Sluggball, a new 4-on-4 baseball competition co-founded by a former Philadelphia Phillies general manager, is set to make its debut in May this year. The unique aspect of Sluggball is that it focuses solely on situational hitting, with no fielding or running involved.
The brainchild of the former Phillies general manager and his brother, Sluggball has garnered support from notable figures in the baseball world, including a six-time MLB All-Star and the managing director of MLB Players, Inc. Teams of six to eight players will participate in the 4-on-4 situational challenges, bringing their own pitchers and using wood bats.
Each event guarantees two four-round games per team, with the championship teams vying for cash prizes. The four directional hitting rounds in Sluggball include pull side, up the middle, opposite field, and around the horn.
The inaugural Sluggball competition is scheduled to kick off on May 10 at the Trenton Thunder Ballpark in New Jersey, with subsequent stops planned at stadiums in Ohio and New York. The aim of Sluggball, according to one of its advisers, is to provide players with a unique opportunity to engage with the best aspects of the game.
Notable baseball personalities, such as a former Phillies manager and an announcer, were part of a pilot program for Sluggball held in New Jersey last September. The co-founder of Sluggball has an extensive history with the Philadelphia Phillies, having started as a batboy in the 1980s and later serving as the general manager during a successful period for the franchise.
Under his leadership, the Phillies achieved significant milestones, including winning the 2008 World Series and securing multiple NL East titles. With a rich background in baseball, the co-founder brings a wealth of experience to the innovative Sluggball competition, which promises to offer a fresh and exciting take on the sport.
