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Baseball Rules

All rules approved by NBASA and county leagues as of 2006.

"HOME PLATE UMPIRE RULE MYTH"
The umpire who made a call or ruling may ask for help if he wishes.
No umpire may overrule another umpire's call.
Rules: 9.02 (b, c) Official Baseball Rules

During League Games held at Betty Wheeler Field there will be an Official Rule Book avaliable at the Snack Shack.

(BABE RUTH RULES) 

Games will be played in accordance to High School Baseball rules with the following exceptions:

  • If starting game with fewer than 9 players ask opposing coach for permission to either play a non-roster player in his place or play with 8. No penalty is imposed if playing with fewer than 9.
  • You may even start a game with 7 roster players and one or two non-roster players. Unless a player is injured or ejected. Then an out will be taken at his place in the lineup. The non-roster player will bat ninth and play the outfield position of the opposing coaches choice.
  • Teams may ask opposing coach to bat everyone on roster and have free substitutions.
  • Pitching limits are: 7 innings every 2 consecutive games.12 innings total per calendar week.
  • One example: pitcher pitches 7 on Sat. He cannot pitch on Monday because the consecutive innings rule supercedes the new week rule.
  • Games will be 2 1/2 hrs. With no inning starting after 2hrs.15 min
  • Mercy Rule is in effect: Teams that are ahead by 10 or more runs after 5 compete innings will be the winner.
  • THE DROPPED THIRD STRIKE RULE:
  • If there is no runner on first base, or if there are two outs (even if there is
    a runner on first) a third strike is not an out unless the pitch is caught by the catcher before it touches the ground.
  • If the pitch touches the ground before it is caught by the
    catcher, then the batter becomes a base runner as long as he or she doesn't mistakenly head for the dug out.
  • There are less than two outs and first base is not occupied.
  • There are two outs no matter how many base are occupied.
  • Although it is called the "dropped third strike" rule, the ball does not have to be dropped by the catcher. The rule applies as long as the ball hits the ground before being caught by the catcher. Thus, a third strike that the catcher bobbles and drops, or a third strike that is caught by the catcher after it hits the ground, or a pitch that gets by the catcher, is a third strike but it is not an automatic out, and the batter can attempt to take first base if:
  • Note: The batter may run to first anytime before he enters the dugout. He is not out simply because he walks off toward the dugout. If the bases are loaded with two out and the catcher does not make a legal catch of a third strike, a force play goes into effect because the batter has now become a runner. 
  • The catcher may step on home plate to force out the runner from third or tag the batter or throw to any other base.
  • Note: the reason first base must be unoccupied when there are less than two outs is to prevent the defense from having an opportunity to get a double play by having the catcher purposefully drop the third strike. That can't happen when there are already two outs, so batters are allowed to attempt to "steal first base" even if it is occupied when there are two outs.
  • If either situations 1 or 2 above, the batter will be out only if:
  • The batter fails to make an attempt to reach first by going to his dugout.
  • The batter (now base runner) is tagged out before reaching first base.
  • The batter (now base runner) is forced out at first base.

(MAJORS RULES) 

  • Coaches should remember that their job is to teach the game of baseball and show good sportsmanship at all times. Foul language will not be tolerated
  • Games will be played in accordance to High School Baseball rules with the following exceptions.
  • Base length will be 70 feet. Pitching distance will be 52 feet.
  • Games will be 6 innings long with no new inning starting after the 2 hour mark. Games will be called and ended after 2 hours 15 minutes. If this occurs during an inning the score will revert back to the last complete inning and if the scored was tied at the last complete inning that will be the final outcome.
  • A tie ball game after 6 innings will start the top of the 7th with the last out from the previous inning being inserted as a runner on second base to start the inning. A maximum of 2 extra innings will be played.
  • There will be a maximum of 5 runs allowed per inning until the final inning which will be unlimited scoring opportunity.
  • Mercy Rule is in effect: Teams that are ahead by 10 or more runs after 4 compete innings will be the winner.
  • No steel cleats are allowed.
  • Pitchers are limited to 3 innings per game and a maximum of 8 innings per week (Sunday- Saturday). If a pitcher is removed during an inning they may not re-enter the game as a pitcher within that same inning. But may re-enter at any other point in the game. Please note that one pitch with in the inning constitutes a complete inning pitched.
  • There will be no purposely thrown breaking pitches allowed. If the umpire deems a breaking pitch is thrown it will be an automatic ball called. Change-ups and knuckleballs are allowed.
  • Teams must bat the entire roster. All players must play 2 consecutive innings in the field.
  • The offensive team players must wear helmets at all times while on the field of play.
  • Dropped third strike is in effect.
  • The on deck batter may warm up in either the home or away on deck circles. Only the batter and one other hitter allowed out of the dugout.
  • Safety slide rule will be enforced.
  • All players must slide on a close play.
  • Only coaches will be allowed to approach an umpire. Any rules challenge must be made with either this rules list or the actual High School rule book in hand. No personal interpretation will be allowed.
  • All games must be completed by 9:00 pm on a school night
  • All our umpires are volunteers and will be treated with respect and thankfulness.

 

(MINORS RULES) 
  • Coaches should remember that their job is to teach the game of baseball and show good sportsmanship at all times. Foul language will not be tolerated
  • Games will be played in accordance to High School Baseball rules with the following exceptions.
  • Base length will be 60 feet. Pitching distance will be 46 feet.
  • Games will be 5 innings long with no new inning starting after the 2 hour mark. Games will be called and ended after 2 hours 15 minutes. If this occurs during an inning the score will revert back to the last complete inning and if the scored was tied at the last complete inning that will be the final outcome.
  • A tie ball game after 5 innings will start the top of the 6th with the last out from the previous inning being inserted as a runner on second base to start the inning. A maximum of 2 extra innings will be played.
  • Mercy Rule is in effect: Teams that are ahead by 10 or more runs after 4 compete innings will be the winner.
  • There will be a maximum of 5 runs allowed per inning until the final inning which will be unlimited scoring opportunity
  • No steel cleats are allowed.
  • Pitchers are limited to 3 innings per game and a maximum of 8 innings per week (Sunday- Saturday). If a pitcher is removed during an inning they may not re-enter the game as a pitcher within that same inning. But may re-enter at any other point in the game. Please note that one pitch with in the inning constitutes a complete inning pitched.
  • There will be no breaking pitches allowed.
  • Teams must bat the entire roster.
  • All players must play 2 consecutive innings in the field.
  • No bunting is allowed.
  • The batter can not advance on a dropped 3rd strike
  • The infield fly rule will not be called.
  • No leading off. The runners may steal once the pitch has crossed the plate.
  • The offensive team players must wear helmets at all times.
  • The on deck batter may warm up in either the home or away on deck circles. Only the batter and one other hitter allowed out of the dugout.
  • Safety slide rule will be enforced. All players must slide on a close play.
  • Only coaches will be allowed to approach an umpire. Any rules challenge must be made with either this rules list or the actual High School rule book in hand. No personal interpretation will be allowed.
  • All games must be completed by 9:00 pm on a school night.
  • All our umpires are volunteers and will be treated with respect and thankfulness.