Sports are very much a part of our lives. The boys are involved in almost every sporting activity that is available for them at this age. When they aren’t at a game or a practice, they still want to be doing sports…all the time…at home…with their parents.
We had to come up with a way for us to play baseball that was fair to both teams, where we could all compete enough to keep our interest, and without the boys fighting throughout the entire game. Here is what we came up with.
Team 1 – Parents
Team 2 – Kids
Team 2 bats the entire game. Each time they score a run, they get a point. Team 1 is in the outfield the entire game. Each time we get an out, we score a point. They can try as hard as they can and the parents can try as hard as we can. The games turn out to be fun, no fighting, and challenging!
Some side rules:
1. If both boys end up on base, the one furthest along must leave their base and go up to bat. They always call “ghost” when this happens, but the ghost runner can’t score.
2. There is no stealing.
3. Once the pitcher gets the ball and they are on the pitcher’s mound, the players have to stay on the base they are on until the next hit.
4. The winners have to pick up the game (bases, bats, balls, etc.).
5. Parents have final say on calling outs, etc.
6. No strikes are called if the player doesn’t swing. This is mostly because Pool Boy and I are not the best pitchers in the world, believe it or not.
7. We play with tennis balls rather than baseballs or softballs.
8. If the ball lands on the sidewalk or past, it’s an automatic homerun.
We play almost every single night if time allows. It’s an awesome family bonding tool, keeps the boys from getting bored, and gets the parents some much needed exercise!
We had to come up with a way for us to play baseball that was fair to both teams, where we could all compete enough to keep our interest, and without the boys fighting throughout the entire game. Here is what we came up with.
Team 1 – Parents
Team 2 – Kids
Team 2 bats the entire game. Each time they score a run, they get a point. Team 1 is in the outfield the entire game. Each time we get an out, we score a point. They can try as hard as they can and the parents can try as hard as we can. The games turn out to be fun, no fighting, and challenging!
Some side rules:
1. If both boys end up on base, the one furthest along must leave their base and go up to bat. They always call “ghost” when this happens, but the ghost runner can’t score.
2. There is no stealing.
3. Once the pitcher gets the ball and they are on the pitcher’s mound, the players have to stay on the base they are on until the next hit.
4. The winners have to pick up the game (bases, bats, balls, etc.).
5. Parents have final say on calling outs, etc.
6. No strikes are called if the player doesn’t swing. This is mostly because Pool Boy and I are not the best pitchers in the world, believe it or not.
7. We play with tennis balls rather than baseballs or softballs.
8. If the ball lands on the sidewalk or past, it’s an automatic homerun.
We play almost every single night if time allows. It’s an awesome family bonding tool, keeps the boys from getting bored, and gets the parents some much needed exercise!
If you are looking for ways to keep your family from being bored this summer, check out other tips at Rocks in my Dryer for this week's "Mom, I'm Bored!" edition!
