Benji Ball Rule Book

Welcome to Benji Ball!

Get ready for an exciting, adaptable game that brings the joy of baseball to everyone, anywhere. Whether you're in the backyard, at the beach, or in a gymnasium, Benji Ball is perfect for players of all ages and abilities. Let’s dive into how to play!

Setting Up Your Game:

1. Identify Your Field:

• Choose a suitable area to set up your Benji Ball field.
• Set up bases for first, second, third, home plate, and the pitcher’s mound. (Stay tuned for our Benji Ball bases, coming soon!)
• You can play indoors or outdoors but avoid pavement or gravel to prevent damage to the equipment.

2. Field Arrangement:

• In a gym or small area, designate any space that you deem reasonable for the "outfield" and "foul ball" zones.
• We recommend placing bases 20 feet apart and in a diamond shape, just like traditional baseball.

Gameplay Basics:

1. Pitching:

• Pitch underhand or overhand – your choice!
• Each batter gets a maximum of three pitches to keep the game moving.

2. Batting:

• After each at-bat, the next player in line steps up to bat.
• A game consists of nine innings, with three outs per inning.

3. Fielding:

• Position players on first, second, and third base, and spread others out however you please. Make sure to have the outfield covered!

Scoring Runs:

Home Runs & Hits:

• Solo Home Run: Ball lands on "HOME RUN" with no players on base, or hit over a home run fence.
• Two Runs: Home run with one player on base.
• Three Runs: Home run with two players on base or a hit that brings two players home.
• Four Runs (Grand Slam): Home run with bases loaded or ball lands on "GRAND SLAM".
• Other Hits: Single, Double, and Triple outcomes advance the players on base accordingly.
• No bunting allowed to keep the game upbeat and energetic.

Ghost Runners:

• Used when fewer than four players are on a team.
• Ghost runners hold their base, allowing the batter to hit while maintaining base runners.

Special Benji Ball Rules:

1. Wild Card Sides:

• At the start of the game, teams decide what the "BENJI BALL" sides mean. Get creative!
• Examples: Automatic home run, automatic out, switch hitting hands, etc.

2. Game Start:

• Teams roll the ball; the better outcome chooses whether to bat or field first.

3. Disputes:

• Resolve disputes with a ball roll-off. The team with the better roll gets their way.

Adapting the Game:
1. For Younger Kids or Limited Mobility:

• Use a cone or tee for hitting.
• Allow hits to roll and rely on the ball's outcome to determine plays without rushing.

2. For Ample Space:

• If the ball rolls out of the infield, let it stop to determine the outcome.
• Fielders can make plays in the infield or catch fly balls for outs.
• Hits off of walls that are caught count as an out.

Safety Guidelines:

• Avoid swinging the bat near others to prevent injuries.

Where to Play:

• Backyard on Grass
• At the Beach
• Your Local Park
• Gymnasium
• Avoid Pavement or Gravel

Enjoy Benji Ball!

Now that you know the rules, it's time to grab your friends, set up your field, and slide into a game of Benji Ball. Remember, the game is as flexible and fun as you make it – so get creative. Play ball!