the infield flags, and/or (iv) does not satisfy the round requirement. In some aspects of the third example, with respect to round requirements, the round requirement for a round r (e.g., round 1) may be that the ball must land in the section that is considered opposite field for the hitter (i.e., an opposite field requirement), the round requirement for another round r (e.g., round 2) may be that the ball must land in the middle section of the field (i.e., an up the middle requirement), the round requirement for still another round r (e.g., round 3) may be that the ball must land in or finish in the section that is considered pull-side for the hitter (i.e., a pull side requirement), the round requirement for yet another round r (e.g., round 4) may be that the ball must land in the pull side, middle, and opposite field sections in sequence (i.e., an around the horn requirement), and/or the round requirement for still another round r (e.g., round 5) may be that the ball must go over the outfield wall (i.e., an elevate and celebrate requirement).

In some aspects of the third example, with respect to officials, one official may be in left-center field; a second official may be in center field, and a third official may be in right-center field. In some aspects of the third example, an official may yell “Yes” and raise both arms on a hit. In some aspects of the third example, the left field official may have responsibility for the left side of the infield and outfield, the center field official may have responsibility for middle, and the right field official may have responsibility for the right side of the infield and outfield. In some aspects of the third example, a sideline/dugout scorekeeper may record the out or hit based on the official's signal. In some aspects of the third example, a home plate scorekeeper may operate a clock based on game rules and guide participants on rules and round requirements.

A fourth example may use the baseball field of FIG. 2D with seven rounds (i.e., R=7) and four hitters per team per round (i.e., H=4). FIG. 6A illustrates a wheel play format of the fourth example according to some aspects, and FIG. 6B illustrates a game format of the fourth example according to some aspects.

In some aspects of the fourth example, with respect to game requirements, a team roster size may be be a minimum of 5 players and a maximum of 7. In some aspects of the fourth example, rosters may include a batting practice pitcher. However, this is not required, and, in some alternative aspects, a pitching machine or a coach may pitch (e.g., for younger ages). In some aspects of the fourth example, teams may start a game with a lineup of four hitters (i.e., H=4), and a player cannot pitch and hit in the same round. In some aspects of the fourth example, bench players can sub in at any time before an at-bat begins, and player re-entry into the same spot in the lineup may be allowed once per game. In some aspects of the fourth example, games are 7 rounds (i.e., R=7). In some aspects of the fourth example, each batter will hit once per round.

In some aspects of the fourth example, a hitting period for a hitter h may be a period of time (e.g., 40 seconds). In some aspects of the fourth example, a pitch must be in the air before time is up for the swing to count. In some aspects of the fourth example, the team with the most points in a round wins the allotted runs for the round, no runs awarded for ties, and most runs at the end of the game wins. In some aspects of the fourth example, a tie game after 7 rounds completed may be broken through a 1 v1 sudden death round with a round requirement (e.g., a swing away requirement) using the lineup that finished the game to be used.

In some aspects of the fourth example, each team will begin the game with a bank of a number of runs (e.g., 15 runs) to be used for bonus plays and optional betting games, and plays can only be made if runs are available in the team's bank. In some aspects of the fourth example, betting games are available rounds 2-7, and, in all betting formats, teams may have the right to decline a bet.

In some aspects, the fourth example may have a two-day tournament format with 12 teams per tournament. In some aspects of the fourth example, during the first day, each of the teams may play two games with a random drawing, and, during the second day, the bottom four teams may play consolation games (single elimination), and the top eight teams may play playoff games (single elimination). In some aspects of the fourth example, seeding for the second day may be determined in the following order: record, head to head, total hits, total rounds won, and a coin flip. In some aspects of the fourth example, with respect to hitting requirements, a ball put in play does not score a point when it: (i) is ruled a foul ball, (ii) lands and finishes in the infield, (iii) lands and finishes in a flyball zone, (iv) does not get beyond the bunt zones or the L-screen, which is a screen that shields the pitcher, and/or (v) does not satisfy the round requirement. In some aspects of the fourth example, with respect to round requirements, the round requirement for one or more rounds r (e.g., rounds 1 and 2) may be that the ball does not hit an infield position net (with the L-screen not being considered an in-field position net), the ball finishes beyond the infield, and the ball finishes in a required area (e.g., left, center, or right) of the field if an area of the field is specified (e.g., in round 2, the leading team may specify a required area of the field). In some aspects of the fourth example, with respect to round requirements, the round requirement for one or more rounds r (e.g., rounds 3 and 4) may be a selected requirement (e.g., a requirement selected using the wheel shown in FIG. 6A or selected using dice). In some aspects of the fourth example, the selected requirement may be one of (a) the ball must finish as a home run or in one of the gap-to-gap zones (i.e., a drive him in requirement), (b) the ball must finish as a home run or land and finish in a sacrifice fly zone (i.e., a sacrifice fly requirement). (c) the ball must be hit to the right side (i.e., a get him over requirement), (d) the ball must be bunted and finish in a bunt zone (i.e., a get it down requirement), and (e) the ball must hit the L-screen (i.e., a hit your spot requirement). In some aspects of the fourth example, with respect to round requirements, the round requirement for one or more rounds r (e.g., round 5) may be that the ball must land in the pull side, middle, and opposite field sections in sequence (i.e., an around the horn requirement), the round requirement for one or more rounds r (e.g., round 6) may be that the ball finishes in an area of the field called out by the batter before the pitch is thrown (i.e., a call your shot requirement), and the round requirement for one or more rounds r (e.g., round 7) may be that the ball must finish as one of two-or-more consecutive hits (i.e., a hit streak requirement).

In some aspects of the fourth example, a first official may be behind the first base net, and a second official may be behind the third base net. In some aspects of the fourth example, an official may signal an “out” (e.g., with one arm in the air) or “hit” (e.g., by motioning safe). In some aspects of the fourth example, the first official may have responsibility for L Screen, middle of the field, first base bunt zone, and right side, and the second official may have responsibility for the third base bunt zone, left side of the field, and pitch clock. In some aspects of the fourth example, a scorekeeper may record the out or hit based on the umpire's signal, and the scorekeeper may operate the clock based on game rules.

Some alternative aspects relate to a process that may include only the step 102 (described above) of setting up the baseball field (e.g., including adding to the baseball field one or more features that are not part of a conventional baseball field). In some aspects, setting up the baseball field may include adding one or more markers to the baseball field (e.g., to setup the areas and/or portions of the baseball field). In some aspects, the markers may include, for example and without limitation, flags, nets, cones, chalk, and/or paint.

While the subject matter of this disclosure has been described and shown in considerable detail with reference to certain illustrative embodiments, including various combinations and sub-combinations of features, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate other embodiments and variations and modifications thereof as encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, the descriptions of such embodiments, combinations, and sub-combinations is not intended to convey that the claimed subject matter requires features or combinations of features other than those expressly recited in the claims. Accordingly, the scope of this disclosure is intended to include all modifications and variations encompassed within the spirit and scope of the following appended claims.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

for each round r of R rounds: for each hitter h of H hitters of a first team T1 for the round r: pitching, by a pitcher of the first team T1 for the round r, balls from a pitching area of a baseball field to the hitter h of the H hitters of the first team T1 for the round r during a hitting period for the hitter h of the H hitters of the first team T1 for the round r; swinging, by the hitter h of the H hitters of the first team T1 for the round r, a bat at one or more of the pitches from the pitcher of the first team T1 for the round r; for each swing of the hitter h of the H hitters of the first team T1 for the round r, determining whether the swing resulted in a ball meeting hit requirements and a round requirement for the round r and awarding a point if the swing was determined to result in the ball meeting the hit requirements and the round requirement for the round r; and summing the points awarded to the hitter h to obtain a round hitter point total prh for the hitter h of the H hitters of the first team T1 for the round r; summing the round hitter point totals prh for the H hitters of the first team T1 for the round r to obtain a first team round point total PrT1; for each hitter h of H hitters of a second team T2 for the round r: pitching, by a pitcher of the second team T2 for the round r, balls from the pitching area of the baseball field to the hitter h of the H hitters of the second team T2 for the round r during a hitting period for the hitter h of the H hitters of the second team T2 for the round r; swinging, by the hitter h of the H hitters of the second team T2 for the round r, a bat at one or more of the pitches from the pitcher of the second team T2 for the round r; for each swing of the hitter h of the H hitters of the second team T2 for the round r, determining whether the swing resulted in a ball meeting the hit requirements and the round requirement for the round r and awarding a point if the swing was determined to result in the ball meeting the hit requirements and the round requirement for the round r; and summing the points awarded to the hitter h to obtain a round hitter point total prh for the hitter h of the H hitters of the second team T2 for the round r; and summing the round hitter point totals prh for the H hitters of the second team T2 for the round r to obtain a second team round point total PrT2;

wherein R is an integer greater than 1, and H is an integer greater than 1;

wherein the hit requirements comprise the ball not being a foul ball, and the round requirements for at least two of the R rounds comprise different ones of a set of round requirements comprising: the ball landing in or finishing in a left field portion of an outfield of the baseball field; the ball landing in or finishing in a center field portion of the outfield of the baseball field; the ball landing in or finishing in a right field portion of the outfield of the baseball field; the ball landing in or finishing in a pull-side portion of the outfield of the baseball field; the ball landing in or finishing in an opposite field portion of the outfield of the baseball field; the ball landing in the left field portion of the outfield of the baseball field; the ball landing in the center field portion of the outfield of the baseball field; the ball landing in the right field portion of the outfield of the baseball field; the ball landing in the pull-side portion of the outfield of the baseball field; and the ball landing in the opposite field portion of the outfield of the baseball field.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

for each round r of the R rounds: if the first team round point total PrT1 for the round r is greater than the second team round point total PrT2 for the round r, awarding one or more runs to the first team T1; and if the second team round point total PrT2 for the round r is greater than the first team round point total PrT1 for the round r, awarding one or more runs to the second team T2; and

summing any runs awarded to the first team T1 for the R rounds to obtain a first team score total ST1; and

summing any runs awarded to the second team T2 for the R rounds to obtain a second team score total ST2.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising displaying at least the first and second team score totals ST1 and ST2 on a scoreboard of the baseball field.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising, for each round r of the R rounds, displaying at least the first and second team round point totals PrT1 and PrT1 on a scoreboard of the baseball field.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

summing the first team round point totals PrT1 for the R rounds to obtain a first team game point total PgT1; and

summing the second team round point totals PrT2 for the R rounds to obtain a second team game point total PgT2.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising displaying at least the first and second team game points totals PgT1 and PgT2 on a scoreboard of the baseball field.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the hitting periods for the H hitters of the first team T1 and the H hitters of the second team T2 are each a maximum period of time, a maximum number of swings, or a combination of the period of time and the number of swings.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the hit requirements comprise the ball reaching the outfield.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the hit requirements comprise the ball not passing through any of a first baseman area, a second baseman area, a shortstop area, and a third baseman area of the baseball field.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising using markers to set up the first baseman area, the second baseman area, the shortstop area, and the third baseman area of the baseball field.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the markers include flags, nets, cones, chalk, and/or paint.

12. The method of claim 1, further comprising using markers to set up the left field portion, the right field portion, and the center field portion of the outfield of the baseball field.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the round requirements for at least three of the R rounds comprise different ones of the set of round requirements.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the round requirements for at least four of the R rounds comprise different ones of the set of round requirements.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the round requirement for at least one of the R rounds comprises:

the ball landing in the pull-side portion of the outfield of the baseball field;

after a previous ball lands in the in the pull-side portion of the outfield of the baseball field, the ball landing in the center field portion of the outfield of the baseball field; and

after a previous ball lands in the in the center field portion of the outfield of the baseball field, the ball landing in the opposite field portion of the outfield of the baseball field.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein the round requirement for at least one of the R rounds comprises the ball hitting or going over an outfield wall or fence of the baseball field.

17. The method of claim 2, further comprising using a computer to:

sum the points awarded to each of the H hitters for each of the first and second teams T1 and T2 for each of the R rounds to obtain the round hitter point total prh for each of the H hitters of the first and second team T2 for each of the R rounds;

sum any runs awarded to the first team T1 for the R rounds to obtain the first team score total ST1; and

sum any runs awarded to the second team T2 for the R rounds to obtain the second team score total ST2.

18. A method comprising:

using one or more markers to set up a first baseman area of a baseball field;

using one or more markers to set up a second baseman area of the baseball field;

using one or more markers to set up a shortstop area of the baseball field; and

using one or more markers to set up a third baseman area of the baseball field.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising using markers to set up a left field portion, a right field portion, and a center field portion of an outfield of the baseball field.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the markers used to set up the areas of the baseball field include flags, nets, cones, chalk, and/or paint.