Official 9 Rules of Banana Ball Explored
The Banana Bowl showcases the world's most entertaining, fast-paced brand of baseball. Here is how our simulation calculates outcomes according to the official rulebook:
Every Inning Counts
Whichever team scores the most runs in an individual inning gets 1 Inning Point. You can win an inning 10-0 or 1-0; both equal 1 point. Only in the final inning do all runs count.
Two-Hour Time Limit
No new inning can begin after 1 hour and 50 minutes. At 2 hours, the game clock expires immediately. If tied on Inning Points, it goes to the Golden Batter Showdown.
No Stepping Out
If a batter steps entirely out of the batter's box between pitches, an automatic strike is called. Keeps the game moving at lightning speed.
Bunting is Forbidden
Bunting is considered un-banana. If a batter attempts a bunt, they are immediately ejected from the game and replaced.
Batters Can Steal 1st
On any wild pitch, passed ball, or defensive misplay during any count, the batter can take off sprinting to steal first base.
No Walks: The Sprint
Ball Four triggers a base sprint! The batter races around the bases while the defense must throw the ball to all 9 fielders before tagging the runner out.
1-on-1 Showdown Tiebreaker
If tied at the end of time, a Showdown commences: Round 1 is Pitcher & Catcher vs. Batter with 1 fielder. Round 2: Pitcher vs Batter only. Round 3: Bases loaded!
Fan Catch = OUT!
If a fan in the crowd catches any foul ball on the fly, the batter is officially declared OUT in the scorebook.
Golden Batter Rule
Once per game in the final inning, either team may send any hitter in their entire lineup to bat, regardless of the lineup order.