PHILADELPHIA, Penn.— Sluggball, a unique four-vs.-four, situational hitting format with a proprietary, patent-pending scoring system, is a reimagined version of baseball expected to host its debut events in Minor League Stadiums in New Jersey, Ohio, and New York.
The game focuses entirely on hitting, with no fielding or running required. Teams of 6-8 players bring their own pitcher and compete in four-vs.-four situational challenges using wood bats. Events guarantee two four-round games per team, with championship teams competing for cash prizes. Participants and guests can also enjoy club-level food and bar service, access exclusive on-field player gear, and meet MLB alumni.
Sluggball is co-founded by a Philadelphia-based partnership group that includes retired MLB player and former Philadelphia Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. and his brother David Amaro. Brand collaborators include the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA), Victus Sports, and Blast Motion. Sluggball advisors include six-time MLB All-Star Kenny Lofton and Evan Kaplan, managing director of MLB Players, Inc.
“Sluggball is more than a game. It’s an experience that brings friends, family, and former teammates together to reignite their love of hitting,” said Ruben Amaro Jr., co-founder of Sluggball. “We’re excited to offer a fun, competitive game that celebrates baseball and the bonds it creates.”
An invite-only pilot event at the Trenton Thunder Ballpark in September 2024 featured six teams with players that had a wide range of baseball experiences, and were of different ages. They competed in Sluggball’s four directional hitting rounds: Pull Side, Up the Middle, Opposite Field, and Around the Horn. MLB Ambassador Phillies legend Larry Bowa, was also there spending time with the teams on the field, taking pictures, and signing autographs.
Sluggball will officially debut in multiple states this year, and additional events are expected to be added to the schedule. Interested players can register their teams at playsluggball.com.
