The Basics of Ice Baseball
The sport is played between two teams that attempt to score runs by hitting a ball which is thrown by the pitcher. There are nine players on each team, including the pitcher, who take turns batting and fielding. The team with the most runs at the end of nine innings wins. There are three outs per team per inning, just like regular baseball. Ice Baseball can be played by both men and women; however, there are separate leagues for each gender. The equipment used for ice baseball is similar to that used for traditional baseball. Players wear cleats, jerseys, baseball pants, and hats; additionally, each player has a glove and a wooden bat. Ice baseballs vary in size from 8 to 11 inches.
Playing Field
The playing field for ice baseball is very similar to that of traditional baseball. The field consists of three bases in the shape of a “T”. The pitcher stands on a mound which is 6 feet away from home plate. There is a batter’s box in which the batter stands in when at bat. Ice baseball is played on an ice rink, so there is an open space in the center of the rink for the players to stand. The distance between the bases varies; however, it is typically shorter than on a baseball diamond. Home plate is in the center of the rink and is a large rectangular block of ice. The bases are typically a small block of ice.
Rules
You must have at least 11 players on your team. The teams take turns batting and fielding. Each team bats until three outs are recorded. The team that records the most runs wins the game. The ball is in play when the pitcher is standing on the pitching rubber and the catcher is standing in the catcher’s box with the ball in his hands. The batter has two strikes before being out. A third strike ends the batter’s turn at the plate. The batter is out if the ball is hit and the fielder catches it on the fly or the ball is hit and the fielder catches it after it bounces. The ball is also out if it is hit into foul territory and no one catches it. A runner is out if he is hit by the ball while on the bases. The ball is put in play as soon as it touches the ground, but it must first be caught by an infielder before it can be put in play. The ball must be hit in fair territory on the fly. A foul ball is not in play.
Scoring
Just like in traditional baseball, each team tries to score as many runs as possible. The team that scores the most runs wins. There are two different ways to score in ice baseball. Runs: A run is scored when a runner passes all three bases and returns safely to home plate. A run is also scored if the batter hits the ball and it lands fair and the runner(s) on base are able to advance at least one base. Fouls: A foul is when the ball lands in fair territory but no one is able to catch the ball. Fouls do not count as runs, but they do count as outs.
Penalties and Violations
There are three types of penalties in ice baseball: warnings, time outs, and ejections. The penalty is determined by the umpire based on the severity of the violation. Warnings: If a player commits a minor violation, the umpire issues a warning. A warning does not cause the team to lose a time out. Time Out: A team loses a time out if it commits a major violation, such as if the pitcher steps on the rubber with a runner on first base. Ejection: An umpire ejects a player from the game if he commits a serious violation, such as fighting with another player. The umpire also issues an ejection if a player disobeys a rule.
Strategy
Like traditional baseball, ice baseball is a game of patience and strategy. The team that bats last has the advantage because it gets to see how many outs the opposing team is able to record. Therefore, the team at bat should try to score as many runs as possible before being retired. The team that is batting first should try to get as many runners on base as possible so they have a higher chance of recording one or more outs. The team that is fielding first should try to get as many outs as possible before the batters record three outs.
Conclusion
Ice baseball is a fun and exciting sport that is sure to get the whole family involved. The sport is played indoors during the winter months, so it is perfect for cold weather. The equipment used for ice baseball is similar to that used for traditional baseball. Players wear cleats, jerseys, baseball pants, and hats; additionally, each player has a glove and a wooden bat. The playing field for ice baseball is very similar to that of traditional baseball. The field consists of three bases in the shape of a “T”. The rules of the sport are similar to those of traditional baseball, but there are some slight variations. The most notable difference is that there are only three outs per team per inning. The team that bats last has the advantage because it gets to see how many outs the opposing team is able to record. Therefore, the team at bat should try to score as many runs as possible before being retired.