Abstract:
A method and an apparatus for playing a ball game are disclosed. The game involves a customized bat and a ball. The ball is uniquely designed to overcome typical obstacles of bat and ball games, allowing players to hit and pitch the ball in a variety of new ways. The object of the game is to score more points than the opposition by using the bat to hit the ball past a set of designated landmarks on a field in order to score.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     The present application is filed contemporaneously with the Design Patent Application, attorney docket number S003-4010, entitled BALL.  
       COPYRIGHT NOTICE  
       [0002]     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Baseball games that are available on the market use a plastic, foam or rubber ball and a bat to simulate the game of baseball. The goal of these games is to bring the experience of hitting and pitching to the backyard and streets of homes in a safe and fun environment without requiring the use of a hardball.  
         [0004]     The major problem for most simulated ball games is the lack of pitching options due to which, hitting becomes somewhat mundane. Another problem is that most plastic bats are too short for older kids and adults.  
         [0005]     While some manufacturers have developed various types of balls and bats to help increase pitching options and hitting distance, most have failed to develop products that effectively pit pitcher against hitter. As such, most products on the market focus more on hitting and less on pitching. Furthermore, most products fail to provide excitement for teenagers and adults looking to participate in a more challenging simulated baseball environment.  
         [0006]     In these respects, the game according to the present invention departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so, provides an apparatus for teenagers and adults to enjoy a higher level of simulated baseball.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     In one embodiment, method and apparatus for playing a ball game is disclosed. The invention provides a new type of synthetic ball and wood bat, which provides pitchers with the opportunity to throw more pitches, hitters with a challenging hitting environment, and players with distance characteristics not part of traditional backyard ball games.  
         [0008]     The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new type of ball and bat for use in a simulated baseball game environment that has many advantages mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new type of game which is not anticipated, rendered, obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior balls, either alone or in any combination thereof.  
         [0009]     The apparatus generally comprises of two components: a polyethylene plastic ball which has wide-open mouth on one end with neck, rectangle body, hollow inside, and closed bottom, and a square thin wood bat with rounded edges which is solid.  
         [0010]     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter.  
         [0011]     In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.  
         [0012]     One object of the present invention is to provide pitchers with many more pitches that will overcome the shortcomings of the prior art plastic, rubber, or foam balls. Another object of the invention is to provide batters with a more challenging hitting environment. Another object is to provide a plastic ball which travels further when hit than most plastic balls. Another object is to provide a plastic ball which is easy to throw.  
         [0013]     Another object is to provide a plastic ball which is easy to grip. Another object is to provide a wood bat which is longer, thinner, and provides more swing power and plate coverage. Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects and advantages are within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0014]     A further object of the invention is to provide methods and rules for playing the ball game with a uniquely designed ball and a bat.  
         [0015]     To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction and method illustrated.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING  
       [0016]      FIG. 1  illustrates an arrangement of the field space for playing the ball game;  
         [0017]      FIG. 2  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a ball;  
         [0018]      FIG. 3  illustrates a bottom plan view of a base of the ball shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0019]      FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the ball illustrating an opening of the ball;  
         [0020]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the ball;  
         [0021]      FIG. 6  provides exemplary various dimensions of the ball;  
         [0022]      FIG. 7  illustrates one embodiment of a front elevational view of a bat utilized by the players in the game;  
         [0023]      FIG. 8  illustrates one embodiment of a bottom plan view of the bat;  
         [0024]      FIG. 9  illustrates one embodiment of a top plan view of the bat;  
         [0025]      FIG. 10  is a flow diagram of the ball game illustrating a method of playing game and the rules associated with the same;  
         [0026]      FIG. 11  is a flow diagram of a routine to determine a foul assessment and the decision making process surrounding the foul assessment;  
         [0027]      FIG. 12  is a flow diagram of a routine for count assessment;  
         [0028]      FIG. 13  illustrates a variation of a pitch using the ball in one embodiment;  
         [0029]      FIG. 14  illustrates a variation of a pitch using the ball in a second embodiment;  
         [0030]      FIG. 15  illustrates a variation of a pitch using the ball in a third embodiment;  
         [0031]      FIG. 16  illustrates a variation of a pitch using the ball in a fourth embodiment;  
         [0032]      FIG. 17  illustrates a variation of a pitch using the ball in a fifth embodiment; and  
         [0033]      FIG. 18  illustrates a variation of a pitch using the ball in a sixth embodiment.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0034]     Various embodiments of methods of playing a ball game and a structure of a typical ball are described below in detail. Methods of playing a ball game involve, for example, at least two players, a ball, a bat and a typical field to play the ball game. The methods and the structure of the ball are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein.  
         [0035]      FIG. 1  illustrates an arrangement of the field space for playing the ball game. In one embodiment, the ball game is played in a backyard or in a park or in any open field space. Many other field variations are possible and can be implemented in connection with playing the ball game. Similarly, many other variations in rules may be adopted in connection with the ball game and utilized with the following described field arrangement:  
         [0036]     The game requires at least two players. A triangular field is marked using  FIG. 1  as an example, designating one landmark to be a marker for a single line  2 . Another landmark, further away from the single marker, is used to designate a double line  4 . Yet another landmark, further away from double line  4  landmark, is used to designate a triple line  6 . In one embodiment, triple line  6  is an imaginary triple line. Triple line  6  may be a fence, wall, or some other type of landmark. All three lines, single line  2 , double line  4 , and triple line  6 , extend horizontally across the field. A batter&#39;s plate  8  is designated to be at the bottom of the field. A strike zone  14  is designated to be an area above batter&#39;s plate  8 , extending approximately 3 feet wide and from the batter&#39;s head to the batter&#39;s ankles. A right-side foul line  16  is designated to be a horizontal line on the right side of the field, extending from the right side of the batter&#39;s plate to triple line  6 . A left-side foul line  18  is designated to be a horizontal line on the left side of the field, extending from the left side of the batter&#39;s plate to triple line  6 . A pitcher&#39;s plate  11  is designated to be about 25 to 30 feet away from batter&#39;s plate  8  and in the center of right-side foul line  16 , and left-side foul line  18 . Scoring employs the use of four imaginary bases—a first base, a second base, a third base, and a home base (batter&#39;s plate) as shown by dotted lines in  FIG. 1 . Imaginary runners occupy the bases according to the types of hits registered by the batter or the batting team.  
         [0037]     Generally, the ball game is played with 2-6 players for a length of 6 innings. In one embodiment, the ball game can be played in less than 6 innings. The game requires a ball  30  and a bat  120 . Players are split into two teams with an equal number of players on each team. If there is an odd number of players, then one team may have one extra player. One team starts as the batting team, while the other team plays as the fielding team. The batting team uses a consistent batter rotation wherein each player takes a single turn being a batter  10 . The fielding team selects one player to be pitcher for the inning while the rest of the team plays as catchers on the field. No pitcher may pitch two innings until each player on the team has pitched once. Once the batting team has accumulated three outs, the teams switch roles. One inning of play is completed after each team has had a turn batting.  
         [0038]     The method and guidelines for playing the ball game are as follows in accordance with one embodiment: 
        A) Each game is generally played in six innings. In one embodiment, each team will have three outs per inning.     B) Batter  10  and a pitcher  12  stand on their respective plates. Pitcher  12  is approximately 30 feet from batter&#39;s plate  8 .     C) Strike zone  14  is 3 feet wide with the height determined from batter&#39;s plate  8  to the shoulders of batter  10 .     D) Pitcher  12  throws ball  30  either down strike zone  14  or slightly outside of strike zone  14  with the intention of striking out batter  10 . Some variations of pitches unique to this ball game are described in  FIGS. 13 through 18 .     E) If batter  10  attempts to hit ball  30  with bat  120  and misses, one strike is assessed.     F) If batter  10  hits ball  30 , and ball  30  lands within 4 feet of batter&#39;s plate  8  or lands behind batter  10 , a foul is assessed. A foul is equivalent to a strike unless two strikes have already been assessed.     G) Or, if thrown ball  30  hits batter&#39;s plate  8  while in the air, one strike is assessed.     H) Only one strike can be assessed per throw.     I) If ball  30  is thrown outside strike zone  14  and batter  10  does not attempt to hit ball  30 , one ball is assessed.     J) If batter  10  is hit by thrown ball  30  while ball  30  is in the air or after hitting the ground, one ball is assessed.     K) After three (3) strikes, one out is assessed.     L) After four (4) balls, known as a walk, batter  10  or batter  10 &#39;s team is given credit for one single hit.     M) After an out, homerun, single, double, triple, or walk, the strike and ball counts are reset to zero.     N) If ball  30  is caught in the air after batter  10  hits ball  30 , it is an out.     O) If batter  10  hits ball  30  and ball  30  hits the ground before single line  4 , one out is assessed, unless ball  30  lands within 4 feet of batter&#39;s plate  8  (Refer to D above).     P) If batter  10  hits ball  30  and ball  30  lands outside right-side foul line  16  by a right-handed batter, one out is assessed.     Q) If batter  10  hits ball  30  and ball  30  lands outside left-side foul line  18  by a right-handed batter, one strike is assessed, unless batter  10  already has two strikes.     R) If batter  10  hits ball  30  and ball  30  lands outside left-side foul line  18  by a left-handed batter, one out is assessed.     S) If batter  10  hits ball  30  and ball  30  lands outside right-side foul line  16  by a left-handed batter one strike is assessed, unless batter  10  already has two strikes.     T) Scoring position is tracked by the use of three imaginary bases: first base, second base, and third base. No base running is necessary as imaginary runners will be used. Each base can only be occupied by one imaginary runner, and imaginary runners will run from base to base in sequential order.     U) If batter  10  hits ball  30  and ball  30  is hit past one of single line  2 , double line  4  landmarks, then credit is given to batter  10  or batter  10 &#39;s team for the respective hit. If batter  10  hits ball  30  and ball  30  hits the triple line  6  landmark, then credit is given to batter  10  or batter  10 &#39;s team for the respective hit. A single hit earns an imaginary runner to first base. A double hit earns an imaginary runner to second base. A triple hit earns an imaginary runner to third base.     V) If batter  10  hits ball  30  and ball  30  is hit over triple line  6  landmark while in the air, then a home run is scored.     W) Batter  10  scores each time a runner advances past third base. A home run allows all runners on base, as well as the batter to score.     X) Runners must be forced in to score. For example, if batter  10  hits double line  4  while there is already an imaginary runner on second base, then the second base runner will be moved by ‘force’ to the third base and an additional imaginary runner will take the second base. If another double is hit, then the third base runner scores.        
 
         [0063]     The ball game is played in the field utilizing a uniquely designed ball (as depicted in  FIGS. 2 through 6 ) and a uniquely designed bat (as depicted in  FIGS. 7 through 9 ). Ball  30  utilized in the ball game of the present invention is designed to overcome many of the disadvantages of a typical ball game. The design of ball  30  allows players to easily grip and throw ball  30  thereby providing a more challenging hitting environment for the players.  
         [0064]      FIGS. 2, 3  and  4  depict various different sectional views and  FIG. 5  depicts a perspective view of ball  30 .  FIG. 6 , in particular, identifies various dimensions of ball  30 . The dimensions shown in  FIG. 6  are exemplary only, and changes and modifications can be made therein which are within the full intended scope of the invention as herein described and claimed.  
         [0065]      FIG. 2  illustrates a cross-sectional view of ball  30 . In one embodiment, ball  30  is a uniquely shaped bottle with an upper reduced neck portion  32 . Ball  30  has an opening  38  at its upper (first) end and a closed bottom. Ball  30  generally has a rectangular cross section (as also shown in  FIG. 6 ), a square bottom with rounded corners and indentions to provide a firm grip, and a curved upper shoulder to which is joined a circular neck. Ball  30  has a uniform thickness. Ball  30  is generally fabricated from polyethylene plastic material. Upper reduced neck portion  32  of ball  30  is sized to receive bat  120  when bat  120  and ball  30  are packaged together in a shipping container (not shown). Further, while ball  30  is generally made of polyethylene plastic, other design or cost considerations may dictate that ball  30  be made from other similar materials.  
         [0066]     In one embodiment, ball  30  is in the form of a bottle having an interior cavity  31  and opening  38  thereto at the top of reduced neck portion  32 , which, unlike traditional balls, allows for the game to be played in a safe and fun environment. The unique design allows for ball  30  to collapse on impact from bat  120 , minimizing any property damage or bodily harm. In addition, bat  120 , which is made of wood material, will not break upon impact from ball  30 . In another embodiment, neck portion  32  is not reduced.  
         [0067]     Neck portion  32  includes a grooved circular base  34  seamlessly connected to a stepped up circular portion  35  to form a circular neck  36  providing circular opening  38  (also shown in  FIG. 4 ). In one embodiment, circular opening  38  has an approximate diameter of 1.188 inches. In one embodiment, circular neck  36  is extending straight up in a vertical direction from an upper surface  40  of grooved circular base  34 . In another embodiment, circular neck  36  is extending up in a vertical direction from a stepped up circular surface  37 . In one embodiment, grooved circular base  34  has an external diameter of 1.850 inches. As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , grooved circular base  34  is seamlessly connected in a downward direction with side surfaces to form a smooth shoulder  42  of ball  30 . Side surfaces of ball  30  are seamlessly connected with rounded bottom edge surfaces  56   a  (shown in  FIG. 5  below),  56   b ,  56   c  and  56   d  located adjacent to bottom portion of ball  30  to form a base  60 . In one embodiment, side surfaces of ball  30  are made of four flat surfaces  44   a ,  44   b ,  44   c ,  44   d  (shown in  FIG. 3  below) and four curved corner surfaces  46   a ,  46   b ,  46   c ,  46   d  (shown in  FIG. 3  below).  
         [0068]      FIG. 3  illustrates a bottom plan view of base  60  of ball  30  shown in  FIG. 2 . In one embodiment, ball  30 &#39;s four flat surfaces  44   a ,  44   b ,  44   c ,  44   d  ( 44   a  and  44   b  also depicted in  FIG. 5  below) and four curved corner surfaces  46   a ,  46   b ,  46   c ,  46   d  ( 46   a ,  46   b  and  46   d  also depicted in  FIG. 5  below) are joined with four rounded bottom edge surfaces ( 56   a  shown in  FIG. 5  below) to form a closed bottom of ball  30 . Flat surfaces  44   a ,  44   b ,  44   c ,  44   d  are joined seamlessly with corresponding curved corner surfaces  46   a ,  46   b ,  46   c ,  46   d  to provide ball  30  a smooth gripping surface and a firm grip to the players. In one embodiment, flat surfaces  44   a  and  44   c  are positioned approximately 2.450 inches apart. Similarly, flat surfaces  44   b  and  44   d  are positioned approximately 2.450 inches apart. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the closed bottom of ball  30  further includes a circular indentation  62  with two dimples  64   a ,  64   b  on opposite sides. In another embodiment, the closed bottom has the circular indentation with four dimples. Dimples  64   a  and  64   b , as well as the indentation  62 , provide a player with a unique area for gripping ball  30 .  
         [0069]      FIG. 4  is a top plan view of ball  30  illustrating opening  38  of ball  30 . As shown in one embodiment, circular opening  38  is centrally located. In one embodiment, circular base  34  of neck portion  32  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) is grooved inward to create a smaller circular neck  36 . Reduced neck portion  32  of ball  30  is joined with smooth shoulder  42 .  
         [0070]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of one embodiment of ball  30 . In one embodiment, ball  30  is made of a light but durable plastic material. The light nature of ball  30  limits the distance in which ball  30  can travel, keeping ball  30  safely within the playing field. The perspective view of  FIG. 5  depicts the structure and exemplifies the composition of ball  30 . The light and hollow features of ball  30  contribute to its unique design which encourages pitchers to use a range of pitches, as illustrated in  FIGS. 13 through 18 , or create their own pitches. As depicted in  FIG. 5 , in one embodiment, grooved circular base  34  which joins to circular neck  36  is smaller than 2.450 inches (as shown in  FIG. 6 ). Shoulder surfaces  78   a ,  78   b ,  78   c  and  78   d  ( 78   c  and  78   d  not shown), extend in a downward direction from reduced neck portion  32  (also shown in  FIG. 2  above) and join seamlessly with each respective flat surfaces  44   a ,  44   b ,  44   c ,  44   d  ( 44   a  and  44   b  shown in  FIG. 5 ) and curved corner surfaces  46   a ,  46   b ,  46   c ,  46   d  to form an upper body of ball  30  and to maintain the consistency of ball  30 &#39;s smooth gripping surface. Additionally, flat surfaces  44   a  and  44   b , and curved corner surfaces  46   a  and  46   b , are seamlessly joined with their corresponding shoulder surfaces  78   a ,  78   b , respectively, to maintain the smooth shape and contour of ball  30 . Similarly, as shown in  FIG. 5 , flat surfaces  44   a  and  44   b , and curved corner surfaces  46   a  and  46   b , are seamlessly joined with their corresponding rounded edge surfaces  56   a  and  56   b  to form a closed bottom of ball  30 .  
         [0071]      FIG. 6  identifies various dimensions of ball  30  shown in  FIG. 2 . The dimensions shown in  FIG. 6  are exemplary only, and changes and modifications can be made therein which are within the full intended scope of the invention as herein described and claimed.  
         [0072]      FIG. 7  illustrates one embodiment of a front elevational view of bat  120  utilized by the players in the game. Bat  120  has a rectangular shape with rounded edges. In one embodiment, bat  120  is long and slender in shape and made of a light material such as wood or plastic. The handle, making up an upper portion  122  of bat  120 , is covered with a rubber or foam-like surface  124  to aid in the unique handling and gripping of bat  120 . In an alternative embodiment, upper portion  122  of bat  120  is dipped in a rubber coating to achieve a uniform thickness by utilizing a commercially available rubber coating techniques. Bat  120  has rounded edges (as shown in  FIG. 8 ).  
         [0073]      FIG. 8  illustrates one embodiment of a bottom plan view of bat  120 . Bat  120  has a square shape  140  with rounded edges. Each side surface meets a curved border to form a smooth batting surface and rounded edges. As illustrated, each side  142   a  meets a rounded border  144   a  to maintain the consistency of the bat&#39;s shape. For example, side surface  142   a  meets a rounded boarder  144   a , which, in turn, is seamlessly joined with side surface  142   b  and so on, as shown in  FIG. 8 . The top of bat  120  is uniquely designed to fit inside ball  30  for convenient storage, and can also be used to fix dents in ball  30 .  
         [0074]      FIG. 9  illustrates one embodiment of a top plan view of bat  120 . Bat  120 &#39;s square-like base  160  is covered with uniform rubber or foam-like surface  124  (also shown in  FIG. 7 ).  
         [0075]      FIG. 10  is a flow diagram of the ball game illustrating a method of playing game and the rules associated with the same. When the ball game is played according to one embodiment of the rules, several sets of results, dependent on the status of the ball, are possible. Batter  10  starts off with an initial state (step  200 ) of 0 strikes, 0 balls, and 0 outs. When pitcher  12  throws ball  30  to batter  10  (step  202 ), if ball  30  hits batter  10  (step  204 ), then one ball is assessed to the ball count (step  206   a ). Assessment (step  208   a ) of the count is computed, as explained in detail in  FIG. 12 .  
         [0076]     If batter  10  does not swing (step  210 ) and ball  30  hits batter&#39;s plate  8  (step  212 ), one strike is added to the count (step  214   a ). If ball  30  does not hit batter&#39;s plate  8  and fails to be thrown in strike zone  14  (step  216 ), one ball is assessed to the count (step  206   b ). If ball  30  is thrown into strike zone  14  (step  216 ) when batter  10  fails to swing, then one strike is added to the count (step  214 ) and assessment (step  208   b ) is computed. If batter  10  does swing and misses, one strike is added to the count (step  214   a ). If ball  30  is hit (step  218 ) and caught (step  220 ), then one out is added to the count (step  222   a ). If the ball  30  is not hit when the batter swings, one strike is added to the count (step  214 ) and assessment (step  208   c ) is computed. After a ball, strike, or out, assessment (step  208   c  and step  208   d ) of the count is computed.  
         [0077]     After ball  30  is hit outside of the foul lines (step  224 ), assessment of the foul is computed (step  226 ), as explained in  FIG. 11 . If ball  30  lands within 4 feet of batter&#39;s plate  8  or behind batter  10  (step  228 ), then batter  10  receives a foul. As shown in section  229   a  of  FIG. 10 , a foul adds a strike (step  214   b ) to batter  10 &#39;s count if batter  10  has less than two strikes (step  232   a ). Batter  10  then returns to batting (step  230   a ).  
         [0078]     Depending on whether or not ball  30  passes single line  2 , double line  4 , or triple line  6 , batter  10  is either given an out or credit for the respective base hit. If ball  30  fails to pass single line  2  while in the air (step  234 ), one out is added to the count (step  222   b ), and the count assessment is computed (step  208   e ). If ball  30  passes only single line  2  while in the air, then one imaginary runner goes to first base (step  238 ). If ball  30  passes only double line  4  while in the air (step  236 ), then one imaginary runner goes to second base (step  246 ). If ball  30  hits triple line  6  (step  244 ) landmark in the air, then one imaginary runner goes to third base (step  250 ). After any base hit, runners up to and including the newly ran base are pushed forward one base until each runner occupies one base or is forced from third base (and scores) (step  240   a ). If ball  30  passes triple line  6  landmark in the air (step  248 ), then a homerun is scored and all runners on base, in addition to batter  10 , score (step  252 ). After any homerun or base hit, the ball and strike counts are reset to zero (step  242   a  and step  242   b ), and there is a return to batting (step  232   b  and step  232   c ).  
         [0079]      FIG. 11  is a flow diagram of a routine to determine a foul assessment and the decision making process surrounding the foul assessment (step  226  shown in  FIG. 10 ). If batter  10  is right-handed (step  302 ) and ball  30  is fouled to the right-side of the field (step  304 ), one out is added to the count (step  222   c ). Afterwards, the count assessment is computed (step  208   f ). If ball  30  is fouled to the right-side of the field and batter  10  is left-handed (step  308 ), then one foul is assessed (step  229   b ).  
         [0080]     Similarly, if ball  30  is fouled to the left-side of the field (step  310 ) and batter  10  is left-handed (step  308 ), one out is added to the count (step  222   d ). Afterwards, the count assessment is computed (step  208   g ). If ball  30  is fouled to the left-side of the field and batter  10  is right-handed, then one foul is assessed (step  229   b ). Section  229   b  of  FIG. 11  (which is similar to Section  229   a  shown in  FIG. 10 ) depicts the process.  
         [0081]      FIG. 12  is a flow diagram of a routine for count assessment (steps  208   a ,  208   b ,  208   c ,  208   d ,  208   e  shown in  FIG. 10  and steps  208   f  and  208   g  shown in  FIG. 11 ). If four balls have been assessed (step  352 ), then batter  10  gets credit for a walk (step  354 ) (an imaginary runner to first base). As with any base hit, if there is already a runner at first base, that runner is “forced” to the next base until each runner occupies only one base or is forced from third base (and scores) (step  240   b ). Afterwards, the ball and strike counts are reset to zero (step  242   c ), and there is a return to batting (step  232   d ).  
         [0082]     If less than four balls have been assessed, the routine examines the strike count. If batter  10  has three strikes (step  356 ), one out is added to the count (step  222   e ). After an out, the ball and strike counts are reset (step  242   d ).  
         [0083]     Following a reset, or if batter  10  has less than three strikes, the routine examines the number of outs. If three outs have been assessed (step  358 ), the batting and pitching teams switch according to the game-type (step  360 ). Otherwise, batter  10  returns to batting (step  232   d ).  
         [0084]      FIG. 13  illustrates a variation of a pitch using ball  30  in one embodiment. This view shows a right-overhand grip. Pitcher  12  uses his or her index finger  402  and middle finger  404  to spin the bottom of ball  30 . Pitcher  12 &#39;s thumb  400  and ring finger  406  clasp opposite sides of ball  30 . For added comfort or grip, pinky finger  408  may also grip the side of the ball  30 . This pitch is thrown hard directly towards plate  8  resulting in a fast, straight pitch. In addition, the pitch may be thrown from different arm angles (side arm or under arm) to achieve greater variation of the pitch.  
         [0085]      FIG. 14  illustrates a variation of a pitch using ball  30  in a second embodiment. This view shows a modified right-overhand grip where pitcher  12  uses grooved circular neck  36  (not shown) of ball  30  as a gripping base. As shown, thumb  400  is clasped along the neck of ball  30  and meets ring finger  406  to form the base  412  of the grip. Index finger  402  and middle finger  404  are placed on a corner  420  (the combined area of surfaces  46  and  56  from  FIG. 5 ) of ball  30 . As the ball is thrown, the pitcher snaps his or her wrist  410  downward in order to keep ball  30  low and have it sink as it approaches the batter&#39;s plate  8 .  
         [0086]      FIG. 15  illustrates a variation of a pitch using ball  30  in a third embodiment. This view shows a right-hand two-finger grip. Pitcher&#39;s thumb  400  and index finger  402  are used to grip the protruding part of grooved circular neck  36  of ball  30 . In another embodiment, pitcher  12 &#39;s middle finger  404  may also span the elongated, smooth part of circular neck  36  for an increased grip or extra comfort. The pitch is thrown from a starting point above the level of the target in a north-to-south motion. The ball can also be thrown from the pitcher&#39;s side using an east-to-west or west-to-east motion. If this pitch is thrown hard using a snap of wrist  410 , the ball will break or change motion faster.  
         [0087]      FIG. 16  illustrates a variation of a pitch using ball  30  in a fourth embodiment. This view shows a right-hand palm grip which holds ball  30  in a horizontal position. Pitcher  12  uses the dimples on the bottom of ball  30  as a grip support for pitcher&#39;s thumb  400 . The remaining fingers  402 ,  404 ,  406  clasp ball  30  along one of the curved corner surfaces  420  with pinky finger  408  on neck  36  of ball  30 . The pitch is thrown to an area above and behind batter  12  in order to maximize on the pitch&#39;s corkscrew motion. In addition, the pitch may be thrown from different arm angles to achieve greater variation on the motion of the pitch.  
         [0088]      FIG. 17  illustrates a variation of a pitch using ball  30  in a fifth embodiment. This figure includes a side-perspective view  430  and a top-perspective view  440 . View  430  shows a right-hand V-grip where the open end of the ball is faced into the palm of the pitcher&#39;s hand. The sides of the V-grip are formed by the thumb  400  and other fingers  402 ,  404 . The grip is created by the exertion of inward force by the pitcher&#39;s knuckles, ideally placed along the smooth curved corner surfaces of ball  30 .  
         [0089]     Top-perspective view  440  shows finger positions utilized in this pitch. As depicted in view  430 , thumb  400  grips the lower portion slightly above the neck of ball  30 . Index finger  402  and middle finger  404  grip one side  442  of ball  30 , while remaining ring finger  406  and pinky finger  408  grip the lower part of the adjacent side  444 . The pitch is thrown with the open-end of the ball facing downward and with no rotation. As a result of this pitch, ball  30  should float towards the batter&#39;s plate  8  in an unpredictable manner.  
         [0090]      FIG. 18  illustrates a variation of a pitch using ball  30  in a sixth embodiment. This view shows a right-hand palm-grip where two or more sides are covered by the pitcher&#39;s palm and fingers  402 ,  404 ,  406 ,  408 . Pitcher&#39;s thumb  400  rests near the top of ball&#39;s grooved circular neck  36 . The pitch is thrown with the open-end facing up, and should break slightly to the right for a right-handed pitcher (left otherwise) before heading down.  
         [0091]     The above description of playing the game is exemplary and is not to be considered as limiting since simple rule changes may be made within the spirit of the game disclosed. While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.