US2850282A - Baseball scoring and simulated baseball games - Google Patents

Description

J. P. o'coNNoR 2,850,282

BASEBALL SCORING AND SIMULATED BASEBALL GAMES 5 Sheets-Shes?l 1 INVENTOR.

Um QN ON Sept. Z, 1958 Filed Nov. 4, 1954 lN m, N NN QN MN Q NN N mu o. am Um WAM n .drm un Sept. 2, 1958 J. P. ocoNNoR 2,850,282

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' SPt 2, 1958 .1. P. ocoNNoR BASEBALL SCORING AND SIMULATED BASEBALL GAMES Filed Nov. 4, 1954 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 United States arent O BASEBALL SCORENG AND SINIULATED BASEBALL GAMES John P. OConnor, Baltimore, Md.

Application November 4, 1954, Serial No. 466,830

14 Claims. (Cl. 273-93) This invention relates to the combination of the means for scoring a live baseball game or for playing a simulated baseball game.

Among the objects of this invention is to provide, principally but not exclusively for home use, a more realistic and lifelike method and the means for making a play by play record of a live baseball game, especially as it is broadcast, so that the plays can be recapitulated and the record of the performance of each player in each of his times at bat can be seen in detail.

Another object is to provide an interesting and entertaining simulated baseball game in which pretended plays are determined by chance and which can be played as solitaire or with an opponent.

Another object is to provide a novel and entertaining home method for instruction in the rules of the game of baseball.

For all of the above objects there is provided a unique score board on which, for each turn at bat of each player in the line-up of each team there is a separate diagram with a location for each of the four bases and each of the nine elding positions of a baseball diamond. Also provided are markers for indicating the dierent types of plays in a baseball game and for positioning at the appropriate locations on the diagrams to record the results of the plays as they aiect each participant. For the simulated baseball game, in addition to the above, there is provided a means for determining by chance the pretended plays of the game to be recorded with the markers on the 'score board diagrams.

With these and other objects in view the invention consists of the novel combination and arrangement of the instrumentalities hereinafter described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings and set forth in the claims hereto appended.

For the purpose of illustrating the invention there are shown by the accompanying drawings forms thereof which are at present preferred, although it is to be understood that the various instrumentalities of which the invention consists can be variously arranged and organized and that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and organizations of the instrumentalities as herein shown and described.

In the drawings in which like reference characters refer throughout to like parts:

Figure l is a front View of the preferred embodiment of the score board of this invention. I

Figure 2 is a view on line 2 2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a front View of a second embodiment of the score board of this invention.

Figure 4 is a view on line 4 4 of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a side view of one type of marker for recording the plays of the game on the score board.

Figure 6 is a view on line 6 6 of Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a side view of a numerical marker for indicating the number of the inning.

Figure 8 is a view on line 8 8 of Figure 7.

Figure 9, Figure 10 and Figure 1l are front views of icc some of the cards from which are determined the plays of the simulated baseball game to record on the score boards of Figure 1 or Figure 3.

The preferred embodiment of the score board of this invention, which is shown in Figure l and Figure 2 is made of rigid material and can be of various sizes. The actual full size of the one illustrated is approximately 15 inches by 26 inches. As shown the board 1 has the heading Baseball and to the left the sub-heading Visiting Team and to the right the sub-heading Home Team. As the make-up and the use of the portions of thc score board under the two sub-headings are similar the description of the Visiting Team portion will apply to both.

At the bottom of board 1 is provided a space for a printed form 2 shown removably attached to the board by thumb tacks 3. Shown entered on the form are illustrative line-ups giving the number, name and playing position of each of the ball players in the respective batting orders of the two teams. The playing positions are indicated by conventional abbreviations. At the conclusion of the game the form may be removed. from the board and a fresh one attached for the line-ups for the next game. At 4 is listed the player who isV rst in the batting order of the Visiting Team and at 5 the player who is second in the batting order, the other players batting in the sequence in which they are shown listed. At 6 are blank spaces for inserting the names of possible substitutes for the respective players. Additional eXtra space has been allowed for substitute pitchers as shown at 7. Between the line-ups of the two teams under Score by Innings are blocks for recording the runs made in each inning by the V team and the H team.

Above and in line with the space for each position in the batting order is a column of colored diagrams 8 each of which simulates a baseball diamond. The diagrams are shown complete in the first column and in the. other columns where not shown complete are indicated by an outline of the inield as shown at 8c. The diagrams are separated by contrasting lines 9. The diagram 8a at the top of the column above the first position in the batting order is used for recording the result of the rst time at bat of the player'listed at 4 and if he succeeds in getting on base, has progress around the bases. The other seven diagrams in the same column are used in succession for the subsequent times at bat of the same player. The eight diagrams are sulicient for approximatelyV fourteen innings of play. The diagram at 8b is used for recording the result of the rst time at bat of the player listed at 5 and the other diagrams in the same column for his subsequent times at bat. Each of the diagrams in the top horizontal line is used in succession for succeeding batters and if necessary the diagrams in the second horizontal line until the Visiting Team is retired in its half of that inning. The diagrams on the Home Team portion of the score board are then used in a similar manner for the Home Team batters.

Except as shown on diagrams 8a and 8b all of the diagrams 8 are identical. At 8a is the digit l in a circle to which an arrow from the word Inning? is pointed indicating the start of the lirst inning. In 8b is the single hole 10 for positioning, if appropriate, a marker for indicating that one man was out when the second batter in the iirst inning came to bat. The inlield 11 of each diagram 8 is colored tan and the outfield 12 Vis colored green to simulate the normal colors of a real baseball diamond. Each of the four bases is represented by a square 13. At the center of each of the four bases there is a small hole 14 and at the normal location of each of the nine fielding positions there is a small hole 15. On Figure 1 these holes are indicated by dots` Holes 14 and 15 are for positioning the markers shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 for recording the plays of the game. One of holes 16 is for positioning, in the diagram of the first batter'in each inning, the properV numerical marker (Figure 7 and Figure 8) to indicate the num- Vber'ofthe inning; Holes le are. also usedk for positionl ing, when appropriate, a markerorfmarkers toindicate the number of men out when the player, whosediagram they are placed, comes to bat.Y Y Y As indicated Yabo-veY the playsV of the game asfthey affect eachibatt'er, base runner and defensive player arefr'ecord-V ed at the appropriatelocations uonfthe proper ones vof diagram 8 by a series of'different" distinctive markers of the type shown nin FigureS and Figure 6; YThe markers are preferably color coded to indicate the different types of plays andare solid colors or various combinations and designs Vof colors. Under Play Markers at 17 are circles lsi'which would be colored to correspond to the markers Vused for s ignifyingthe play'beside which the circleVV is shown. Forthe purpose of'identication on this drawing these circles are'design'ated by letters of the alphabet. The markers which are positioned in the holes 14 in the bases'indicate'a base'runner and the type of play bywhichhe got on base or Yadvanced fromV one base Ato another.` The markers which are positioned in the holes'15 at'thefielding positions indicate the defensive handlingfof the ball in thecase of a put-out, assist or error;Y or, in the case of a safe hit, 'the position to which the hitwas made( f, For example ifa battermairesY a lone base 4hit to center field an YAwmarker is placed in the Vtirst base hole V14 Iand a Bl marker placed in the center iield hole 15 of his diagram. Forratwo base hit the A marker would bplaced in itheslecornfd base ho'le'li and none in irst base. For'aho'merun the A marker would be lplaced in hole 14 at the'liome5 plate and none in any of the other bases. Any marker placed inthe hole 14 at the home plate indicatesk that arunV V*has been scored and the color of the marker signiesthetype'of play Vby which it was scored whethera hit, error, base on balls, etc.

To illustrate the operation of the board a series of plays and the speciclocations at which the markers recording` these'vplaysare positioned arertabulated.` The markers listed*A are positioned in the diagram 8 of the batter be\ side whose name they are Ytabulated unless otherwise noted. Conventional abbreviations are used todesignate the fielding positions.

1st. Batter Y Y Smith-Singles to R. F.. k

. hole 14 (Diagram 8a). `B markerin R. F. hole 2nd. Batter Jones-Fly, out to C. n-41' n marker in C. F. hbiefi' (Diagram 8b).V f i' 3rd. Batter.

YFOX-,Base 011V balls r Y hole C markerin second base hole 14 in diagram' 8a of Y lst. batter'indicatiug ad- Vance by B. on B. 4th. Batter v Y 1 Bear Long y out to i R. F .R marker in R. F. hole 15. M marker in third base hole 141m diagram 8a of 1st. batterY indicating ad- 1rfalrce after' catch of y Y Y Y P marker in 1B' hole 15.1 Five players have come to Vconclusion of the gamey so that the plays can be recapitulated and the record of any playerf determined. As tabulated above Athe diagramlStz ofthe tirst batter will now have 'an A mariierin l B -hole 14gaM Bf A .marker-k inV first .hasev batandthree outs have now been made to retire the VisitingTeamin its- 4 marker in the yR. F. hole 15, a

batters until the Home Team'isV retired in its half of the inning.

Figure 3 and Figure 4 illustrate a second embodiment of the score board of this invention. lt'is of the'same general size and shape as the board shown in Figure l and is used in a similar manner and in conjunction with the K same markers for recording the plays of the game as described for Figure l. At the top of board 29, Figure 3, is the heading Baseball and at the left side reading vertically are Home Team and Visiting Team. VAt 21 is a printed form shown removably attached to the board by thumb tacks 22. Shown entered on the form 21, to the rightl of l-l. lTeamfand J. Team, are illustrative line-ups giving the number, name and playing po-V sition ofthe ball players in Vthe'respective batting orders ofrthe two teams. TheY playing positions are indicated by conventional abbreviations. A123 is the player who is rst in the batting order of the Visiting Team and at 24- the player kwho is second in the batting order. VThe other players of the Visiting Team bat in the sequence in` which they are listed. Onlysix; positions of the batting order are shown on therdrawing but ten are provided onftheVV full board, the extra one which is shown blank ati 25Ybeingrfor possible substituteV pitchers. At each of the positions in the batting order there are blank spaces 26 for listing possible substitute players.

Above and in line with each position in the batting order are two series of diagrams, oneseries 27 being for the batters of the Visiting Team, as noted at the left, and one series 28 for the batters of the Home Team. As the makeup and use of the twoV series of diagramsV are similar, the description of the 27 series will apply to both. There is an individual diagram 29 for recordingV the result of each time at bat of each player. In each of the individual diagrams 29 are holes t) representing each of the Y four bases and holes 31 representing each of the nine fielding positions of a baseball diamond. Y

VThe positions are indicated by kconventional abbreviations atthe top of the diagrams. In diagrarn29a rare positioned the markersV for recording the results of the rst time at bat ofthe player listed at 23 Who is the first batter at the start ofthe game. This is indicatedV at 32 by the digit l in a circle connected to the word Inning by a line from which is anarrow pointing to diagram 29a. Eachof thediagrams below 29a is used insuccession for the above players subsequent times at bat. In diagram 29h are positionedV the markersy for recording the results ofthe irst `timeat bat of vthe playerlisted at 24 and each ofthe diagrams below is used in succes-V sion for his subsequent times -at bat.. Each adjacent diagram in the horizontal rowA is used in successionrforvsucceeding batters ofthe Visiting Team` until the-side is retired in its half of the inning; In thespaces-between the diagrams are holes 33 for positioning a marker or markers before the diagramV of a batter indicating theY number of men out when he came to b'at'. One o'f holesi33 is also used for positioning before the diagram of .the rs't batter in each inning the numerical marker (Figure 7 and Figa ure 8.) indicating the number ofl the inning.

K C marker in ther'ZB hole Y 14 and an Mma'rker in the 3B hole V14. As no marker aseo,

-t the bottom of the board under Play Markers 'are lcircles 34 which would be colored to correspond to the markers used for signifying the play beside which they are shown. For the purpose of identification on this drawing these circles are designated by letters of the alphabet.

All markers used for recording the plays remain where originally located in diagrams 29 until the conclusion of the game so that the plays can be recapitulated and the record of any player determined. On form 21 at 35 and 36 are shown blocks for recording the runs made in each inning by each team.

Figure 5 and Figure 6 illustrate the preferred type of marker for recording the plays of the game and consists of a spherical head 40 and a short rounded end shaft 41. Markers with heads 40 of different distinctive colors, or color combinations and designs, for indicating the different types of plays are provided. The correct marker Io use -for indicating a specific type of play is shown under Play Markers on Figure 1 and Figure 3.

The circles 18 on Figure l and 34 on Figure 3, which are identified by letters of the alphabet, would actually be colored to correspond to the colors of the respective markers. For positioning in the scoring diagrams on the board illustrated by Figure l or Figure 3 the head 40 of the marker would be approximately three sixteenths of an inch in diameter. To facilitate the selection of the correct marker a container, divided into a number of compartments for separating the markers according to type, will be supplied. This container is not shown on the drawings.

Figure 7 and Figure 8 illustrate the numerical marker for indicating the number of the inning and consists of a round ilat head 42, on which the numeral appears, and a short rounded end shaft 43. The marker with the appropriate numeral is positioned in one of holes 16 (Figure 1) or 33 (Figure 3) in or before the scoring diagram of the first batter of each inning. For use in the score board illustrated by Figure l or Figure 3 the head 42 of the marker would be approximately one quarter of an inch in diameter.

Figure 9, Figure l and Figure ll illustrate examples of the cards from which are determined the plays of the simulated baseball game. On each of the cards, as shown on Figure 9 under Batter at 45, are two tabulated columns. In the column in the center of the card are listed the plays effected by the batter. In the column to the right opposite each entry in the center column is listed the result of the play if at the time two men were out, as indicated at 46, or a two men out alternate play as shown at 47. In the column under Base Runners at 48 are tabulated all of the possible conditions that can prevail as regards base runners from None On at 49 to At lB-2B-3B at S6 and the disposition of the runners in accordance with the adjacent entries in the other two columns. There are sui`cient cards in the deck so that the frequency of the listing, on different cards of the same play under the same conditions, will be in proportion to its actual occurrence as determined from the average of many actual games.

The score board illustrated by Figure l or Figure 3 is used in a similar manner and in conjunction with the same markers for recording the plays of the simulated game as described and tabulated above for the live game. For the purposes of this description of the simulated game the score board of Figure 1 will be referred to.

The game may be played as solitaire or with an opponent to represent the other team. If desired the lineups of two favorite teams may be entered on the form 2 to add-realism to the game.

The simulated game is played in the following manner. The cards, examples of which are illustrated by Figures 9, l0 and 1l, are thoroughly shuied and placed face down before the person who has chosen to be the Manager of the Visiting Team. He selects the top card and referring to the column under Base Runners and opposite None On he notes the play under Batten This play represents the result of the first time at bat of the player who is iirst in the batting order of the Visiting Team. The manager in accordance with the tabulation on the score board under Play Markers selects the proper marker or markers (Figures 5 and 6) and by positioning them at the appropriate locations in diagram 8a records the play. For the second and subsequent batters the cards are drawn in sequence from the top of the pack and the play to be recorded for each batter is shown in the column under Batter opposite the entry in the tabulation under Base Runners in which is noted the conditions as regards base runners that prevail when the respective cards are drawn. In each case the play is recorded by the Manager on the diagram of the batter and the diagrams of any base runners if their positions are aiected by the play. The Manager of the Visiting Team continues to draw cards and record the plays until three outs have been made. The numeral 2 marker (Figures 7 and 8) is then placed in the diagram of the Visiting Team batter who will be the first to bat in the secon-:i inning. All of the cards are then shuflled and drawn from in the same manner by the Manager of the Home Team and the results of these plays are recorded on the diagrams of the Home Team batters until three men are out. The Managers alternate in drawing cards for as many innings as has been agreed upon, at the end of which the team with the most runs is the winner.

What is claimed is:

l. A re-usable device for scoring baseball gamesl in accordance with baseball rules, comprising, a structure including a board having spaces for accommodating pertinent data including a removable printed member attached to said board and having two sets of spaced designations for baseball players of the teams in their respective batting orders for the game, two spaced sets of columns of diagrams containing representations for scoring a baseball game, each set of player designations being located directly opposite each set of columns of diagrams, each column of diagrams containing a plurality of said diagrams for each player and being arranged in rows within a set of columns, a plurality of markers coded for definite indications of various plays in scoring a baseball game, legends on said board for identifying said plurality of markers, openings located in each of said diagrams representing each of the four bases and each of the nine elding positions on a baseball playing field, also other openings associated with said diagrams for scoring other game data, said markers being adapted for iitting in any of said openings and for use in recording the entire sequence of plays in the complete game including the disposition of the batters as well as the substitution of players, the progress from base to base of any base runners and the plays involved as well as the defensive handling of the ball and other data, the diagrams in each of said columns of diagrams being utilized to record the plays resulting from the times at bat of the designated ball players, all of said appropriate markers being retained in said appropriate openings until the con` clusion of said game, the combination of said board, player designations and markers being complete and suincient for use in recording the part taken in every play of said game by each said ball player and adapted for continued re-use.

2. An arrangement as recited in claim l, wherein one of said columns of diagrams is arranged in line with each said designation, with the successive diagrams in each of said columns of diagrams being utilized to record the sequence of plays resulting from successive times at bat of the respectively designated ball players.

3. An arrangement as recited in claim l, wherein said plurality of diagrams on said board are schematic.

4. An arrangement as recited in claim l, wherein a plurality of columns of separate diagrams are provided.

7 5. An arrangement as Yrecited in claim r1, wherein said diagrams simulate baseball playing fields.

6. A re-usable device'rfor scoring baseball games in accordance with conventional baseball rules, comprising, a structure including a b oard havingy spaces for accommodating data pertinent to Va baseball game including at least one provision for a designation for each player of two baseball teams, with the player designations being arrangedin two spaced sets in `thebatting orders of theV respective teams, a set of columns of diagrams on said board under each of the headings Visiting Team and Home Team, with one of said columns of diagrams in each set of columns of diagrams being provided for each position in the'batting order of the respective teams, each of said diagrams in said sets' of columns of diagrams containing respresentations for scoring a` baseball game, each of said diagrams having openings representingV each of the nine fielding positions on a baseball playing l field, each ofsaid diagramshaving openings representing each ofthe `four bases' onfsaid baseball playing ield, also other openings associated with said diagrams for scoring other game data, a plurality of markers coded for denite indications of various plays in scoring la baseball game, suitable legends on said board for identifying said plurality of markers, said markers being adapted for Yfitting vindividually int-o any of said openings in said diagrams and adapted for'recording the entire sequence of plays in a complete baseball game, the number ofV diagrams in each column of diagrams being at least sui- `cient in an average baseball game to provide a separate diagram for scoring each turn at bat at the respective positions in the batting orders.

7. An Varrangement as recitedY in claim 6, wherein one of said columns of diagrams is arranged in line with each said designation, With the successive diagrams in each of said columns being utilized to record the sequence of plays resulting from successive times yat bat of the Vrespectively designated ball players. Y

8. An arrangement as recited in claim 6, wherein said plurality of diagrams onl said boardV are schematic.

9. An arrangement as recitedV in claim 6, wherein said diagrams simulate baseball playing iields.

10.For simulated baseball Vgames to be scored inV accordance with regular baseball rules, the combination of a re-usable device for scoring simulated baseball games in accordance Vwith conventional baseball rules and direct reading chance means, said device having structure including a board having spaces for accommodating data pertinent to a baseball game including at least one provision for a designation for each player of two baseball having openings representingeach'rof the four bases on saidy baseball playing iield, -also other openings associated withs'aid diagrams for scoring other Ygame data,Y a plurality of markers coded forv definite indications of various plays in scoringabaseball game,V suitable legendson said board for identifying'said plurality ofmarkers, said markers being adapted for'fltting individually into anyV of said openingsfinsaid diagrams'and adapted lfor recording the entire'sequencel of'pl'ays ina complete baseball game, the number of diagrams in each said column vof diagrams being at least sucient in an average baseball lgame to provide a separate Vdiagram for scoring each turn` at bat at-the respective positions in the batting orders, said chance means being adapted for direct reading to select a play suitable for conditions prevailing at any time in a simulated baseball game, the combination Y of said boardr,gpla`yer designations, markers, and direct reading chance mansbeingecomplete and sufficient for use in playing lsaid baseball game.

1l. An arrangement as recited in claim l0, wherein one of said columns of diagrams is arranged in line with each said designation, with the successive diagrams inA each of said columnsbeing utilized to record the sequence of plays resulting from successive times at bat orf'theV respectively designated ball players.

12. AnY arrangement as recited in claim 10, `wherein' said plurality of diagrams "in said board are schematic.

13. An arrangement as recitedin claim l0, whereinVY a plurality of columnsof separate diagrams are provided.

14. An arrangement as recited in claim l0, wherein Y said diagrams simulate baseball playing iields.

References l.(,Zted the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 402,700 Van Zile Mayy 7, 1889 l,ll3,504 Steele'. 'Oct. 13, 1914 f 1,594,832 VHasseler-etal. a Aug. 3, 1926 1,680,609 Grundy ..Y Aug. 14, 1928. 2,063,612 A `Marshall etal. Dec. 8, 19736

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