Tee-ball is a team sport based on, and simplifying, baseball and softball. It is intended as an introduction for children aged 4 to 7 to develop ball-game skills – which it does. The big problem is that, like baseball and softball, player activity is limited to a few players – pitcher, catcher and first base. In tee-ball, the pitcher is usually used for defensive purposes only, though gently pitched balls may be used with older or more advanced players in place of the fixed tee. Unless a player makes it to first base the game is centered around the batter.
The game picks up a bit speed if there are multiple players on bases, with parents anxiously waiting to see if there will be a run scored. When a team is dismissed the players all leave the field, then in the next innings we start all over again. This can become slow and boring – for both spectators and players. Players who have made it to second or third base are deprived of scoring a run, and may not get another chance during the game to score that run. Well, now they might, with just a little rule change.
The solution
Instead of every new innings starting from scratch we introduce a little rule change. Any players left on base in the previous innings return to that same base they were on when the previous innings finished. Now, instead of just waiting for the batter to hit the ball we have fielders who not only have to watch the batter but also the runners on the bases. All of a sudden we have a brand new game.
- EVERY player has a chance to score a run – and what child doesn’t like scoring a run.
- Also, what parent doesn’t enjoy seeing their child score a run.
Instead of a game score being 3 – 2 it can easily become 11 – 10.
I’m sure that everyone would enjoy this new game much more.
I know that I would.
And if this were ever to progress to baseball it would certainly make for an entertaining game. Take a look at some MLB scores below and decide which game you would have liked to watch.
