Online fan draft to determine sides, with different rules for each inning throughout the night
The Holly Springs Salamanders are shaking things up for their game against the South Wake Shakes on Wednesday, July 26 at Ting Park, featuring a unique brand of baseball that will include teams being selected by an online fan vote, and different rules throughout the nine innings of the contest that will include running the bases in reverse order, pitchers being able to hit, and two rounds of a Home Run Derby for the final two innings.
This evening will feature multiple fun ways to involve fans in a game like never before, with players and coaches for both the Holly Springs Salamanders and South Wake Shakes rosters will be determined by the fans for this one-of-a-kind contest. One section of Ting Park will also in charge of making calls when coaches utilize a challenge, with the majority of votes determining the call on the field.
Think you can be an umpire? One lucky fan in attendance will have the chance to be on the field for an inning as a guest umpire, with registration at Guest Services on the day of the contest. Fans can also assist the umpires by being part of the Umpire Pit Crew for the game.
Players will also be encouraged to sit in the stands during the game and will be handing out gifts to fans throughout the contest. Extended walk-up songs will be played, allowing players to show off their fun, engaging personalities, while broadcasters will be interviewing players and coaches throughout the night.
Each frame for innings one through seven will also have unique rules throughout the evening.
- 1st Inning: Regular Baseball!
- 2nd Inning: A runner will begin the frame at first base, with that player being the one who made the last out in the prior inning
- Third Inning: REVERSE! The “reverse card” isn’t just in Uno. Players in this frame will run the bases in reverse, starting towards third base, then second, then first before scoring at home plate
- Fourth Inning: One fan will be selected to guest umpire for the inning
- Fifth Inning: Hit The Switch: Pitchers will once again get their time to shine in batters box, with fans selecting the batting order for this inning prior to the game
- Sixth Inning: A runner will begin the frame at second base, with that player being the one who made the final out of the prior frame
- Seventh Inning: Back to Regular Baseball
- Eighth and Ninth Innings: Two rounds of a Home Run Derby, featuring three players from each side. The two rounds will consist of five pitches each, with home runs counting towards their team’s score.
Several other rules will be in play through the entire game, including:
- No bunting
- No walks allowed during the first and seventh innings
- Coaches will have two opportunities during the game to use a selected “Designated Hitter”, during which the pitcher may only throw fastballs during these at-bats
Tickets for this one-of-a-kind evening are available and can be purchased starting at just $10 at SalamandersBaseball.com or by calling (919) 249-7322.
Thanks to DBBC’s Andrew Green for this CapCom story & graphic.
