Spring Training brings many fun quirks to Major League Baseball due to its lax nature and altered rules. One of the most notable is the intersquad (sometimes called intrasquad) game. The contest is unique because“ the players compete against fellow teammates. However intersquad games are common across all of baseball, not just in the MLB.
Why do Major League Teams play intersquad games?
Major League Baseball teams typically play inter-squad scrimmages at the start of spring training to evaluate the organization’s younger players.
- They also allow more experienced players to go through real-game situations before the exhibition season.
- The games also allow additional pitchers to get some work if they haven’t thrown often enough during exhibition games.
Some Major League squads will even play one of their minor league organizations to evaluate those who were sent down from Spring Training and build fan interest in their farm system.
Why do college teams do intersquad games?
College baseball’s regular season begins in late winter and runs through the spring, but teams typically practice and hold tryouts in the fall.
Intersquad games are part of many teams’ regular fall practice activities. The University of Minnesota, for example, divides its team into two squads and has them meet in a seven-game series that spans about three weeks, known as the Steak N’ Beans Series.
Games like these help set the roster and decide who will make the early season starting lineup.
Why do High School teams do intersquad games?
High school teams use intersquad scrimmages for some of the same reasons as professional teams -- to help tune up for the season and give their players practice in game-like conditions.
Additionally, high school coaches use the games to evaluate their players.
Schools may also play intersquad games to help raise money. Hollidaysburg Area High School in Pennsylvania, for example, plays an annual 100-inning intersquad game with special rules. Players and coaches recruit game sponsors to raise money for uniforms and other team expenses. This also aids in building excitement for the high school's upcoming baseball season
How are rosters decided for intersquad games?
A manager may divide the team into squads by himself or he may appoint two coaches to lead the squads and have them draft players into two teams. The manager can also name captains and have them pick the teams.
The manager may permit the game to play out as a normal contest, or predetermine hitting lineups and pitcher usage, particularly if he’s evaluating his talent. Some managers may choose to have his prospective starters on one team and his prospective bench on another.