Backyard game and method for play

Abstract

This invention relates to a game for backyard play or other small areas not normally accessible for baseball play. Additionally, the game can be played with far fewer players than would normally be required by using a series of net devices for catching and holding the ball when thrown or hit at the device. These net devices are used in place of the 1 st , 2 nd , 3 rd , and catcher positions, allowing the game to be played with as little as 2 players.

1 . A game comprising a ball, a means for striking the ball and a plurality of net devices for catching and holding the ball when thrown or hit, played by two or more players.  
     
     
         2 . The net device of  claim 1  wherein the net device comprises a frame, a netting material securely attached to the frame and a stand for supporting said frame and netting material in a position capable of catching and holding a ball or toy thrown or hit at said device.  
     
     
         3 . The frame of  claim 2  wherein the frame measures from 30 to 150 cm in diameter or along a side.  
     
     
         4 . The stand of  claim 2  wherein the stand is insertable into soft ground or sand for support.  
     
     
         5 . The stand of  claim 2  wherein the stand is self-supporting for use on hard or non-porous surfaces.  
     
     
         6 . The stand of  claim 2  wherein the stand folds flat to the frame for storage.  
     
     
         7 . The game of  claim 1  wherein the net devices are used as infielders in the game of baseball.  
     
     
         8 . The game of  claim 1  wherein four net devices are used to represent play at 1 st , 2 nd , 3 rd  and home plate.  
     
     
         9 . The game of  claim 1  wherein the nets are placed at the corners of a square 10 to 30 meters on each side.  
     
     
         10 . The game of  claim 1  wherein the ball and means for striking the ball are made of plastic.  
     
     
         11 . A method for playing a game which comprises the following steps: a pitcher throws a ball to a batter, the batter strikes the ball, the ball flies, rolls or bounces out to the playing field, the pitcher or other players catch the ball and throw it to one of a plurality of net devices which serve as basemen.  
     
     
         12 . A net device comprising a frame, a netting material securely attached to said frame and a stand for supporting said frame and netting material for the purpose of catching and holding a ball or toy thrown or hit at said device.  
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 12  wherein the netting material is made of nylon, cotton or chain.  
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 12  wherein the frame is from 30 to 150 cm in diameter or along a side.  
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 12  wherein the stand holds the frame and netting material on an angle between vertical and horizontal.  
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 12  wherein the stand is insertable into soft ground or sand for support.  
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 12  wherein the stand is self-supporting for use on hard or non-porous surfaces.  
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 12  wherein the stand folds flat to the frame for storage.