repare for some unique summer fun when the annual Isle of Palms Half Rubber Tournament returns to the IOP Recreation Department next month. The event, which is entering its 26th year, typically averages anywhere from six to 12 teams including two from Savannah and others spanning the Charleston area, according to 13 IslandVibesIOP.com Tidewater Condo FOR SALE WILD DUNES, SC 29451 2 2 Ocean BEDS BATHS VIEW (843) 532-6288 | mattdeantonio.com A CARROLL REALTY BROKER P Half Rubber Tournament primed for opening pitch By Colin McCandless IOP Recreation Department recreation supervisor Aaron Sweet. For the uninitiated, Sweet explained that half rubber is a hybrid game featuring elements of stickball, wiffle ball and baseball that is played with a half rubber ball and a long, thin bat resembling a broomstick. Teams consist of three or four players: a pitcher, catcher and one-two outfielders. A game lasts three innings unless the score is tied after three in which case teams keep playing until a winner is determined. You can only hit singles and home runs and there is no baserunning involved as ghost runners are used in their place. The pitching line is 60 feet from home plate and pitchers throw overhand or sidearm. Any ball that makes it past the pitching line either in the air or on the ground that’s not an out is ruled a single. The distance from home plate to the home run line is 120 feet. Sweet said the recreation department puts up temporary fencing for the tournament and any ball hit over the fence counts as a home run. Home runs cannot be caught over the fence. Just like in baseball there are three outs. Outs can be recorded in three different ways: a pop-up catch by a fielder is one out; when a batter whiffs, if the catcher catches the ball cleanly before it touches the ground that is one out; also, if a batter foul tips it and the catcher snags the ball before it hits the ground, that’s an automatic double out. “It caters to all skill levels and abilities,” said Sweet of half rubber, noting that running plays no factor in the sport. “And it’s good for sportsmanship and camaraderie.” Regulation half rubber balls will be provided, but teams are expected to bring their own bats. Prizes will be awarded to the first and second place teams. A t-shirt, water, Powerade and pizza are included as part of the entry fee. On Aug. 10, games are slated to begin at 8 a.m. and run throughout the day. Entry is open to anyone ages 16 and older and the cost to participate is $25 per person. Teams must pre-register for the tournament by Aug. 2. To register, visit iop.net/recreation/ special-events-holiday-activities/half-rubber-tournament. Photo Provided by IOP Recreation Department. COMMUNITY
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjcyNTM1