This section of our web guide will discuss various variations of the game of baseball that have not been covered in other categories.
With its universal appeal, baseball has inspired several variations that cater to different age groups, skill levels, available playing areas, and cultural contexts.
While I am sure there are others, the games below represent a selection of notable variations.
Baseball5 is a modern, urban adaptation of baseball that was introduced by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) in 2018. It is a fast-paced game with five players on each team, using only a rubber ball and no equipment. Players hit the ball with their hands and run bases similar to baseball. It has been widely promoted as an accessible and inclusive way to play baseball, particularly in areas with limited space.
Blitzball was created in the 2000s as a backyard variation of baseball. It is played with a specially designed ball that allows for extreme curves and pitches. Blitzball emphasizes pitching and hitting in small, enclosed spaces. It is mainly played in the United States, particularly in backyards and local parks.
Buntball is an ad hoc game played in several parts of the United States at least as early as the 1950s, but with vastly differing rules and styles of play. It is designed to be played where there is limited space and players. As the name implies, batters bunt rather than swing at the ball.
Corkball originated in St. Louis, Missouri in the early 1900s. Gameplay is similar to baseball, but without base running and using a smaller ball and bat. Players earn runs by hitting the ball into designated zones.
Also known as Pickle or Running Bases, Hotbox is a simple game derived from baseball. Two or more players try to avoid being tagged out while running between two bases. The game focuses on base running and fielding skills.
Over-the-Line was developed in San Diego, California, in the 1950s. Played with three-person teams, the game involves hitting a ball over a line drawn in the sand or on a field. There are no bases to run. It is a popular beach game in California.
Punchball emerged in urban neighborhoods in the early 20th century. It is similar to baseball but played without a bat. Players punch a rubber ball and run bases. It is a popular urban game, particularly in New York City.
Rounders precedes baseball by centuries. With roots in England and Ireland dating back to the 16th century, baseball might be considered a derivative of rounders. Played with a small bat and ball, the game involves hitting the ball and running around four bases. However, the game has different rules from baseball.
Stickball originated in the streets of New York City in the early 20th century. Played with a broomstick and a rubber ball, the game resembles baseball but is adapted to urban environments with unique field boundaries.
Stoop ball is another popular street game in urban neighborhoods in the early 20th century. Players throw a ball against a stoop or steps, with points awarded on how the ball bounces back or how far it travels.
Tee Ball was developed in the 1950s to introduce young children to baseball safely. Players hit a stationary ball off of a tee and run bases. The game focuses on teaching fundamental skills. Widely played in the United States and other countries, some youth baseball leagues include Tee Ball levels of play.
Wiffle Ball was invented by David N. Mullany in Connecticut in 1953. Played with a perforated, lightweight plastic ball and bat, Wiffle Ball allows for various pitches and hits in small spaces.
These and other variations of baseball highlight the versatility of the game. Each version offers a unique way to experience the game of baseball, whether in formal settings or as a casual game played in a backyard or city street.
Buntball
A variation of baseball for limited spaces and limited players
Objective: Buntball is a variation of baseball designed to be played in limited spaces or with limited players. It focuses on bunting, precision, and teamwork, making it perfect for small parks, backyards, and urban areas.
Basic Rules
Field Setup: The playing field is limited to an infield area with no traditional outfield.
Bases are set up in a diamond formation with home plate, first base, second base, and third base.
A boundary fence or wall marks the end of the playing area, which should be about four feet past the second baseline.
Team Composition: Each team consists of 5 players: a pitcher, catcher, first baseman, second baseman, and third baseman. There is no shortstop.
Pitching: All pitches are thrown underhand to reduce speed and power, making it easier for batters to bunt, and to reduce the velocity of hit balls. The pitcher stands a set distance from home plate, similar to traditional baseball.
Batting: Batters must bunt the ball. Full swings are not allowed. A bunt is considered successful if the ball travels within the infield boundaries.
Scoring: Players advance as in traditional baseball. Balls that hit the fence are counted as automatic doubles, allowing the batter to advance to second base and any runners to advance two bases. Balls hit over the fence or into the foul line are counted as outs.
However, if playing on a field without a physical fence, balls that touch the fence line or advance no more than one foot beyond the fence line are counted as automatic doubles, while those that advance further than one foot from the fence line are counted as outs.
Fielding: Only the catcher is allowed to wear a glove. Fielders must rely on quick reflexes and hand-eye coordination to field bunts and throws.
Innings and Game Duration: A standard game consists of 7 innings. Each inning consists of both teams getting a chance to bat and field.
Outs: The traditional three-out rule applies. A team's turn ends after three outs.
Additional Rules:
No Stealing Bases: To keep the game fast-paced and focused on bunting, stealing bases is not allowed. This rule may be suspended by mutual agreement between teams.
Fair Play Zone: The infield is divided into fair and foul territories. A bunted ball must land in fair territory to be considered a valid hit. Balls hit outside of fair territory are scored as outs rather than as foul balls.
Shortstop Option: If additional players are available and space allows for it, teams may opt to include a shortstop by mutual agreement.
Conclusion
Buntball is an engaging variation of baseball tailored for limited spaces. Focusing on bunting and precision hitting emphasizes strategy and teamwork, making it accessible and enjoyable for players of all ages and skill levels. Whether played in a small park, a schoolyard, a backyard, or an urban lot, buntball brings the excitement and challenge of baseball to compact environments.
History
Buntball is a game I played as a child when we didn't have enough players or space for a traditional baseball game. Typically, we played the game in a sideyard, incorporating bunting rather than swinging in order to accommodate the space available and to reduce the chances of taking out a window. As far as I am aware, or have determined, my older brother made it up, and others refined the game, as it was played by several people in the small town of Wallace, Michigan
Recommended Resources
The BBL is an informal league that brings together players for exciting Blitzball games in a backyard setting. The league typically consists of multiple teams playing a series of games, which may vary in format, depending on the number of players available, including 2v2, 3v3, or 4v4. The BBL has a YouTube channel where they post videos of their games, skill challenges, and other content. Its sponsors and rules, season schedules, statistics, and an online store are featured.
https://backyardblitzball.weebly.com/
Designed to be played in smaller spaces and emphasizing pitching and hitting skills, Blitzball uses a specially designed ball that allows for extreme curves and pitches. The ball is lightweight and can be hit with a bat or by hand. The game can be played in various settings, including backyards, parks, or other open spaces with enough room for a small field. Tutorials, leagues, rankings, and tournaments are featured, along with several game videos, and an online shopping area.
https://www.blitzball.com/
Chickasaw Nation, The: Stickball
The Chickasaw people have a long history of playing the traditional game of stickball, which has been handed down from one generation to another. Historically, the game was used to settle conflicts over land and other political questions between First American tribes. The history of the game is discussed on the Chickasaw Nation website, and a link to its stickball services page provides program details and registration regarding the game for Chickasaw Nation residents.
https://chickasaw.net/Our-Nation/Culture/Society/Stickball.aspx
Corkball: The Mutant Baseball Game That's a St. Louis Tradition
Featured on the Art of Manliness website, which bills itself as a one-stop resource for actionable advice covering every aspect of a man's life, Brett and Kate McKay wrote its section on Corkball. The article features the origins of the game in St. Louis, Missouri, as well as a detailed description of the rules of the game, including the equipment required, the playing field, the number of players needed, and instructions for the gameplay itself. A diagram of a corkball field is included.
https://www.artofmanliness.com/living/games-tricks/corkball-the-mutant-baseball-game-thats-a-st-louis-tradition/
How to Play Over-the-Line Baseball
Hosted by SportsRec, which covers a wide array of sports topics, the tutorial on playing Over-the-Line Baseball was written by Brian Richards. It details the game's setup and explains the roles of the offensive and defensive teams during play. Invented in San Diego, California, Over-the-Line is a variation of baseball designed for two teams of three players each, although informal games can include up to four players and are often played on beaches. It requires only one bat and ball.
https://www.sportsrec.com/239923-how-to-play-over-the-line-baseball.html
Stickball has been played in New York City since at least the 1750s. This version of stickball uses a broomstick and a rubber high-bounce ball, such as the Sky Bounce ball, which has replaced the traditional Spalding Hi-Bounce Ball. The game's rules are derived from baseball but modified to fit the urban environment, where it is usually played on streets or in parks. The New York Stickball League (NYESL) features several teams and organized tournaments, which are featured here.
https://www.nystickball.com/
Rounders England is the national governing body for the sport of rounders in England. Rounders has been played in England since the Tudor era, with the earliest formal rules dating back to 1884. Rounders England aims to promote and develop the sport by offering various programs, including school leagues, club competitions, and pathways for elite players. Teams, leagues, school play, and game rules are outlined, along with online courses and information on coaching, umpiring, and leadership.
https://www.roundersengland.co.uk/
Based in Palm Beach County, Florida, The Stickball League is a recreational league dedicated to promoting and preserving the traditional street game of stickball. The league welcomes new players over 55, making it an excellent way for seniors to stay active and enjoy the game. No minimum skill level is required. The league emphasizes community and camaraderie, with players often forming teams from local neighborhoods. They host various events and tournaments.
https://thestickballleague.com/
Featuring the Tee Ball Division of Little League Baseball, the League offers an overview of the game, intended to introduce young children to baseball and softball. Little League features a 10-week curriculum designed to improve the experience for players, parents, and coaches. The curriculum is available online and free for all chartered teams. Tee Ball drills, a program guide, and a League Finder are available to help someone find a locally available program.
https://www.littleleague.org/play-little-league/tee-ball/
BB5 is a simplified variation of baseball and softball governed at the international level by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC). It is a five-on-five, five-inning street version that can be played indoors or outdoors on any surface. The WBSC website, which is presented in several languages, describes the game, its purposes and objectives, gameplay, videos, testimonials, and contacts. The official rulebook can be downloaded from the site in PDF format.
https://baseball5.wbsc.org/
