2009 Over the Line World Championship guide

The biggest party in San Diego is in full swing. Or is it the biggest sporting event in town?

It depends on who you ask; most involved will probably tell you it’s a little of both.

But when 1,320 teams of three and an estimated 50,000 spectators take over Fiesta Island the next two weekends for the 56^th annual Over the Line World Championship, it will most certainly be an event that is uniquely and distinctly San Diego — and a hell of a lot of fun.

For the uninitiated to Over the Line, here’s a brief rundown.

It’s a four-inning modified baseball/softball game with the goal of hitting the ball over a designated line within a narrow alley of fair territory and out of the hands of three gloveless (with the exception of women, who can wear gloves) defenders.

The object is simple — score more runs than your opponent and advance through the double-elimination field. (Detailed rules below).

But for everybody that’s not playing, OTL is an excuse to spend the weekend checking out baseball, bikinis and beer (as if you needed one).

“What I tell people is to come out with a sense of adventure, some sunscreen and probably a beach chair,” said Duke Marston, a 39-year OTL veteran and former spokesman for the tournament and the Old Mission Beach Athletic Club that runs it.

“If you don’t want to bring a cooler, we do have refreshments — hot dogs and soft drinks. We do have a beer garden for those who would like an adult beverage. Come out prepared to have fun.”

The adult beverages will most certainly be flowing. OMBAC purchased a permit to allow alcohol, keeping the festive atmosphere of Fiesta Island alive and well. In addition to the beer garden, coolers are welcome. Just don’t take any glass, which will get you in trouble with the law.

With 50 games going on at any time, keeping entertained shouldn’t present a problem.

But keep in mind with the alcohol flowing, the bodies almost bare and team names that we can’t come close to repeating on this Web site, Over the Line isn’t the ideal place to bring the young kids. It’s more of a PG-13 type atmosphere.

“I leave it up to the parents whether a teenager should be out there or not,” Marston said.

Don’t let the party fool you, though. The serious players, which there are many, are there to win. Saturday will see the most action as at-large teams whittle the massive field down two losses at a time.

The teams still alive on Sunday evening advance to next weekend’s round to face seeded teams. This is where the real competition begins. In the end, the top three teams from each of the 10 divisions are invited to an awards dinner with the members of the winning teams receiving gold rings.

“These are serious athletes,” Marston said. “That’s what people don’t understand… We run the tournament for the players. Are we glad that other people come out and enjoy the tournament? Sure.”

Spectator attendance helps OMBAC keep up with the costs of the tournament and fund the various charities they support, most of which are geared toward youth sports.

While admission is free, merchandise (hats, T-shirts) and food sales account for the OTL income.

Once the lots are full (around 9:30 a.m.), there is no public traffic allowed onto Fiesta Island. But free busing is available and starts at 7 a.m. on the first three days of play.

The buses have four stops from West Mission Bay Drive to Fiesta Island. (Detailed bus routes )

If you want to play this year and haven’t signed up, then too bad. Registration is capped and closed due to limited space. Your only hope is to fill in for an injured player along the way, which the rules permit.

But that shouldn’t stop you from checking out the biggest party/sporting event in San Diego.

When: July 11-12 & 18-19, 7:30 a.m. to dusk

Where: Fiesta Island

Over the Line Rules

Players

Three players per team. Substitutes allowed if player has not played for any other team. A replaced player may not re-enter the same game. Said player may play in subsequent games.

Hits

Ball hit into fair territory on the fly without being caught by fielders. Any ball touched and dropped by fielders. Fielder crossing “The Line” or its extensions when attempting to catch ball.

Home runs

Any ball hit past last player in fair territory, on the fly, without touching it. (Not necessarily over the head, just past the player).

Outs

Two foul balls. One strike. Fly balls caught by fielders. Ball hitting “The Line” or lines around out area. Ball touched or dropped by batter or pitcher. Foul tips that hit batter and are in foul territory. Batting out of turn. Pitcher crossing “The Line” after hit ball.

Fouls

Any ball landing outside “Out” or “Fair” areas on the fly. Foul line drives. Any taken pitch. Any false pitch or “Balk.”

Scoring

Three hits in an inning scores one run. Each additional hit in the same inning scores one more run. Home runs “Clear the Bases.” Intentional throwing of the bat is a three-run penalty (officials’ decision).

Length of Time

Games will be four innings. If tied at the end of the four, play an additional inning to break the tie. If tied after five, play one more.

If still tied after six innings, the team with the most hits is the winner. If a tie exists in hits, play additional innings until the tie is broken, either by hits or by runs. Runs take preference over hits in this situation. If at the end of any inning a team has an eleven or more run lead, the game is over.

Field Dimensions

55 feet from point of triangle to the “line” and 55 feet across from foul line to foul line.

Jason Owens is the SDNN sports editor.

Tags: Duke Marston, Fiesta Island, OMBAC, OTL, Over the Line, Over the Line World Championship, SDNN

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