A diagram on how to play Whack-Bat.
Whack-Bat is a fictional sport in Fantastic Mr. Fox. It is played by Ash and Kristofferson, the latter being unfamiliar with the rules, which are explained by Coach Skip. Kristofferson is sent in to substitute for Ash, who asks about his performance. Skip's reply is less than confident, while he praises Kristofferson's first swing, which is an impressive play. Mr. Fox was once the greatest whack-bat player in the history of the school, holding the title of Most Valuable Player of the Fox-Year for three years in a row. He was a big inspiration for Ash.
How to Play[]
Whack-bat requires at least thirteen players, consisting of three grabbers, three taggers, five twig-runners, one center tagger, and the player at whack-bat. The center tagger lights a pinecone on fire and throws it to the player at whack-bat. The player hits the pinecone and runs to knock a cedar stick off the cross rods. Then the twig-runners dash back and forth until the pine cone burns out and the umpire calls "Hotbox." Finally, the score down are added up, then divided by nine.
Equipment[]
Kristofferson steps up to the plate, ready to play Whack-Bat.
There are special supplies needed for playing whack-bat. These include...
- Bat - The whack-bat bat is based on a cricket bat; a solid block of wood with blunted spikes covering two sides. The handle is leather and has a swirly ridge on it for gripping.
- Pinecone - A pinecone is the ball, which is lit on fire and thrown by the center tagger.
- Cedar Stick - A long cedar stick is placed between two rods. The player must knock this off and get back to base without being tagged.