Boys Minors (9-10) Baseball Rules – 2020

 1. Any boy who will be 11 years old before September 1st this season is not eligible to compete.

2. Nine and ten-year old travel players are not permitted to pitch. Eight-year old travel players are permitted to pitch. The one exception is that nine-year old travel players who have not pitched in a travel tournament game can pitch in regular season house games only (cannot pitch in the end of season house tournament). It is the coach’s responsibility to adhere to the spirit and intent of this rule.

3. Each game consists of six innings. Bases to be 60 ft., pitching 44 ft.

4. Games will start at 6:00 PM unless otherwise stated on the schedule. Home team takes infield at 5:30 PM and visitors take infield at 5:45 PM. Unlimited score inning shall be declared at the beginning of the 6th inning our any inning beginning at or beyond 1 hour and 45 minutes, whichever occurs first. A grace period of 30 minutes will be given before forfeit.

5. A minimum of 7 players is needed to start a game, or the team shall forfeit. No outs for players short of 9.

6. All boys will bat in the batting order. Only nine players will take the field defensively and must be positioned in reasonable locations for baseball (e.g. outfielders should be playing in the outfield). If both coaches agree prior to the start of a regular season game, each team may play 4 outfielders. Tournament games will be played with 3 outfielders.

7. Free substitution shall apply with the exception that once a pitcher is replaced, he may not return to pitch in that game.

8. Batter is out on 3rd strike whether catcher holds ball or not.

9. A team can score a maximum of 5 runs per inning except for the 6th inning – no limit. (15 run rule after 5 innings, 4 ½ innings if home team is ahead).

10. The balk and infield fly rule do not apply.

11. A base runner must not leave the base until the ball reaches the plate (does not need to be a passed ball or wild pitch for a runner to steal a base). First violation – runner goes back with team warning. Second violation, runner is out.

12. Batter may advance as far as third base on a walk due to overthrows at any base.

13. On an overthrow off the playing field, the runner is awarded the base he is advancing to plus one.

14. A base runner cannot score on a passed ball, a throw back from the catcher to the pitcher, or an overthrow on an attempted steal at third base.

15. A base runner may not advance on an overthrow on an attempted steal at second base.

16. A base runner may advance on an overthrow during a ball in play.

17. Once the pitcher is in possession of the ball in the middle of the infield, a base runner may not advance beyond the base they were heading to unless a play is made on the runner at the base.

18. A base runner starting at 3rd base can score only if a ball is put in play or if the base runner is directly played on at 3rd base.

19. No intentional walks allowed.

20. No pitcher may pitch more than 6 innings per week total and 3 innings per game, (only league games count). Midnight Saturday starts week. One pitch constitutes one inning. Be aware that some pitchers are throwing on weekends, even though the innings do not count toward the week (Think of their health).

21. Makeup games are to be scheduled by the two coaches within seven days if possible.

22. In case of a rainout, home team should notify visiting team as soon as possible.

23. Home team to supply two (2) baseballs and umpires.

24. Players shall not sit out more than three innings defensively, unless they are being disciplined. Each boy shall have the opportunity to start every other game.

25. No steel spikes or cleats allowed.

26. Situations not covered here will be governed by IESA rules, including no head first sliding and no on-deck batter on the field. One warning per team will be given on head first sliding. On the next infraction, the runner will be out.

27. All play is IMMEDIATELY suspended if lightning or thunder is present anywhere within sight or sound of the field. “If you can see it flee It” and head directly for covered indoor shelters or vehicles. NO EXCEPTIONS and this rule applies to practices as well. Per the National Lightning Safety Institute, individuals should not return to the fields until Thirty (30) Minutes have elapsed. “HEAT” Lightning is equally as dangerous as “regular” bolts.

COACHES/PARENTS/FANS should be always mindful that this is a recreational baseball league that is primarily concerned with the participants learning to improve their fundamentals and to enjoy the FUN OF THE GAME. Please feel free to cheer your child and/or their teammates. INAPPROPRIATE CONDUCT towards the umpires (remember that they aren’t professionals) or the other team or their fans WILL NOT BE TOLERATED and will lead to a warning and/or temporary or permanent dismissal from the Park for the remainder of the season.