Indoor Baseball in Germany
2:11 AM
While visiting friends in Munich, we went to the oldest son's indoor Baseball league. It was a very surprising experience. This all American sport isn't even incredibly popular state-side any more. However, this new variation is huge in Germany. At this all day event there must have been at least two dozen teams playing rounds. Each game only lasts about 45 minutes. The bases are much closer together and so there is only one outfielder. The strangest part though, is that the umpire is the pitcher. They gently lob the ball into the air from their position at home plate. As the pitcher, they are allowed to throw the ball at any time. Thus, if the kid next up is too slow coming to bat, they may throw the ball anyway and "strike" the batter (who is MIA) out! The reverse then is also true. If a batter is ready and so is the ump, then it doesn't matter if all the kids are on the field yet. This keeps the game moving very quickly and the kids motivated to pay attention the entire game. The kids loved it and everyone got a chance to make a play.Labels: Baseball, cultural differences, Munich Germany, trips
Sweet Dreams and Goodnite
2:11 AM
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