With the recent explosion of the uber-popular and multi-generational sport of Pickleball, I am curious if a reduced risk game of baseball might take flight.  I am referring to the very basic form of baseball, taught at the elementary school age level, and which forms the foundation for years and years of playing baseball.   This basic form of baseball is fun, relatively safe, builds character, teaches the game of baseball at its core, and can be played on just about any baseball or softball field in any town, anywhere.  The basic form of baseball I am alluding to is T-Ball, and I think there is a case for introducing it to adults as a fun and safe activity.  Here is how it would work, in my opinion.

I had the amazing opportunity to coach T-Ball over a decade or so ago. It was my chance to give back to the game of baseball.  A game that provided me a lifetime of enjoyment as a player, writer, fan, and parent of T-Ball age boys.  My instructions to the parents of my T-Ball team, “bring a glove, bring a water bottle, I’ll handle the rest.”  Our team set up on an elementary school field with rubber plates for bases, a T-Ball stand, a bag of T-Balls, and the magic of baseball did the rest.  9 players in the field, assembled in standard defensive positions (OF, IF, Pitcher’s mound, Home Plate).  I would place a T-Ball, a foam ball shaped like a baseball with laces, on top of an adjustable T-Stand, and instruct the batter to swing and hit it.  If the batter hit the ball into the fair territory of the field, I instructed him/her to run to 1st base, pointing to the base directly angled to the right of the T-Stand.  I coached players on how to throw the ball, catch the ball, hit the ball, play a position, and be a good teammate.  Sounds pretty basic, huh?  It was glorious, it was funny, it was memorable, it was awesome.

Enter the Adult T-Ball League concept.  Age wise, I am targeting adults over 45 years of age.  Active older adult players with baseball or softball experience would be great because their skills are embedded in their bodies and minds, somewhere.  Ok, some may not be as fast or flexible or mobile as they once were.  That’s okay.  This league is designed to be a fun and positive activity.  I would simply encourage people to know their body’s limitations and look to stay within their lanes physically.  No prior experience, no problem, I can help there.  The players could meet at a baseball field or softball field locally.  All they would need to bring is a glove and a hat.  And any protective gear they may need to feel safe.  If they have their own bat, great.  Bring it.  If not, the league would provide bats.  In fact, the league would provide bats, T-Balls, the T-Ball Stand, bases, and perhaps some spare gloves.  All you need to do is just show up with a willingness to play baseball, and I would take care of the rest.

A Little League field or softball field would work best size wise.  Basepaths on LL and softball fields are shorter on average.  60 feet is shorter than 90 feet, so the shorter fields would work better for the active older population I am trying to entice.  The same can be said for the layout of the infield.  LL or softball fields have a shorter distance from 3rd to 1st base, making defensive throws easier/shorter than your standard adult baseball, high school, collegiate, or pro style field.  A fenced field would be ideal.  By the way, you can still hit a T-Ball out of a LL or Softball Park with some force.  I have some ideas on rules modifications that will make the game easier to navigate for the majority of players.  For example, there is no base stealing.  There are no metal spikes.  Sliding is optional.  Running into a defensive player is not allowed.  A defensive player cannot impede a running who is running the bases.  The ball is returned to the Pitcher on the Pitcher’s mound to end play.  I have a bunch of ideas for baseball play modification and would also take suggestions on this to keep the game fun and safe for everyone.

Games would be 7 innings with a 2-hour time limit.  Each team member will have a continuous batting order, meaning everyone dressed for the game will get a spot in the batting order.  The 9 defensive players can move around, shift, play wherever they want, or whatever way their manager or coach designates.  Standard baseball rules like force plays, balls caught in the air, or putouts will apply as defensive outs.  A batter would have 3 swings to hit the ball fair.  After 3 swings at the T-Ball Stand, if a player has not hit the ball fair, they are called out.  3 outs per defensive half inning.  Games would likely be played during the daylight hours and on fields not currently in use for any other scheduled games.  The team with the most runs after 7 innings is the winner, unless there is a tie after 7 innings.  In that case, the game is declared a tie.

Medical waivers would be required. As would a contact phone number in case of an emergency.  Ideally, a participant will be honest with their physical condition and only choose to play if they are medically able.  Baseball, in general, is not an overly physical game but does require some physical movement.  A fly ball can fly over your head and you may need to run after it to retrieve it.  If you hit a baseball fair, you would need to run to first base, at your level of physical fitness.  This is not the Major Leagues nor the Olympics. This is a fun, safe, active older adult activity that gets folks back on to a baseball field to play a basic game of baseball.  I would not want anyone to get hurt or injured or be unsafe, so the medical aspect is really important here.

So, I will be conducting a series of in person inquiries at local libraries, card shows, recreation centers, and coffee shops over the next several months.  I will have a complete set of rules and sample plays and game samples and field samples for your viewing.  If you would like to provide feedback on my yet to be named Adult T-Ball League, send me your thoughts and comments.  And, please check my social media pages for places I will be setting up to discuss my Adult T-Ball League concept in August, September, and October this year.