MINIBATZ — Official Rules

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HR Rules Tie-Breaker Derby Game Format Base Running Pitching Teams Equipment Special Rule Conduct

Teams consist of 5–7 players

5 Players: Pitcher, 2 Infielders, 2 Outfielders

Pitcher's mound becomes "poison"

6 Players: Adds a 1st Baseman

Pitcher's mound is no longer poison

7 Players: Extra player may serve as a Catcher

Replaces the mat behind home plate

Only mini wooden bats (under 1¾" diameter) and tennis balls are allowed

If home runs become excessive:

A smaller 18" long, 1¼" diameter bat may be used (captains decide before a new game), OR a home run limit may be implemented — excess HRs become outs

Fielders must use bare hands — no baseball gloves

Batting gloves are allowed. Catching with your hat is allowed but frowned upon

Footwear: Bare feet, tennis shoes, or turf shoes only

No cleats or spikes

Overhand pitching allowed, but must include a clear arc

Roughly 30–40 mph max. Radar guns may be used if needed

No bunting

The ball must pass the fair line in front of the batter's box

No walks

Strikeout occurs on:

A swing-and-miss with 2 strikes, OR after 2 foul balls following a 2-strike count

Dirty Ball Style

Runners can be tagged out by being hit with the ball while in the baseline

No stealing

Runners must stay on base until contact is made

Infield Fly Rule is in effect

With runners on 1st & 2nd or bases loaded, with less than 2 outs

Plays at Home

Ball must hit the catcher's mat before the runner touches home to record an out

Out-of-Play Rule

If the ball enters driveway, tents, or designated "out-of-play" areas, all runners advance 1 base

MLB Shifting Rules

Fielders may not stack one side of 2nd base. For shifts, one infielder and one outfielder must stay on the opposite side

Ladies' Foul Ball Rule

If a non-participating female catches a foul ball in the air, it counts as an out

Does not apply to men or active players

This fun rule adds surprise and energy during pool play only

Home Run = Any fair ball hit over the fence

Field Dimensions:

LF: 128 ft • CF: 140 ft • RF: 116 ft

Home runs can be robbed

Even if the fielder falls over the fence — ball must be secured before landing

Ball bounces over the fence = Ground Rule Double

3 innings per game

3 outs per inning

OR once a team scores 10 runs (no run limit in the final inning)

30-minute time cap per game

If time expires mid-inning, the inning is completed unless the home team is already leading

If tied after time and innings are complete → Sudden-Death Home Run Shootout

All 6 players participate

Players alternate, each getting 1 swing per round

After all 6 swings, team with the most home runs wins

If still tied, sudden-death continues

Each team takes one swing until the tie is broken

Homerun contest is over when it is mathematically over

Only players who hit at least 1 home run during pool play are eligible to compete

Each participant gets 60 seconds to hit as many home runs as possible

Round 1: All qualified players compete

Championship Round: Top 3 HR hitters from Round 1 advance

Most HRs in the Championship round = Home Run Derby Champion

Standard baseball scoring applies

Live batting stats will be tracked and displayed

Keep the atmosphere fun, respectful, and competitive

No arguing calls

Umpires have final say and may use video replay if available

All disputes will be resolved by the Tison Panel, and their decision is final

FIELD DIMENSIONS

128

140

116

QUICK REFERENCE

Innings3 per game

Outs3 per inning (or 10-run cap)

Time Cap30 minutes

StrikeoutSwing & miss at 2 strikes, or 2 fouls after 2-strike count

Tie-BreakerHR Shootout (sudden death)

Derby60 sec rounds, must have 1 HR in pool play