Wiffle Ball Rules and Regulations
This Informal Version of Baseball Can Be Played Almost Anywhere
Jun 30, 2009
Here is an activity that is fun and entertaining on the beach, in the backyard, basement, or a vacant concrete parking lot. All one needs to start a game of Wiffle ball is a minimum of four players and, of course, a Wiffle ball (plastic perforated ball). Although a plastic bat is ideal for the sport, a broom stick will also work just fine.
And because the field, base markers, and base runners are all invisible, one must also bring along his or her sense of imagination.
The Players
As stated earlier, Wiffle ball can be played with a minimum of two players per team. One person acts as a pitcher and the other as a fielder. It is also permissible for players to change positions from inning to inning. In fact, many people make it mandatory for each player to pitch at least one inning.
Teams can have a maximum of five members each, all of whom must follow a sequential batting order. All players except the pitcher play the outfield.
So… who's on first? No one. Same goes for second and third base. Because there are no actual runners in Wiffle ball, the only way outs are made is through batter strikes or airborne balls intercepted in the outfield. If a fielder or pitcher catches a grounder while it is still in motion, the runner is out. Hence, the bases need not be covered by actual people.
The Field
If a baseball field is a diamond, then a Wiffle ball field is a pyramid, the tip of which is where the batter stands at home plate. Base hits are determined by how far a ball travels. First base should be identified somewhere slightly beyond the pitcher, and can be marked by any random object (a shoe or picnic basket) or by a point existing within the landscape (a tree or telephone poll).
Second and third bases are marked in the same way, by estimating and using discretion. If the batter hits the ball to or beyond these established marks, he or she scores accordingly. If there are ghost players on base, they proceed to the next plate. And since all of these people and places are so abstract, be sure to have a good scorekeeper or two.
Foul lines should be determined based on the nature of the playing field. It is important to have identified the imaginary “fence” that accounts for a home run. Whatever the base markers and foul lines may be, make sure that both teams agree on them before starting the game.
The Game
A game of Wiffle ball traditionally lasts five innings. As in baseball, it takes three strikes to get a batter out and four balls to substantiate a walk. Because the Wiffle ball is light and airy, it is very hard to control one’s pitches, so some choose to play the game without accounting for pitches thrown as balls.
Also as in baseball, foul tips are considered strikes unless the batter is on his or her third strike in which case he or she remains at bat until a hit, strikeout, or walk occurs.
Although many play Wiffle ball without a material marker to measure the strike zone, having one may eliminate a lot of inter-team arguing. A folding chair makes for a great strike interpretation: if the ball lands in the seat or hits the seat's back, it’s a strike. If the pitch lands elsewhere, consider it a ball.
In some ways, laying out the “rules and regulations” of Wiffle ball is contradictory, as this is a versatile game that can be shaped to fit environment and age group. Players only have to grasp the basic framework. The rest is up in the air.
