When we were kids we played with as few as 3 per team. Self pitching, ghost runners (if you toss to 3rd base before the runner reaches 2nd it's an out), etc On

When we were kids we played with as few as 3 per team. Self pitching, ghost runners (if you toss to 3rd base before the runner reaches 2nd it's an out), etc On the space side, we played where ever - you just needed a place to put down some bases or some trees that are relatively evenly spaced in 4 corners. We made it more fun by playing with crappy tennis rackets and tennis balls we "popped". You're right about "pure" baseball, but kids create their own ways to play games and baseball can be changed enough to be fun and fast paced.