The Backyard Rule
We are here to play.
It’s the bottom of the 7th with 2 outs and the go ahead runner on 3B. A hissing 2-hopper is hit to the SS’s backhand side, who takes one step and dives.
The crowd gasps as the ball disappears into the SS’s glove, who is still airborne, fully outstretched, and parallel with the ground. Listening closely, you can hear the sound of the SS’s chest change as slides from crunching dirt to soft outfield grass. Before coming to a compete stop they pop to their feet for an off balance rocket of a throw across the infield. The both teams and the crowd are holding their breath, then explode.
Our own paradise of a backyard ball field that we built sometime in the 1990s in Cincinnati, OH. Many of the same rules that we play by today were developed on this field.
“SAFE!”
“NO, THEY’RE OUT!”
“YOU’RE WRONG!”
“THAT’S NOT FAIR!”
Voices raise, excuses fly, and fingers point. The game comes to a grinding halt, yielding to insecurities of those who are choosing to argue rather than play. That SS who made the play of course wants the out, but is increasingly annoyed with the delay in game.
To combat this epidemic of poor sportsmanship we continue to fall for, the Backyard Rule encourages or maybe better said.. challenges participants to have SUCH confidence in their own ability and love for the game… they’d rather not take disputed calls their way. Yes, it could cost you the win and if so, we challenge you not to look back at the moment to use as an excuse.
Not because you don’t care or because “it’s just a game”. Rather because the bar set for yourself is SO high that you only accept undisputed wins. Not a single shred of doubt is left in anyones mind that you were the best, especially those loud mouth argumentative teams who had everything go their way.. and still lost.
We are not here to complain, fight, or feel sorry for ourselves. We are here to play.
That’s the Backyard Rule!
Since our business began in 2015 we have been on a mission to build teamwork and spread sportsmanship. Easier said than done when hosting competitive events, and I assure you it is even harder to live by when running a small business. The Backyard Rule is intended to help us navigate the difficult failures we are guaranteed to encounter in sports and in life. We can give up or we can get up. The choice is ours!
My name is Nathan Fudala and I am so happy you are visiting our website. In 2008 I left my hometown of Cincinnati, OH to move to St. Augustine, FL and play ball at Flagler College. I am one of the lucky ones, who’s life has been blessed by the game of Baseball. It has opened many doors and paved the way for lifelong friendships. No, I never did reach my dream of playing professionally, but nowadays I think my job is just as cool!
An example of what our setup looks like today. These 4 fields fit on most adult-sized Baseball fields. We can execute a 16-team event (about 80 participants) in three hours and guarantee all teams a three-game minimum at three innings per game. We supply all setup labor and tournament organization. You just bring a team and play!
Thank you so much for reading. If you have any questions about our programs or services please email me anytime!
nate@backyardrule.com