Game of baseball with modified base-on-balls rule

Abstract

The invention provides an organized game of baseball carried out under traditional rules of play modified such that a player at bat who is given a base-on-balls can choose to either take the base or remain at bat for additional pitches while a replacement runner takes the base. Replacement runners can be selected in a predetermined line-up order or in random order from the bench or from the active roster. Optionally, certain restrictions may be provided to control or limit how often replacement runners can be used by a team in a given inning and/or game.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A game of baseball played on a playing field including first, second and third bases, home plate, an infield and an outfield, said game being carried out in accordance with traditional rules of baseball game play including rules defining strikes, balls, runs and outs, said traditional rules of game play being modified such that a player at bat who is pitched a predetermined number of balls without first reaching a predetermined number of strikes can choose to either: (i) advance to first base; or (ii) stay at home plate and receive additional pitches while a replacement runner advances to first base.  
     
     
         2 . The game of  claim 1  wherein said traditional rules of baseball game play comprise the Rules of Baseball promulgated by the American Baseball League.  
     
     
         3 . The game of  claim 1  wherein said traditional rules of baseball game play comprise the Rules of Baseball promulgated by the National Baseball League.  
     
     
         4 . The game of  claim 1  wherein said traditional rules of baseball game play comprise the Rules of Baseball promulgated by the NCAA or NFHS.  
     
     
         5 . The game of  claim 1  carried out using a regulation-sized baseball.  
     
     
         6 . The game of  claim 1  carried out using a regulation-sized softball.  
     
     
         7 . The game of  claim 1  carried out using a kick-ball.  
     
     
         8 . The game of  claim 1  wherein said traditional rules of game play are modified such that a player at bat who is pitched 4 balls without first reaching a 3 strikes can choose to either: (i) advance to first base; or (ii) stay at home plate and receive additional pitches while a replacement runner advances to first base.  
     
     
         9 . The game of  claim 1  wherein said replacement runner is selected from the bench or inactive roster.  
     
     
         10 . The game of  claim 1  wherein said replacement runner is selected from the active roster.  
     
     
         11 . The game of  claim 1  further comprising the additional rule that a replacement runner may act as a replacement runner only once per inning.  
     
     
         12 . The game of  claim 1  further comprising the additional rule that a replacement runner may act as a replacement runner only once per game or until the entire roster of other eligible players is exhausted.  
     
     
         13 . A method for organizing and carrying out a game of baseball on a baseball field comprising first, second and third bases, home plate, and infield and an outfield, said method comprising organizing and carrying out the game in accordance with traditional baseball rules, including rules defining strikes, strike-outs, balls and base-on-balls, said rule defining base-on-balls being modified such that a player at bat who receives a base-on-balls is given the choice to either take the base or remain at bat for additional pitches while a replacement runner takes the base, whereby a more exciting and athletic game play is achieved.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13  wherein said traditional baseball rules comprise the Rules of Baseball as promulgated and enforced by the American Baseball League.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13  wherein said traditional baseball rules comprise the Rules of Baseball as promulgated and enforced by the National Baseball League.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13  wherein said traditional baseball rules comprise the Rules of Baseball as promulgated and enforced by the NCAA or NFHS.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 13  carried out using a regulation-sized baseball.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 13  carried out using a regulation-sized softball.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 13  wherein said replacement runner is selected from the player bench or inactive roster.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 13  wherein said replacement runner is selected from the active roster of eligible players.  
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 13  wherein a player is allowed to act as a replacement runner only once per inning.  
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 13  wherein a player is allowed to act as a replacement runner only once per game or until the entire roster of other eligible players is exhausted.