MCOC Baseball - Baseball Rules
MCOC Baseball - Baseball Rules Our traditional Shetland division starts our program at age group five and six. Then players will move to our Pinto division ages seven and eight. After that we have our Mustang division of players age nine and ten. Our Bronco division is eleven and twelve year olds. Our player's then move up to Pony ages thirteen and fourteen. The Colt division is next for player's age fifteen and sixteen. PONY League rules are in effect, with the following exceptions explained for each division.
Division Shetland: Pinto1: Pinto2: Mustang: Bronco:
Page 2 Page 3 Page 5 Page 7 Page 10
MCOC Baseball - Shetland Rules PONY League rules are in effect, with the following exceptions and explanations.
Game Weekday games - 1 hour time limit Weekend games - 1 hour 30 minute time limit
Participation All players field each inning All players bat each inning
Fielding Positions shall be: Pitcher, 1st base, 2nd base, shortstop, 3rd base and outfielders (No catcher) Coaches are expected to rotate players to give equal opportunity to field in the infield and outfield. This may be overridden if the coach feels there is a safety issue
Hitting Each batter is thrown three pitches to hit. If the third pitch is fouled off, additional pitches may be thrown. If the three pitches are not hit, the ball shall be placed on the hitting tee. The batter may swing as many times as necessary to put the ball in play. Each player will bat each inning, the final batter of each inning shall continue running until they reach home and the ball should be thrown back to the circle (coach pitcher) on the last batter. Batting order may be changed from inning to inning to avoid having the same last batter each inning.
Base Running If the fielders make an out, the runner shall return to the bench. Play stops when the pitcher gets the ball or the coach pitcher calls time. On a ball hit to the outfield, the runner may continue to run until the ball is returned to the infield. Runner must stop when the ball gets back to the infield. Overthrows - runner may not advance on an overthrow at any base.
Coaching Up to three coaches may be on the field when their team is fielding. When batting, there will be one coach pitcher, and two base coaches. When fielding, one coach should act as catcher/ball retriever/Tee setter.
Miscellaneous No maximum number of outs per inning - all players bat once per inning. Runs are not counted and score is not kept.
MCOC Baseball – Pinto1 Rules PONY League rules are in effect, with the following exceptions and explanations.
Game Six innings, time limits supersede innings limits Weekday games - 1 hour 30 minutes - strict Saturday games - 1 hour 55 minutes - strict No new inning started with less than 10 minutes remaining Seven runs per inning maximum, including the last inning. If multiple runners score on the last batter, only the seventh run counts. Mercy rule - 15 runs after four innings. Let the losing team bat once more. Game is official after three complete innings. Ties are ties. No reverting back to last inning. No extra innings unless there is enough time. If there is time and BOTH coaches agree to continue, a tie game may be extended.
Participation All players bat in the lineup No player sits more than one inning in a game A player may play the entire game All players must play at least 2 innings in the infield (includes catcher) and 1 inning in the outfield If a player is hurt or, for any reason, cannot continue, the team is not required to take an out for that batter, BUT that player cannot return to the lineup for the remainder of the game (as a fielder or batter)
Fielding Gentlemen's agreement on more than four outfielders, unless both agree, then four outfielders. 12 players = catcher, five infielders, six outfielders 11 players = catcher, five infielders, five outfielders 10 players = catcher, five infielders, four outfielders 9 players = catcher, five infielders, three outfielders 8 players = five infielders, three outfielders, coach acts as catcher 7 or less - reschedule game If you start with enough players and someone is sick or injured, you may continue the game without substitution Teams must be ready to play at game time. Player count is at game time Outfielders must play at least 90 feet from home plate - no shortfielders Physically aiding a fielder = runner gets at least the next base safely. You may yell and point, but may not touch Fielders may not block a base unless they have the ball or it is about to be thrown to them. Blocking the base will result in the runner being automatically safe. Chatter is NOT allowed
Hitting Coach Pitcher must start delivery within the circle. You may step outside on follow through Balls ending up in the semi-circle in front of home = foul ball Ball fielded on or ending up on the foul line = fair ball (it's really the fair line) Three pitches in a row not swung at = one strike Any swing resets the 3 pitch, pitch count Seven pitch limit. You may continue to pitch if the 7th pitch is fouled until there is a missed or hit ball Thrown bat while batting - one warning, second time = an out
Base Running Overthrows - that go into foul territory - each runner advances one base Overthrows - that stay in fair territory - live ball Runner impeded on base path is awarded the next base Runner knocked down on the base path awarded two bases Runner blocked from a base by a player without a ball in hand - awarded at least that base Coach closest to a play makes the call. Pitcher Coach is the tiebreaker Physically aiding a runner = an out. You may yell and point, but may not touch No head-first slides Cannot knock down a fielder with the ball in hand - if so, runner is out
Play Stoppage Ball thrown to circle stops play, whether kid or coach pitcher catches it Kid pitcher must be near circle ( 3-4 feet) to stop play (cannot go out to shortstop and stop play) Ball thrown in a deliberate manner, that crosses the plane of the circle - stops play Coach Pitcher should make a reasonable effort to catch balls thrown in the vicinity of the circle Coach Pitcher asking for the ball on a potential double play = double play
Coaching Foul language = ejection. If heard by a coach or Optimist member anywhere on the playing field No more than two coaches on the playing field when your team is fielding Must be positioned behind the base paths A coach shall be positioned behind home plate to facilitate retrieval of pitched balls. While we encourage the catcher to field the ball, passed balls should be retrieved by the coach and thrown back by the coach to the pitching coach Coach to coach discussions and arguments should be away from the kids Only the head coach may address the umpire. If more than one coach approaches or addresses the umpire, the umpire may eject one of the coaches Coaches and scorekeeper ONLY in the dugout. No parents, no siblings, no friends
Miscellaneous Thrown bat or helmet after an out - one warning. Second time = ejection If the thrown bat or helmet strikes another person = immediate ejection Parents harassing coaches or kids subject to ejection
MCOC Baseball – Pinto2 Rules PONY League rules are in effect, with the following exceptions and explanations.
Game Six innings, time limits supersede innings limits Weekday games - 1 hour 30 minutes - strict Saturday games - 1 hour 55 minutes - strict No new inning started with less than 10 minutes remaining Seven runs per inning maximum, including the last inning If multiple runners score on the last batter, only the seventh run counts Mercy rule - 15 runs after four innings. Let the losing team bat once more Game is official after three complete innings. Ties are ties. No reverting back to last inning No extra innings unless there is enough time If there is time and BOTH coaches agree to continue, a tie game may be extended
Participation All players bat in the lineup No player sits more than one inning in a game A player may play the entire game All players must play at least 2 innings in the infield (includes catcher) and 1 inning in the outfield If a player is hurt or, for any reason, cannot continue, the team is not required to take an out for that batter, BUT that player cannot return to the lineup for the remainder of the game (as a fielder or batter)
Fielding Gentlemen's agreement on more than four outfielders, unless both agree, then four outfielders. 12 players = catcher, five infielders, six outfielders 11 players = catcher, five infielders, five outfielders 10 players = catcher, five infielders, four outfielders 9 players = catcher, five infielders, three outfielders 8 players = five infielders, three outfielders, coach acts as catcher 7 or less - reschedule game If you start with enough players and someone is sick or injured, you may continue the game without substitution Teams must be ready to play at game time. Player count is at game time Outfielders must play at least 90 feet from home plate - no shortfielders Physically aiding a fielder = runner gets at least the next base safely. You may yell and point, but may not touch Fielders may not block a base unless they have the ball or it is about to be thrown to them. Blocking the base will result in the runner being automatically safe Chatter is NOT allowed
Hitting 2 ¼" barrel bats, NO "big barrel" bats Coach Pitcher must start delivery from or behind the pitching rubber No 8 foot 'bunt circle' at Pinto 2? NO BUNTING ALLOWED. Swinging bunts are always live balls Ball fielded on or ending up on the foul line = fair ball (it's really the fair line) Three pitches in a row not swung at = one strike Any swing resets the 3 pitch, pitch count Seven pitch limit. You may continue to pitch if the 7th pitch is fouled until there is a missed or hit ball Thrown bat while batting - one warning, second time = an out (per batter) Thrown bat while batting - three warnings, fourth time = an out (per team)
Base Running Overthrows - that go into foul territory - each runner advances one base (assuming they do not get thrown out) If the fielder attempts to make an out on the runner at the next base, then the ball is "live" again Overthrows - that stay in fair territory - live ball Runner impeded on base path is awarded the next base Runner knocked down on the base path awarded two bases Runner blocked from a base by a player without a ball in hand - awarded at least that base Coach closest to a play makes the call. Pitcher Coach is the tiebreaker Physically aiding a runner = an out. You may yell and point, but may not touch No head-first slides Runner may not intentionally knock down a fielder with the ball in hand - if so, runner is out
Play Stoppage Ball thrown to circle stops play, kid pitcher must catch or control the ball in the circle Ball thrown over pitcher's head or that pitcher does not control - the runner may advance a maximum of one additional base Coach Pitcher asking for or motioning for the ball on a potential double play = double play Coach Pitcher should get away from the circle area after a pitched ball is hit without interfering with the play When the ball is being thrown back to the kid pitcher in the circle, the coach pitcher should be away from the circle
Coaching Foul language = ejection. If heard by a coach or Optimist member anywhere on the playing field No more than two coaches on the playing field when your team is fielding Must be positioned behind the base paths A coach shall be positioned behind home plate to facilitate retrieval of pitched balls. While we encourage the catcher to field the ball, passed balls should be retrieved by the coach and thrown back by the coach to the pitching coach Coach to coach discussions and arguments should be away from the kids Only the head coach may address the umpire. If more than one coach approaches or addresses the umpire, the umpire may eject one of the coaches Coaches and scorekeeper ONLY in the dugout. No parents, no siblings, no friends Coaches must remain in the dugout during live play
Miscellaneous Thrown bat or helmet after an out - one warning. Second time = ejection If the thrown bat or helmet strikes another person = immediate ejection Parents harassing coaches or kids subject to ejection
MCOC Baseball – Mustang Rules PONY League rules are in effect, with the following exceptions and explanations.
Game Six innings, time limits supersede innings limits Weekday games - 1 hour 30 minutes - strict Saturday games - 1 hour 55 minutes - strict No new inning started with less than 10 minutes remaining Seven runs per inning maximum, even the last inning If multiple runners score on the last batter, only the seventh run counts Mercy rule - 15 runs after three innings, 10 after four. Game is official after four innings (or mercy rule) Ties are ties. No reverting back to last inning. No extra innings unless there is enough time during regular season. If there is time and BOTH coaches agree to continue, a tie game may be extended. Winning coach turns in score. Please be accurate when turning in the scores. Home team provides game balls each game to the umpire.
Participation All players must be properly equipped (including athletic cup for male players) Ten players in the field with four outfielders, no shortfielders All players bat in the lineup No player sits more than one inning in a row A player may play the entire game You may play a game with eight players If you are short players, you may substitute age-eligible players to fill out to nine players (properly equipped). You cannot add players if you have nine ROSTER players available. Substitute(s) must play in the outfield and bat last in the line up No more than two substitutes in a game per team No substitute can substitute more than twice in a season Remember that the idea is to allow for complete teams so that the games can be played, not to bring in a ringer to help win. You may play with eight or nine players Missing player does NOT count as an out If you have seven or less players - game will be rescheduled - not forfeited - we are here to play, not obtain wins If a player is hurt or, for any reason, cannot continue, the team is not required to take an out for that batter, BUT that player cannot return to the lineup for the remainder of the game (as a fielder or batter)
Fielding No infield fly rule Fielders may not block a base unless they have the ball or it is about to be thrown to them Blocking the base will result in the runner being automatically safe Chatter is NOT allowed
Pitching Limit of three innings per game or 55 pitchs (pitcher will be allowed to finish the batter when reaching 55th pitch). Home team is responsible for keeping pitch count. Those numbers are official. A pitcher removed from that position may not return as a pitcher even if his 3 innings have not been completed Limit of 8 innings per week - Monday - Sunday One pitch in any inning constitutes an inning pitched If pitching three or more innings, must rest 40 hours before pitching again Balks - no balks will be called Hit batters - three per game per pitcher. Removal after third hit batter
Hitting Thrown bat while batting - one warning, second time = an out No fake bunts. If a batter squares to bunt and swings, regardless of whether contact is made, he is out 2 5/8 bats and smaller are allowed
Base Running Overthrows - live ball, not limited to one extra base Runner impeded on base path is awarded the next base Runner blocked from a base by a player without a ball in hand - awarded at least that base Physically aiding a runner = an out. You may yell and point, but may not touch A substitute runner can be put in for the catcher or pitcher ONLY when there are two outs AND they are catching or pitching the next inning. The substitute runner shall be the player that made the last out Runner may not leave the base until after the pitched ball crosses the plate or is hit Leaving the base early - one warning per team - second occurrence - the runner is removed, but no out is recorded Runners may steal 2nd and 3rd base only Runners may not advance on a throw or overthrow from catcher to pitcher. For a runner to advance, he/she must be moving forward, to the next base, when the catcher releases the ball to the pitcher. If the runner begins to advance after the catcher has released the ball, he/she must return to the base from which they started If the runner is advancing before the catcher throws the ball to the pitcher, he/she is entitled to the next base (assuming they are not tagged out). Just throwing to the pitcher does not necessarily preclude the runner from advancing No dropped third strike rule. Dropped third strike = an out No head-first slides Player may dive back to a base head-first Runner may not intentionally knock down a fielder with the ball in hand - if so, runner is out You may not steal home unless: The catcher throws the ball to third base with a runner on third base The catcher throws the ball to second base with a runner on third base The cather throws the ball to first base with a runner on third base to pick runner off The catcher overthrows the ball to second or third base - the runner may continue to advance home If the runner is stealing second and the throw goes to second, the runner may continue to advance until the ball is returned to the pitcher, on or near the pitcher's mound
Coaching Foul language = ejection. If heard by a coach or Optimist member anywhere on the playing field Discussions and arguments with coaches and umpires should be away from the kids Only the head coach may address the umpire. If more than one coach approaches or addresses the umpire, the umpire may eject one of the coaches Coaches and scorekeeper ONLY in the dugout. No parents, no siblings, no friends Coaches must remain in the dugout during live play
Miscellaneous Thrown bat or helmet after an out - one warning. Second time = ejection If the thrown bat or helmet strikes another person = immediate ejection Parents harassing coaches or kids subject to ejection No composite bats allowed! Playoff tiebreakers will be as follows to determine seeding: 1. Overall Record 2. Head to Head (if more than two teams the highest winning% among teams in head to head games between those teams involved in the tie will get the highest seed and on down the line) 3. Strength of victories (your teams number would be calculated as follows, 9pts for defeating 1st place team, 8pts for defeating 2nd place, etc.) Higher number wins tiebreaker 4. Random # generator or coin flips The rules may be amended from time to time
MCOC Baseball – Bronco Rules PONY League rules are in effect, with the following exceptions and explanations.
Game Six innings, time limits supersede innings limits Weekday games - 1 hour 30 minutes - strict Saturday games - 1 hour 55 minutes - strict No new inning started with less than 10 minutes remaining Seven runs per inning maximum, even the last inning If multiple runners score on the last batter, only the seventh run counts Mercy rule - 15 runs after three innings, 10 after four. Game is official after four innings (or mercy rule) Ties are ties. No reverting back to last inning. No extra innings unless there is enough time during regular season. If there is time and BOTH coaches agree to continue, a tie game may be extended.
Participation All players must be properly equipped (including athletic cup for male players) Nine players in the field All players bat in the lineup No player sits more than one inning in a row A player may play the entire game You may play a game with eight players If you are short players, you may substitute age-eligible players to fill out to nine players (properly equipped). You cannot add players if you have nine ROSTER players available. Substitute(s) must play in the outfield and bat last in the line up No more than two substitutes in a game per team No substitute can substitute more than twice in a season Remember that the idea is to allow for complete teams so that the games can be played, not to bring in a ringer to help win. You may play with eight or nine players Missing player does NOT count as an out If you have seven or less players - game will be rescheduled - not forfeited - we are here to play, not obtain wins If a player is hurt or, for any reason, cannot continue, the team is not required to take an out for that batter, BUT that player cannot return to the lineup for the remainder of the game (as a fielder or batter)
Fielding Fielders may not block a base unless they have the ball or it is about to be thrown to them Blocking the base will result in the runner being automatically safe Chatter is NOT allowed
Pitching Limit to 4 innings or 65 pitches per game (pitcher may complete batter when reaching 65th pitch) Limit of 8 innings per week - Monday - Sunday One pitch in any inning constitutes an inning pitched If pitcher pitches 3 innings or 65 or more pitches in a game he or she must rest 40 hours before pitching again Balks - one warning on minor violation, no warning on major Hit batters - three per game per pitcher. Removal after third hit batter
Hitting Thrown bat while batting - one warning, second time = an out No fake bunts. If a batter squares to bunt and swings, regardless of whether contact is made, he is out
Base Running Overthrows - live ball, not limited to one extra base Runner impeded on base path is awarded the next base Runner blocked from a base by a player without a ball in hand - awarded at least that base Physically aiding a runner = an out. You may yell and point, but may not touch Dropped third strike rule in effect The struck-out batter is out when he removes his helmet or moves ten feet away from the first base line A substitute runner can be put in for the catcher and pitcher ONLY when there are two outs AND the catcher is catching or the pitcher is pitching the next inning. The substitute runner shall be the player that made the last out. No head-first slides player is out Player may dive back to a base head-first Runner may not intentionally knock down a fielder with the ball in hand - if so, runner is out
Coaching Foul language = ejection. If heard by a coach or Optimist member anywhere on the playing field Discussions and arguments with coaches and umpires should be away from the kids Only the head coach may address the umpire. If more than one coach approches or addresses the umpire, the umpire may eject one of the coaches Coaches and scorekeeper ONLY in the dugout. No parents, no siblings, no friends Coaches must remain in the dugout during live play
Miscellaneous Thrown bat or helmet after an out - one warning. Second time = ejection If the thrown bat or helmet strikes another person = immediate ejection Parents harassing coaches or kids subject to ejection No composite bats allowed! Home team keeps pitch count
Division Shetland: Pinto1: Pinto2: Mustang: Bronco:
Page 2 Page 3 Page 5 Page 7 Page 10
MCOC Baseball - Shetland Rules PONY League rules are in effect, with the following exceptions and explanations.
Game Weekday games - 1 hour time limit Weekend games - 1 hour 30 minute time limit
Participation All players field each inning All players bat each inning
Fielding Positions shall be: Pitcher, 1st base, 2nd base, shortstop, 3rd base and outfielders (No catcher) Coaches are expected to rotate players to give equal opportunity to field in the infield and outfield. This may be overridden if the coach feels there is a safety issue
Hitting Each batter is thrown three pitches to hit. If the third pitch is fouled off, additional pitches may be thrown. If the three pitches are not hit, the ball shall be placed on the hitting tee. The batter may swing as many times as necessary to put the ball in play. Each player will bat each inning, the final batter of each inning shall continue running until they reach home and the ball should be thrown back to the circle (coach pitcher) on the last batter. Batting order may be changed from inning to inning to avoid having the same last batter each inning.
Base Running If the fielders make an out, the runner shall return to the bench. Play stops when the pitcher gets the ball or the coach pitcher calls time. On a ball hit to the outfield, the runner may continue to run until the ball is returned to the infield. Runner must stop when the ball gets back to the infield. Overthrows - runner may not advance on an overthrow at any base.
Coaching Up to three coaches may be on the field when their team is fielding. When batting, there will be one coach pitcher, and two base coaches. When fielding, one coach should act as catcher/ball retriever/Tee setter.
Miscellaneous No maximum number of outs per inning - all players bat once per inning. Runs are not counted and score is not kept.
MCOC Baseball – Pinto1 Rules PONY League rules are in effect, with the following exceptions and explanations.
Game Six innings, time limits supersede innings limits Weekday games - 1 hour 30 minutes - strict Saturday games - 1 hour 55 minutes - strict No new inning started with less than 10 minutes remaining Seven runs per inning maximum, including the last inning. If multiple runners score on the last batter, only the seventh run counts. Mercy rule - 15 runs after four innings. Let the losing team bat once more. Game is official after three complete innings. Ties are ties. No reverting back to last inning. No extra innings unless there is enough time. If there is time and BOTH coaches agree to continue, a tie game may be extended.
Participation All players bat in the lineup No player sits more than one inning in a game A player may play the entire game All players must play at least 2 innings in the infield (includes catcher) and 1 inning in the outfield If a player is hurt or, for any reason, cannot continue, the team is not required to take an out for that batter, BUT that player cannot return to the lineup for the remainder of the game (as a fielder or batter)
Fielding Gentlemen's agreement on more than four outfielders, unless both agree, then four outfielders. 12 players = catcher, five infielders, six outfielders 11 players = catcher, five infielders, five outfielders 10 players = catcher, five infielders, four outfielders 9 players = catcher, five infielders, three outfielders 8 players = five infielders, three outfielders, coach acts as catcher 7 or less - reschedule game If you start with enough players and someone is sick or injured, you may continue the game without substitution Teams must be ready to play at game time. Player count is at game time Outfielders must play at least 90 feet from home plate - no shortfielders Physically aiding a fielder = runner gets at least the next base safely. You may yell and point, but may not touch Fielders may not block a base unless they have the ball or it is about to be thrown to them. Blocking the base will result in the runner being automatically safe. Chatter is NOT allowed
Hitting Coach Pitcher must start delivery within the circle. You may step outside on follow through Balls ending up in the semi-circle in front of home = foul ball Ball fielded on or ending up on the foul line = fair ball (it's really the fair line) Three pitches in a row not swung at = one strike Any swing resets the 3 pitch, pitch count Seven pitch limit. You may continue to pitch if the 7th pitch is fouled until there is a missed or hit ball Thrown bat while batting - one warning, second time = an out
Base Running Overthrows - that go into foul territory - each runner advances one base Overthrows - that stay in fair territory - live ball Runner impeded on base path is awarded the next base Runner knocked down on the base path awarded two bases Runner blocked from a base by a player without a ball in hand - awarded at least that base Coach closest to a play makes the call. Pitcher Coach is the tiebreaker Physically aiding a runner = an out. You may yell and point, but may not touch No head-first slides Cannot knock down a fielder with the ball in hand - if so, runner is out
Play Stoppage Ball thrown to circle stops play, whether kid or coach pitcher catches it Kid pitcher must be near circle ( 3-4 feet) to stop play (cannot go out to shortstop and stop play) Ball thrown in a deliberate manner, that crosses the plane of the circle - stops play Coach Pitcher should make a reasonable effort to catch balls thrown in the vicinity of the circle Coach Pitcher asking for the ball on a potential double play = double play
Coaching Foul language = ejection. If heard by a coach or Optimist member anywhere on the playing field No more than two coaches on the playing field when your team is fielding Must be positioned behind the base paths A coach shall be positioned behind home plate to facilitate retrieval of pitched balls. While we encourage the catcher to field the ball, passed balls should be retrieved by the coach and thrown back by the coach to the pitching coach Coach to coach discussions and arguments should be away from the kids Only the head coach may address the umpire. If more than one coach approaches or addresses the umpire, the umpire may eject one of the coaches Coaches and scorekeeper ONLY in the dugout. No parents, no siblings, no friends
Miscellaneous Thrown bat or helmet after an out - one warning. Second time = ejection If the thrown bat or helmet strikes another person = immediate ejection Parents harassing coaches or kids subject to ejection
MCOC Baseball – Pinto2 Rules PONY League rules are in effect, with the following exceptions and explanations.
Game Six innings, time limits supersede innings limits Weekday games - 1 hour 30 minutes - strict Saturday games - 1 hour 55 minutes - strict No new inning started with less than 10 minutes remaining Seven runs per inning maximum, including the last inning If multiple runners score on the last batter, only the seventh run counts Mercy rule - 15 runs after four innings. Let the losing team bat once more Game is official after three complete innings. Ties are ties. No reverting back to last inning No extra innings unless there is enough time If there is time and BOTH coaches agree to continue, a tie game may be extended
Participation All players bat in the lineup No player sits more than one inning in a game A player may play the entire game All players must play at least 2 innings in the infield (includes catcher) and 1 inning in the outfield If a player is hurt or, for any reason, cannot continue, the team is not required to take an out for that batter, BUT that player cannot return to the lineup for the remainder of the game (as a fielder or batter)
Fielding Gentlemen's agreement on more than four outfielders, unless both agree, then four outfielders. 12 players = catcher, five infielders, six outfielders 11 players = catcher, five infielders, five outfielders 10 players = catcher, five infielders, four outfielders 9 players = catcher, five infielders, three outfielders 8 players = five infielders, three outfielders, coach acts as catcher 7 or less - reschedule game If you start with enough players and someone is sick or injured, you may continue the game without substitution Teams must be ready to play at game time. Player count is at game time Outfielders must play at least 90 feet from home plate - no shortfielders Physically aiding a fielder = runner gets at least the next base safely. You may yell and point, but may not touch Fielders may not block a base unless they have the ball or it is about to be thrown to them. Blocking the base will result in the runner being automatically safe Chatter is NOT allowed
Hitting 2 ¼" barrel bats, NO "big barrel" bats Coach Pitcher must start delivery from or behind the pitching rubber No 8 foot 'bunt circle' at Pinto 2? NO BUNTING ALLOWED. Swinging bunts are always live balls Ball fielded on or ending up on the foul line = fair ball (it's really the fair line) Three pitches in a row not swung at = one strike Any swing resets the 3 pitch, pitch count Seven pitch limit. You may continue to pitch if the 7th pitch is fouled until there is a missed or hit ball Thrown bat while batting - one warning, second time = an out (per batter) Thrown bat while batting - three warnings, fourth time = an out (per team)
Base Running Overthrows - that go into foul territory - each runner advances one base (assuming they do not get thrown out) If the fielder attempts to make an out on the runner at the next base, then the ball is "live" again Overthrows - that stay in fair territory - live ball Runner impeded on base path is awarded the next base Runner knocked down on the base path awarded two bases Runner blocked from a base by a player without a ball in hand - awarded at least that base Coach closest to a play makes the call. Pitcher Coach is the tiebreaker Physically aiding a runner = an out. You may yell and point, but may not touch No head-first slides Runner may not intentionally knock down a fielder with the ball in hand - if so, runner is out
Play Stoppage Ball thrown to circle stops play, kid pitcher must catch or control the ball in the circle Ball thrown over pitcher's head or that pitcher does not control - the runner may advance a maximum of one additional base Coach Pitcher asking for or motioning for the ball on a potential double play = double play Coach Pitcher should get away from the circle area after a pitched ball is hit without interfering with the play When the ball is being thrown back to the kid pitcher in the circle, the coach pitcher should be away from the circle
Coaching Foul language = ejection. If heard by a coach or Optimist member anywhere on the playing field No more than two coaches on the playing field when your team is fielding Must be positioned behind the base paths A coach shall be positioned behind home plate to facilitate retrieval of pitched balls. While we encourage the catcher to field the ball, passed balls should be retrieved by the coach and thrown back by the coach to the pitching coach Coach to coach discussions and arguments should be away from the kids Only the head coach may address the umpire. If more than one coach approaches or addresses the umpire, the umpire may eject one of the coaches Coaches and scorekeeper ONLY in the dugout. No parents, no siblings, no friends Coaches must remain in the dugout during live play
Miscellaneous Thrown bat or helmet after an out - one warning. Second time = ejection If the thrown bat or helmet strikes another person = immediate ejection Parents harassing coaches or kids subject to ejection
MCOC Baseball – Mustang Rules PONY League rules are in effect, with the following exceptions and explanations.
Game Six innings, time limits supersede innings limits Weekday games - 1 hour 30 minutes - strict Saturday games - 1 hour 55 minutes - strict No new inning started with less than 10 minutes remaining Seven runs per inning maximum, even the last inning If multiple runners score on the last batter, only the seventh run counts Mercy rule - 15 runs after three innings, 10 after four. Game is official after four innings (or mercy rule) Ties are ties. No reverting back to last inning. No extra innings unless there is enough time during regular season. If there is time and BOTH coaches agree to continue, a tie game may be extended. Winning coach turns in score. Please be accurate when turning in the scores. Home team provides game balls each game to the umpire.
Participation All players must be properly equipped (including athletic cup for male players) Ten players in the field with four outfielders, no shortfielders All players bat in the lineup No player sits more than one inning in a row A player may play the entire game You may play a game with eight players If you are short players, you may substitute age-eligible players to fill out to nine players (properly equipped). You cannot add players if you have nine ROSTER players available. Substitute(s) must play in the outfield and bat last in the line up No more than two substitutes in a game per team No substitute can substitute more than twice in a season Remember that the idea is to allow for complete teams so that the games can be played, not to bring in a ringer to help win. You may play with eight or nine players Missing player does NOT count as an out If you have seven or less players - game will be rescheduled - not forfeited - we are here to play, not obtain wins If a player is hurt or, for any reason, cannot continue, the team is not required to take an out for that batter, BUT that player cannot return to the lineup for the remainder of the game (as a fielder or batter)
Fielding No infield fly rule Fielders may not block a base unless they have the ball or it is about to be thrown to them Blocking the base will result in the runner being automatically safe Chatter is NOT allowed
Pitching Limit of three innings per game or 55 pitchs (pitcher will be allowed to finish the batter when reaching 55th pitch). Home team is responsible for keeping pitch count. Those numbers are official. A pitcher removed from that position may not return as a pitcher even if his 3 innings have not been completed Limit of 8 innings per week - Monday - Sunday One pitch in any inning constitutes an inning pitched If pitching three or more innings, must rest 40 hours before pitching again Balks - no balks will be called Hit batters - three per game per pitcher. Removal after third hit batter
Hitting Thrown bat while batting - one warning, second time = an out No fake bunts. If a batter squares to bunt and swings, regardless of whether contact is made, he is out 2 5/8 bats and smaller are allowed
Base Running Overthrows - live ball, not limited to one extra base Runner impeded on base path is awarded the next base Runner blocked from a base by a player without a ball in hand - awarded at least that base Physically aiding a runner = an out. You may yell and point, but may not touch A substitute runner can be put in for the catcher or pitcher ONLY when there are two outs AND they are catching or pitching the next inning. The substitute runner shall be the player that made the last out Runner may not leave the base until after the pitched ball crosses the plate or is hit Leaving the base early - one warning per team - second occurrence - the runner is removed, but no out is recorded Runners may steal 2nd and 3rd base only Runners may not advance on a throw or overthrow from catcher to pitcher. For a runner to advance, he/she must be moving forward, to the next base, when the catcher releases the ball to the pitcher. If the runner begins to advance after the catcher has released the ball, he/she must return to the base from which they started If the runner is advancing before the catcher throws the ball to the pitcher, he/she is entitled to the next base (assuming they are not tagged out). Just throwing to the pitcher does not necessarily preclude the runner from advancing No dropped third strike rule. Dropped third strike = an out No head-first slides Player may dive back to a base head-first Runner may not intentionally knock down a fielder with the ball in hand - if so, runner is out You may not steal home unless: The catcher throws the ball to third base with a runner on third base The catcher throws the ball to second base with a runner on third base The cather throws the ball to first base with a runner on third base to pick runner off The catcher overthrows the ball to second or third base - the runner may continue to advance home If the runner is stealing second and the throw goes to second, the runner may continue to advance until the ball is returned to the pitcher, on or near the pitcher's mound
Coaching Foul language = ejection. If heard by a coach or Optimist member anywhere on the playing field Discussions and arguments with coaches and umpires should be away from the kids Only the head coach may address the umpire. If more than one coach approaches or addresses the umpire, the umpire may eject one of the coaches Coaches and scorekeeper ONLY in the dugout. No parents, no siblings, no friends Coaches must remain in the dugout during live play
Miscellaneous Thrown bat or helmet after an out - one warning. Second time = ejection If the thrown bat or helmet strikes another person = immediate ejection Parents harassing coaches or kids subject to ejection No composite bats allowed! Playoff tiebreakers will be as follows to determine seeding: 1. Overall Record 2. Head to Head (if more than two teams the highest winning% among teams in head to head games between those teams involved in the tie will get the highest seed and on down the line) 3. Strength of victories (your teams number would be calculated as follows, 9pts for defeating 1st place team, 8pts for defeating 2nd place, etc.) Higher number wins tiebreaker 4. Random # generator or coin flips The rules may be amended from time to time
MCOC Baseball – Bronco Rules PONY League rules are in effect, with the following exceptions and explanations.
Game Six innings, time limits supersede innings limits Weekday games - 1 hour 30 minutes - strict Saturday games - 1 hour 55 minutes - strict No new inning started with less than 10 minutes remaining Seven runs per inning maximum, even the last inning If multiple runners score on the last batter, only the seventh run counts Mercy rule - 15 runs after three innings, 10 after four. Game is official after four innings (or mercy rule) Ties are ties. No reverting back to last inning. No extra innings unless there is enough time during regular season. If there is time and BOTH coaches agree to continue, a tie game may be extended.
Participation All players must be properly equipped (including athletic cup for male players) Nine players in the field All players bat in the lineup No player sits more than one inning in a row A player may play the entire game You may play a game with eight players If you are short players, you may substitute age-eligible players to fill out to nine players (properly equipped). You cannot add players if you have nine ROSTER players available. Substitute(s) must play in the outfield and bat last in the line up No more than two substitutes in a game per team No substitute can substitute more than twice in a season Remember that the idea is to allow for complete teams so that the games can be played, not to bring in a ringer to help win. You may play with eight or nine players Missing player does NOT count as an out If you have seven or less players - game will be rescheduled - not forfeited - we are here to play, not obtain wins If a player is hurt or, for any reason, cannot continue, the team is not required to take an out for that batter, BUT that player cannot return to the lineup for the remainder of the game (as a fielder or batter)
Fielding Fielders may not block a base unless they have the ball or it is about to be thrown to them Blocking the base will result in the runner being automatically safe Chatter is NOT allowed
Pitching Limit to 4 innings or 65 pitches per game (pitcher may complete batter when reaching 65th pitch) Limit of 8 innings per week - Monday - Sunday One pitch in any inning constitutes an inning pitched If pitcher pitches 3 innings or 65 or more pitches in a game he or she must rest 40 hours before pitching again Balks - one warning on minor violation, no warning on major Hit batters - three per game per pitcher. Removal after third hit batter
Hitting Thrown bat while batting - one warning, second time = an out No fake bunts. If a batter squares to bunt and swings, regardless of whether contact is made, he is out
Base Running Overthrows - live ball, not limited to one extra base Runner impeded on base path is awarded the next base Runner blocked from a base by a player without a ball in hand - awarded at least that base Physically aiding a runner = an out. You may yell and point, but may not touch Dropped third strike rule in effect The struck-out batter is out when he removes his helmet or moves ten feet away from the first base line A substitute runner can be put in for the catcher and pitcher ONLY when there are two outs AND the catcher is catching or the pitcher is pitching the next inning. The substitute runner shall be the player that made the last out. No head-first slides player is out Player may dive back to a base head-first Runner may not intentionally knock down a fielder with the ball in hand - if so, runner is out
Coaching Foul language = ejection. If heard by a coach or Optimist member anywhere on the playing field Discussions and arguments with coaches and umpires should be away from the kids Only the head coach may address the umpire. If more than one coach approches or addresses the umpire, the umpire may eject one of the coaches Coaches and scorekeeper ONLY in the dugout. No parents, no siblings, no friends Coaches must remain in the dugout during live play
Miscellaneous Thrown bat or helmet after an out - one warning. Second time = ejection If the thrown bat or helmet strikes another person = immediate ejection Parents harassing coaches or kids subject to ejection No composite bats allowed! Home team keeps pitch count
