How to Play Baseball (Drinking Game)

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

If you’ve ever found yourself with a handful of friends on a weekend and felt absolutely devastated that you can’t play a full nine-inning ballgame, then this baseball-inspired drinking game has got you covered. And if you don’t know baseball at all, don’t worry, you will still have a blast with this game, which incorporates elements of popular party games like beer pong and flip cup . We’ll show you what you need to get started playing, how to play Baseball (drinking edition), and give some tips to ensure you have a fun, safe time.

Things You Should Know

  • Start with 2 teams of 2 or more players. Place 4 cups on either side of a rectangular table, and 3 along each side. Add water to the 8 cups on either end.
  • Throw balls into the cups on the opposite end of the table. The first cup represents first base, and so on, where the 4th cup represents a home run, worth one point.
  • Switch sides from offense to defense after recording three outs. Play as many innings as you want, and tally up points as you go.
Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Set-up

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9d\/Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9d\/Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-1.jpg\/aid13269356-v4-728px-Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You’ll need at least 4 players for baseball, but the ideal number is 8 divided into teams of 4 players each. You can certainly exceed 8 as well, but with more than 4 people per team, it isn’t possible for everyone to be involved in the action at the same time. [1]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/54\/Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/54\/Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-2.jpg\/aid13269356-v4-728px-Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You need at least 1 ping-pong ball to play, but 3 is an optimal number to have on hand. [2]
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e8\/Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e8\/Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-3.jpg\/aid13269356-v4-728px-Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you have a dedicated beer pong table, that’s great, but any table will do as long as you have enough space to set up the cups.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/36\/Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/36\/Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-4.jpg\/aid13269356-v4-728px-Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You need a minimum of 14 disposable cups, but we recommend you have extra cups. Place 4 cups in a straight line centered at each end of the table. Then, along each side of the table, place 3 cups at even intervals. [3]
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/ff\/Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/ff\/Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-5.jpg\/aid13269356-v4-728px-Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    ¼-½ full is fine—just enough to stabilize the cups and prevent them from being easily knocked over during the game.
    • For cleanliness, don't drink from these cups on the edge of the table, as you will be attempting to shoot the ball into these cups, and the ball can get a bit gross throughout the game. [4]
    • Additionally, by filling these cups with water, you’ll avoid any bothersome stickiness on the ball.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6f\/Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6f\/Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-6.jpg\/aid13269356-v4-728px-Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Drink responsibly , choosing beverages and quantities that all players feel comfortable consuming. The game is still plenty entertaining and challenging even without alcohol!
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/23\/Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/23\/Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-7.jpg\/aid13269356-v4-728px-Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The away team will be on offense first, but the home team will be on offense last, meaning they will have the opportunity to come from behind or break a tie to win at the end of the game.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/03\/Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/03\/Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-8.jpg\/aid13269356-v4-728px-Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The team on defense will position a player at each cup on their right side of the table and one behind the end of the table. Switch positions every inning so that all your teammates can experience different roles. [5]
    • If there are less than 4 players, defenders will have to cover more than one position.
    9. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Gameplay

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8e\/Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8e\/Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-9.jpg\/aid13269356-v4-728px-Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Like in baseball , offensive players bat, attempting to earn hits and get on base. Unlike baseball though, batters in this game stand behind their end of the table and attempt to land the ball into one of the 4 cups on their opponent’s side.
    • If their ball lands in the first cup, they hit a single and advance to 1st base: the first cup on their right.
    • If their ball lands in the second cup, they hit a double and advance to 2nd base: the second cup on their right.
    • If their ball lands in the third cup, they hit a triple and advance to 3rd base: the third cup on their right.
    • Finally, if their ball lands in the fourth cup, they hit a home run and score 1 point—known as a run—for their team! [6]
    • When a batter records a hit, defenders alternate drinking from their cup.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/15\/Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/15\/Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-10.jpg\/aid13269356-v4-728px-Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If a batter misses the cups 3 times or misses the table completely 1 time, they are out and the next player on their team comes to bat. [7]
    • If a ball bounces off a cup, and the catcher catches it before it hits the table or floor, the batter is also out. [8]
    • If you’d like to add a bit of challenge, you can stipulate that catches can only be made with your non-dominant hand (the hand where you’d wear a glove in baseball).
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-11.jpg\/aid13269356-v4-728px-Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Move from cup to cup to run the bases and score. [9]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e5\/Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e5\/Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-12.jpg\/aid13269356-v4-728px-Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    To advance bases faster and score more runs for your team, players can also attempt to steal a base while their teammate is batting. To steal a base, baserunners must beat defenders in a game of flip cup.
    • The runner begins the steal attempt at any time by picking up and drinking their cup, then placing it back on the edge of the table and attempting to flip it so that it lands upside-down on the table. [10]
    • The defender across from the runner attempts to do the same.
    • If the defender successfully flips their cup first, they have caught the runner stealing and they are out. If the runner successfully flips their cup first, they advance one base. [11]
    5. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Finishing the Game

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-13.jpg\/aid13269356-v4-728px-Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Once both teams have batted and recorded three outs, you have completed an inning. [12]
    • You can play as many or as few innings as is fun for your group. Whenever you decide to stop, be sure it is at the end of an inning so the home team has an equal opportunity to score runs.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/69\/Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/69\/Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-14.jpg\/aid13269356-v4-728px-Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The team with the most runs at the end of the game wins. If that’s you, congrats! If not, we’re sure you’ll get them next time!
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-15.jpg\/v4-460px-Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-15.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-15.jpg\/aid13269356-v4-728px-Play-Baseball-%28Drinking-Game%29-Step-15.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    To play a fair game, confirm that everyone is ready and base cups are filled before attempting to hit or steal. Regularly note the score, the number of outs, and the number of attempts a batter has remaining—especially after a pause. [13]
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • If you choose to drink alcohol, set a limit when you begin the game and do not exceed it. To limit your intake to a safe amount, determine how much you are drinking using a drink calculator. [14] [15] [16]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Hydrate well before you consume alcohol, and continue to drink water while you drink alcohol. [17]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Eat before and while you are drinking alcohol. [18]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Do not drink alcohol if you are below the legal drinking age, are or may be pregnant, have a medical condition or take a medication that makes drinking unsafe, if you struggle to limit the amount you drink, or if you plan to operate a vehicle after playing. Seek medical advice regarding alcohol consumption if you are lactating. [19]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      Things You’ll Need

      • Long rectangular table
      • Ping-pong balls
      • Disposable cups
      • Water
      • At least 4 people

      You Might Also Like

      17 Drinking Games for Just 2 Players
      How to
      Play Presidents and Assholes
      How to
      Play the Drinking Game King’s Cup
      The True American Drinking Game: A Beginner’s Guide
      Beer Pong: How to Master the Ultimate Drinking Game
      The Ultimate Guide to Playing the Drinking Game Rage Cage
      16 Drinking Games to Play with 3 People
      How to
      Play Flip Cup
      How to
      Play Cheers to the Governor
      25 Movie Drinking Games
      The Best Football Drinking Games (Plus, Must-Haves for a Watch Party)
      How to
      Play Stack Cup (Plus House Rules & Variations)
      How to
      Play the Lord of the Rings Drinking Game
      How to
      Play the Chandelier Drinking Game (with Bonus Rules)
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.godrunkyourself.com/baseball-beer-pong/
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/oHN9sElKIig?t=27
      3. ↑ https://collegepartyguru.com/games/pages.php?link=Baseball
      4. ↑ https://www.vice.com/en/article/zmdb5y/this-is-how-gross-your-beer-pong-ball-probably-is
      5. ↑ https://collegepartyguru.com/games/pages.php?link=Baseball
      6. ↑ https://www.drinkingandstuff.com/drinking-baseball/
      7. ↑ https://www.godrunkyourself.com/baseball-beer-pong/
      8. ↑ https://www.drinkingandstuff.com/drinking-baseball/
      9. ↑ https://www.drinkingandstuff.com/drinking-baseball/
      1. ↑ https://www.drinkingandstuff.com/drinking-baseball/
      2. ↑ https://www.godrunkyourself.com/baseball-beer-pong/
      3. ↑ https://www.godrunkyourself.com/baseball-beer-pong/
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/oHN9sElKIig?t=250
      5. ↑ https://www.rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/tools/calculators/drink-size-calculator.aspx
      6. ↑ https://yourroom.health.nsw.gov.au/games-and-tools/pages/standard-drink-calculator.aspx
      7. ↑ https://alcoholchange.org.uk/alcohol-facts/interactive-tools/unit-calculator
      8. ↑ https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/top-7-tips-for-safe-drinking
      9. ↑ https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/top-7-tips-for-safe-drinking
      10. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/about-alcohol-use/moderate-alcohol-use.html

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 32,111 times.
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement