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Moundball
Moundball
Moundball
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Moundball is a side-betting game typically played by spectators sitting in the bleachers at Major League Baseball games.[1][2][3] It is often played to pass the time during slow games.[4] At the start of the game, each player places their ante into a plastic cup or hat; the kitty is then passed to the next person at each half inning.[1][5] The game is turn-based, with the goal of having the ball remain on the mound at the end of a player's half-inning turn, in order to win and collect all the money in the kitty.[1][2]

Rules

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The rules for Moundball are:[6]

  • An ante amount is established prior to the game (e.g, $1, $5, etc.).
  • A passing order is established among all participants.
  • Prior to the beginning of the game, each player places their ante into a plastic cup (or hat), forming a kitty.
  • Between each half inning, each player places the ante amount in the cup.
  • Between each half inning, the kitty is passed to the next player in the passing order.
  • Between each half inning, the ball is monitored to determine if has been placed on the dirt of the pitcher's mound by the umpire.
    • If the ball remains at rest completely upon the dirt of the pitcher's mound, the player who has been holding the kitty during that half of the inning wins the kitty and keeps the money in the cup. Each player places another ante amount in the cup and the cup is passed to the next player in the passing order.
    • If the ball remains at rest touching the grass (i.e., has rolled down the mound and is stopped by grass), is fully on the grass, or was never placed near the pitcher's mound by the umpire (e.g., the ball was given directly to the pitcher), the player who has been holding the kitty during that half of the inning does not win the kitty. Each player places another ante amount in the cup and the cup is passed to the next player in the passing order; the kitty grows.
  • The starting player is the person closest to the aisle.
    • To ensure a more random starting position for the cup, the cup is passed to the next person in the passing order for each batter faced in the top of the 1st inning. Whoever is holding the cup when the third out is recorded is the first holding player; the cup is only passed one person down the passing order during subsequent half innings.
  • If the game can end (e.g., the home team is leading in the top of the 9th inning or the home team is trailing/tied in the bottom of the 9th inning) and the ball will not be placed on the mound at the conclusion of the half inning, the kitty is passed to the next person in the passing order for each batter faced in that half inning (i.e., "batter-by-batter passing"). Whoever is holding the cup when the third out is recorded (or won outright, in the instance of a walk-off win) is the winner of the final kitty.
    • In rare instances, the home team can tie in the 9th inning, leading to extra innings. If batter-by-batter passing is occurring, the player holding the cup when the inning changes is eligible to keep the kitty based on the ball/mound position rules stated above. Antes continue to be placed in the cup between half innings. The cup passes to the next player in the passing order to start the 10th inning. Batter-by-batter passing does not occur in the top of the 10th since the game cannot end; the cup is passed to the next player in the passing order to start the bottom of the 10th and batter-by-batter passing resumes. This rule applies to all innings past the 9th inning.
  • If the player holding the cup is not in their seat to witness whether the ball remained at rest on the dirt of the mound, other participants are under no obligation to tell the holding player and the cup may be passed to the next participant in the order without the holding player winning the kitty.[7]

Wrigley Field

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The Chicago Cubs conduct a sweepstakes during every home game at Wrigley Field. Only season ticket holders are eligible to participate. In between the third and fourth inning of every Chicago Cubs home game, the home plate umpire rolls a baseball toward the pitching mound. If the baseball stays within the dirt of the pitcher’s mound, the potential winner, selected prior to the beginning of the game, will be contacted. If the baseball rolls from the mound to the grass, the prize money of $1,000 will be added to the winnings for the next Chicago Cubs home game.[8]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Moundball

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Moundball is a casual betting game traditionally played by groups of spectators in the during games, where participants contribute money to a shared pot held in a or cup and pass the responsibility of holding it around the group, with the holder winning the entire pot if the home plate umpire's routine toss of a new onto the pitcher's mound at the end of a half-inning remains fully on the mound's dirt without rolling off onto the grass. The game emphasizes the umpire's throw occurring naturally between innings, excluding instances where the ball merely rests on the edge of the mound or is handed directly to the pitcher, and requires the winner to be present in their seat to claim the prize. Originating in 1977 as a way for fans to pass the time and heighten engagement during lulls in the action at , Moundball relies on the inherent unpredictability of the umpire's underhand toss, which must navigate the sloped pitcher's mound to stay in place. Players typically start with the person nearest the aisle holding the pot after each contributes at least one , then rotate clockwise or sequentially after each half-inning, fostering camaraderie and light-hearted competition among friends or strangers in the stands. The simplicity of the setup—no equipment beyond the betting container—has made it a longstanding tradition at ballparks across MLB, adaptable for low-stakes fun or higher wagers depending on the group. In the digital age, Moundball has inspired official extensions by Major League Baseball, including a Twitter-based game launched in 2013 where fans tweet the hashtag #Moundball to enter contests tracking successful tosses during specific matchups, with prizes such as gift cards awarded weekly. More recently, as of 2025, a free mobile app allows remote fans to participate by guessing toss outcomes. Teams like the Chicago Cubs have further popularized it through in-stadium promotions, such as a 2025 sweepstakes at Wrigley Field where one randomly selected attendee wins $1,000 (with unclaimed prizes rolling over) if the umpire's throw between the third and fourth innings stays on the mound. These modern adaptations highlight Moundball's enduring appeal as a "game within a game," blending the ritual of baseball with interactive excitement for both live and remote audiences.

Overview

Definition and Basics

Moundball is an informal side game played by groups of fans seated in the during (MLB) games, designed to pass the time between . Originating as a casual fan invention, it transforms the routine act of umpires providing new baseballs into an engaging betting activity, separate from the official sport. At its core, Moundball centers on wagering whether the umpire's toss of a fresh to the —delivered after each half-inning—lands and comes to rest entirely on the dirt portion of the pitcher's mound. If the ball stays on the mound dirt without rolling off, it counts as a successful "moundball," determining the winner of the bet; otherwise, the toss fails, and play continues into the next half-inning. This simple mechanic relies on the unpredictable physics of the toss, often influenced by factors like wind or the umpire's technique, but remains entirely unofficial and unobserved by game officials. Participants typically form small groups, pooling cash bets into a communal pot such as a or empty at the start of the game, with the pot then passed among participants after each half-inning. The pot's holder claims the winnings on a successful toss, fostering camaraderie and light competition among spectators. While played across various MLB venues, Moundball has gained notable traction at .

Historical Origins

Moundball emerged as an informal game among bleacher fans at games, originating from the tradition of umpires tossing a new to the pitcher between half-innings to pass the time during lulls in play. This practice of providing fresh balls has roots in early 20th-century , following the 1920 death of Indians shortstop from a pitched ball, which prompted umpires to replace scuffed or dirty balls more frequently to enhance visibility and safety. By the early , the game—sometimes referred to as "Mound Ball"—was a recognized activity among fans using a passed or cup for stakes. The game's spread relied on word-of-mouth among dedicated fans in historic ballparks such as Wrigley Field and Fenway Park, where bleacher culture fostered such traditions, though specific early documentation remains scarce prior to the 21st century. Post-2012, Major League Baseball Advanced Media formalized Moundball as an official Twitter-based fan engagement tool during the postseason, boosting its visibility and integrating it into broader sports betting customs observed in spectator sports.

Rules and Gameplay

Core Mechanics

Moundball involves groups of fans observing the umpire's toss of a new ball toward the pitcher's mound at the conclusion of each half-inning. The core objective is to determine whether the tossed ball comes to rest entirely on the mound's dirt surface, which qualifies as a successful "moundball" or win; if the ball rolls off onto the surrounding grass or fails to stay put, it does not count. The sequence unfolds as follows: after the third out of a half-inning, the home plate retrieves a fresh baseball—often due to game wear or —and tosses it toward the for the incoming to begin the next half-inning. Fans in the group closely watch the trajectory and landing, typically from their seats in the , to assess the outcome during the brief intermission before play resumes. This observational element emphasizes timing and attention, as the toss occurs rapidly amid the transition between . Participants typically rotate responsibility for holding a shared betting pot, such as a or containing contributions from each player (often $1 per person at the beginning of the game), with the holder at the time of a win claiming the funds before passing the role to the next group member, often based on seating order like starting with the aisle seat. If there is no win, the pot carries over to the next half-inning. Resolutions happen swiftly in the natural pause between half-innings to ensure the group does not miss the start of the next at-bat. The game spans all 17 half-innings of a standard nine-inning contest, offering repeated chances for engagement without interrupting the primary experience. The toss's unpredictability arises from variables like wind gusts in the , the umpire's individual throwing technique and distance, and the mound's surface conditions, which may vary due to moisture, compaction, or prior play. These factors render successful moundballs relatively rare, heightening the game's tension and appeal as a low-stakes diversion.

Betting and Variations

In Moundball, the standard betting system requires each participant to ante a fixed amount, typically $1, into a shared pot contained in a or at the beginning of the game. The player holding the pot at the moment the tosses a new to the wins the entire pot if the ball comes to rest fully on the mound's dirt, marking a successful "Moundball." Some groups add further contributions before each half-inning to increase stakes. The payout structure is winner-takes-all for clear successes. To build excitement and higher stakes, the pot carries over across multiple without payout until a win occurs. Common variations adapt the game to different group sizes and preferences. "Team Moundball" suits larger gatherings by dividing players into opposing sides that collectively hold and share , fostering collaborative betting. Non-monetary versions replace cash with snacks, drinks, or point systems, making the game accessible in settings where wagering is impractical. Etiquette plays a key role in maintaining enjoyment, with groups establishing pre-game agreements on resolving disputes, such as whether a grazing the mound's edge qualifies; these are typically settled by majority vote to ensure fairness and prevent arguments. This informal wagering aligns with the broader tradition of fan-driven betting games that enhance the social experience at ballparks.

Popularity and Locations

At

Moundball emerged in 1977 as a historical hub at among fans seeking ways to engage during games. The game's unpredictability is amplified by Wrigley’s distinctive ivy-covered walls and notorious windy conditions, which influence ball trajectories and add excitement to the tosses observed from the . Popularized by the —a dedicated group of rowdy supporters who have occupied Wrigley’s seats since the 1960s—Moundball became a staple diversion for these fans amid the ballpark's lively atmosphere. Local traditions at Wrigley include Cubs fans escalating stakes during the venue's traditional day games, fostering a more intense betting environment compared to night contests elsewhere. Wrigley’s manual scoreboard and absence of lights until 1988 often prolonged games into the evening, providing extended opportunities for Moundball participation during those eras. As of 2025, Moundball remains a of Wrigleyville , integrated into the fan experience through official promotions like the Chicago Cubs Moundball presented by Tastytrade, held during every home game. groups and mobile apps now facilitate organization of plays, connecting bleacher enthusiasts and extending the game's reach beyond the ballpark.

In Other MLB Ballparks

Moundball, originating as a bleacher pastime at , has spread to other MLB ballparks through sharing and MLB promotions. The game's growth accelerated post-2010 with the launch of an official Twitter-based version in , where fans used the hashtag #Moundball to participate in contests during games, with team-specific accounts for several franchises. MLB's standardized ball replacement protocols ensured consistent inter-inning opportunities, encouraging adoption across the league.

Cultural Impact

Role in Baseball Fandom

Moundball significantly enhances fan engagement within baseball culture by turning the bleachers into hubs of interactive entertainment during games. As a group betting game played among spectators, it promotes social bonds as fans pool money into a shared pot and cheer collectively for the umpire's throw to land on the mound dirt at the end of each half-inning, transforming isolated viewing into collaborative fun. This communal aspect fosters connections and shares the thrill of small victories tied to the main event. The game boosts overall to baseball's subtleties, such as the umpire's precise routine between , encouraging participants to and discuss these rituals more closely and thereby deepening their appreciation for the sport's traditions. With no physical or strategic skills required—only simple anteing and —Moundball offers low-barrier entry that makes it accessible to casual fans, providing an affordable counterpoint to the premium experiences of MLB attendance and broadening participation across diverse groups. Anecdotal reports from fan accounts in the suggest that such interactive activities contribute to stronger loyalty and repeat visits, as they create memorable, shared experiences that extend beyond the final score.

Media and Online Presence

Moundball's early media coverage emerged in the , with a notable 2014 MLB.com article titled "Here are 10 Things You May Not Know About Moundball," which detailed the game's mechanics and its popularity among fans as a way to engage during lulls in play. This piece highlighted how the umpire's toss of the to the mound after each half-inning creates suspense, marking one of the first widespread online explanations of . Prior to this, mentions were sporadic in fan forums, but the article helped solidify its recognition beyond local games. The rise of social media amplified Moundball's visibility starting in 2012, when launched official #Moundball contests tied to MLB broadcasts, allowing remote participants to join by tweeting during games for prizes if the ball remained on the mound. On , discussions in r/baseball appeared by 2011, with threads sharing rules and experiences from live events. These platforms transformed Moundball from a bleacher-side activity into a shared online experience, with users posting real-time reactions that often went viral during high-profile games. In 2018, tutorials like KLAQ's "How to Play Moundball" video provided accessible rule breakdowns, using live examples to teach newcomers the betting pools and umpire-dependent outcomes. Recent coverage has broadened Moundball's appeal beyond MLB traditionalists, exemplified by a 2022 Tastytrade promotional video on that explained the game during Cubs home games at , tying it to for cash prizes up to $1,000 per half-inning. By 2025, groups and posts in MLB fan communities have drawn in casual audiences unfamiliar with live . This evolution underscores Moundball's role in enhancing overall game attendance through mediated excitement.
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