What Is Pesäpallo? You Can Bet On The Sport In Massachusetts

With the arrival of online sports betting in Massachusetts, it is now opportune to explore the plethora of sports that state residents can lawfully place bets on.

Pesäpallo, a lesser-known yet captivating sport, bears a striking resemblance to baseball but maintains its unique charm. Like eccentric relatives, this fast-paced ball and stick game possesses an enigmatic allure that will capture your attention once witnessed. Once you lay eyes on it, you’ll find it impossible to divert your gaze.

In this informative guide, Play MA explains the fundamentals of Pesäpallo and provides insights on how to place bets on the sport now that sports betting is available in Massachusetts.

What is Pesäpallo?

Looking for entertainment? Look no further than Pesäpallo.

In a feature on the sport in 2019, CNN highlighted that for those who perceive baseball’s slow pace of play as boring, the Finnish alternative provides an invigorating shift with its continuous action.

Pesäpallo, also referred to as “Finnish Baseball,” holds significant importance to the Finns as it is not only the sport’s birthplace but also the national sport of Finland.

Similar to baseball, there are nine defenders on each team, along with three strikes and three outs. Additionally, the concept of “innings” is used to determine when each team gets their turn to bat.

However, Pesäpallo differs from baseball in terms of its numerous rules.

Pitcher/batter interaction

• In Pesäpallo, the pitcher takes position beside the batter on home plate, which is the key distinction you’ll observe when comparing it to baseball.
• The ball is thrown upwards by the pitcher, and the batter is required to hit it as it descends.
• The pitch should be thrown with a minimum height of 1 meter above the pitcher’s head.
• A pitch that lands on the plate is deemed a strike, while one that does not is considered a ball. A batter will be granted three strikes.
• Batters have the option to run to first base after hitting the ball into the field of play, but they are not obligated to do so if they still have strikes remaining. They can decide whether to run, not run, or swing at another pitch.
• In the absence of any runners on base, a single poor pitch (ball) can lead to a walk, granting the batter the opportunity to advance to first base and become a runner. This rule places pressure on pitchers to deliver accurate and effective pitches.

Additionally, make sure to check out the extensive list of 69 sports that you can place your bets on in Massachusetts.

Batter controls the offense

• The batter has the freedom to decide whether to run after hitting the ball into the field. This gives them the opportunity to strategically aim for the most favorable area for themselves and their team. However, they are only allowed to attempt this twice before they must accept the outcome of their hit.
• The playing field is narrower compared to a baseball field as it extends straight from third base to second base, resulting in a reduced area of “fair” territory.
• Therefore, attempting to hit the ball with maximum force is generally not a wise approach since it becomes increasingly challenging to maintain control over the ball’s trajectory within the field of play. Considering the presence of numerous fielders in the outfield, hitting the ball deep is not a tactically advantageous decision.
• To stay in play, the batter is required to hit the ball within the designated area. Hitting it outside this area will result in a foul ball being called.
• The batter will be declared out if they hit a foul ball on the third strike.

Difference between being caught and being put out

• If a ball is caught in the air by a defender, the batter and any runners trying to advance on the hit are considered “caught” but not “out” immediately. They are required to make an attempt to advance to the next base after the ball is caught, and…
• … runners can only be declared “out” if the defending team throws the ball to the next base and touches it with the ball before the runner reaches it. This is the sole method of eliminating a runner from the game. In the event that runners safely reach the next base, they can return to home plate without facing any penalties.

The unusual base path

• In Pesäpallo, similar to baseball, there are four bases: three bases and home plate. However, unlike baseball, the Pesäpallo bases are arranged in a zig-zag pattern. Once the batter hits the ball into the field, they sprint towards the first base on their left, then proceed diagonally towards the second base. From there, they make their way across the field to reach the third base before finally returning to home plate.
• The distance between each base increases as we progress. Consequently, the distance from home plate to first base is shorter compared to the distance from first base to second base, and so forth.

Pesäpallo is a game played in two periods, each consisting of four innings. In order to secure victory, a team must emerge victorious in both periods. In the event that both teams win a period, an additional period is played to determine the ultimate winner.

How to bet on Pesäpallo in Massachusetts

Superpesis, also known as SM-sarja, is the top Pesäpallo league in Finland. It holds the distinction of being the only league approved in the Massachusetts Sports Wagering Catalog. With divisions for both men and women, the league commences in April and spans a duration of three months. The culmination of the season involves thrilling playoffs leading up to the highly anticipated championship.

To find the odds for professional Pesäpallo, refer to your Massachusetts sportsbook app. Currently, six sportsbooks are available in MA, namely DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, WynnBET, and Barstool Sportsbook.

By January 2024, the mix will see further additions, with a total of 10 sportsbook apps expected to be up and running.

Make sure to remember to take advantage of the various Massachusetts sports betting promotions when setting up your sportsbook account(s).

Netball, a sport gaining popularity in Massachusetts, offers exciting betting opportunities for enthusiasts.

If you or someone you care about is facing challenges related to gambling, reach out to a trained specialist for assistance. Call 1-800-327-5050 or visit www.mahelpline.org/problemgambling for free, round-the-clock support.