Baseball Rock Paper Scissors rain delays are a fun way teams keep fans engaged when weather stops play. Major League Baseball never uses Rock Paper Scissors to decide tied games. Tied or halted games follow official rain and suspended game rules. Teams and players sometimes play RPS purely for entertainment during delays.
What Really Happens in a Tied Baseball Rain Delay
In pro baseball, a game tied when rain stops play becomes a suspended game. It resumes later from the exact point it stopped. If a game is official and not tied, the result can stand. These decisions follow MLB rules and never involve RPS.
Memorable Baseball Rock Paper Scissors Delay Moments
- College rivals Louisiana Lafayette and Louisiana Monroe once held a high-energy RPS match during a long delay.
- The Phillies and Diamondbacks played RPS on social media during a rain delay to keep fans entertained.
Rare Case: RPS Deciding a Game Outcome
In 2018, two Connecticut high school teams used RPS to decide a tournament result after repeated rainouts. This was a local, one-time decision. Pro leagues do not use this method to set results.
How to Run a Fan-Friendly RPS Event During a Delay
- Announce a quick challenge on the scoreboard. Select two or four fan volunteers per side.
- Explain best-of-three rules. Throw on “shoot,” and no horizontal scissors.
- Use the big screen for close-up hand shots.
- Keep the pace fast, no pauses over 10 seconds. Aim to finish in five minutes.
- Give a small prize, like a team cap or food voucher.
- If the delay continues, run a quick bracket with eight fans, single elimination, one throw per round.
Example: During a 25-minute delay, run three matches, crown a champion, then finish with a mascot versus champion finale.
Key Rules for On-Field RPS
- Throw on “shoot.”
- No fakeouts after “shoot.”
- No props or contact.
- Ties rethrow immediately.
- Referee call is final.
Example emcee script: “We throw on shoot. Rock beats scissors, paper beats rock, scissors beat paper. Ties rethrow right away.”
Psychology Tips for Players
Players often repeat a winning throw or switch after a loss. Many open with Rock, especially under pressure. Encourage variety for a fair, unpredictable game.
Example: If someone wins with Rock, their next throw is likely Rock again. Opponent can counter with Paper for a win.
FAQ
Do pros use RPS to decide tied games? No. MLB games resume later under suspended game rules.
Has any game outcome ever been decided by RPS? Yes, a 2018 Connecticut high school tournament game. It was a local choice, not a league rule.
What should teams prepare in advance? A short script, a referee badge, one tight camera angle for hands, one wide shot, a handheld mic, and two small prizes.
Is there a best first throw? Many open with Rock, so Paper can be a strong counter in casual play.
Sources and Related WRPSA Pages
- MLB Regulation Game and Rain Rules
- MLB Suspended Game Rules
- ESPN: College Teams Play RPS During Delay
- Phillies vs. D-backs RPS on Twitter
- Boston.com: Connecticut Game Decided by RPS
- WRPSA Official Rules
- WRPSA How to Play Guide
- WRPSA Baseball RPS Rain Delay