Jan. 22 (UPI) — Former Philadelphia Phillies general manager and Cleveland Indians legend Kenny Loften will also be among the group launching Slugball, a baseball version of Topgolf, in May, they announced Wednesday. .
“Slug Ball gives our players a unique opportunity to get back on the field and experience the best parts of the game,” Slug Ball advisor Loften said in a news release.
“Slugball is different from other baseballs because of its emphasis on hitting in a fun and competitive atmosphere.”
The 4-on-4 situational hitting game has a scoring system that tracks players during four hitting rounds: pull-slide, middle, opposite field, and near the horn. Batterers are allowed 35 seconds or eight swings per round.
No defense or base running is required. Teams of six to eight players bring their own pitchers and use wooden bats for two games of four rounds. Winning teams will compete for prize money.
Events are held at minor league stadiums and other unique venues. The first event will be held on May 10th at Trenton Thunder Ballpark in Trenton, New Jersey.
Additional events are June 14th (Columbus, OH), July 13th (Niles, OH), August 24th (Trenton), September 13th (Staten Island, NY), and October 11th (Avon, OH). ) will be held.
Interested participants must be 21 years of age or older and can register their team at playsluggball.com. They and their guests will enjoy club-level food and bar service, special on-field player gear, and the opportunity to meet former MLB players.
Sluggball’s developers include former players, scouts, coaches, and executives from finance and other business sectors. Slug Ball held a pilot event in Trenton in September, with Phillies legend Larry Bowa in attendance.
“Obviously, I love Topgolf,” Phillies broadcaster Tom McCarthy said in a video posted to Slugball on Wednesday. “This is the version of the game I love the most, baseball.”
Ruben Amaro Jr., the Phillies’ general manager from 2009 to 2015, and his brother David are part of the Philadelphia-based partnership group that co-founded Slug Ball.
Brand partners include the Major League Baseball Alumni Association, Vitus Sports, and Blast Motion. Evan Kaplan, managing director of MLB Player Inc., has joined Loften as a slugball advisor.
“Slugball is more than just a game, it’s an experience that brings together friends, family and former teammates to rekindle the love of hitting,” Amaro Jr. said. “We’re excited to bring you a fun and competitive game that celebrates baseball and the bonds it creates.”
