Major League Rules
Format of the Game
Authority—
The umpire is the one who is completely in charge of each game. Prior to the game the
coaches will introduce themselves to each other and the umpire at home plate. The
umpire will give any specific directions to each team at this time.
Any subject or problem that arises will be settled at the discretion of the Eastern Greene
Youth Baseball Board.
Length of Game and Time Limitations—
Games will consist of 6 innings or 1 hour and 30 minutes. No inning will be started after
1 hour and 30 minutes. If the time limit is reached in the middle of an inning that inning
will be completed unless it is not necessary (home team batting and home team
leading). Once the third out is registered in the bottom half of an inning, the new inning
begins.
Official Game—
If stopped due to weather or other unforeseen events a game is considered official after
4 complete innings or 3 ½ innings if the home team is leading. The games called before
they are official shall be rescheduled on a date set by the board representative. A
suspended game shall be restarted from the point of suspension.
Suspended Games Continued—
The continuation of suspended games will begin in the inning and with the same out
and pitch count as when the game was delayed. Pitchers will be limited to the normal
number of innings pitched per game. A pitcher’s available innings for pitching do not
reset (A pitcher who has already pitched 2 innings in this game may pitch only 1 inning if
the game continues).
Tie Game—
If a game is tied at the end of regulation, one extra inning will be played to determine a
winner. All league rules must be followed including pitching rules. If after the extra
inning the game is still tied, the game shall be recorded as a tie. The exception to this
will be playoff games. Playoff games will continue with extra innings until there is a
declared winner. In the case of an extra inning game, the normal game rules apply.
Lightning and Weather Related Delays—
If lightning is observed or thunder heard by the umpire the game will be halted
immediately and the players removed from the field. The game cannot be restarted
until a minimum of 15 minutes has passed since the last strike of lightning was observed
or thunder was heard. The 15 minute clock will be maintained by the home plate
umpire. The Eastern Greene Youth Baseball League requires parents/guardians of
players to assume all responsibility for players during any weather related delays.
Forfeits—
The home plate umpire shall declare a game forfeited in favoring of the opposing team
when, after being warned by the umpire a team 1) refuses to continue to play, 2) uses
methods to delay or shorten a game, 3) fails to discontinue rules violations.
Game Postponements—
A coach may request postponement of a game if he is unable to field a minimum of 7
players due to school, religious, or other conflicting events. This request must be made
to the Eastern Greene Youth Baseball Board at least 48 hours before the scheduled
starting time. The game shall not be deemed postponed unless the Eastern Greene
Youth Baseball Board Contacts both coaches of the postponement. At the time of the
request for postponement, requesting coach must offer a suitable date and time for
rescheduling the game. The date and time must be agreeable to the opposing coach
and the Eastern Greene Youth Baseball Board. Games will not be allowed to be
rescheduled just because a superior player(s) is not available.
Minimum Players—
The minimum number of players that must be present to start a game is 7. No out
should be recorded for the eighth or ninth batters spots in the lineup. The minimum
number of players necessary to continue playing a game is 6. This can only occur if a
player has suffered an injury or illness during the game (after the first pitch). If a team
does not have a minimum of 7 players to start a game or a minimum of 6 to continue
playing, the team may add a player(s) from the younger league to play the game
without forfeiting the game. They may only add players to reach a total of 9 players. If
the team has only 6 players and does not add a player from the lower league, the game
will be recorded as a forfeit. After the forfeit is declared by the umpire, the coach of the
losing team may players from the Major League in order to complete the game. Teams
may draft only up to 9 total players.
Player Eligibility—
Players absent from practices or a game without legitimate reason, demonstrate a clear
pattern of absences, or demonstrate poor sportsmanship, may be disciplined by sitting
out extra innings at the Coach’s discretion with approval from the Eastern Greene Youth
Baseball Board.
Official Score Book—
The home team will be responsible for keeping what will be considered the “official
score book”. The umpire will refer to the home team score book if there is a disputed
situation. If the home team does not have an official score book, then the umpire will
look to the visitors score book. The umpire is not bound by either book. The score
books will be used as a tool to assist the umpire.
Batting Order—
All players present must be in the batting order. At the beginning of each game, the
coach will list all of the available players in a batting order to the opposing coach. Each
player must bat in the order reflected on the list regardless of whether or not he/she
played in the field in that inning or the preceding innings. The batting order cannot be
changed during a game, unless a player has left the game or if a player has arrived after
the start of the game (after the first pitch). If a player is listed in the batting order but is
not present at the time of his/her initial plate appearance, his/her position in the
batting order will be scratched. If the player subsequently arrives, he/she will be placed
at the end of the original batting order.
Line-Ups—
Player’s names (uniform numbers are optional) shall be listed in a batting order and
given to the opposing coach.
Number of Fielders—
Majors-9 defensive players will be played in the field. P,C,1st,2nd,3rd,SS, 3 Outfielders.
Substitutions—
If 10 or more players are present, no player may sit out consecutive innings. Similarly,
no player may sit a 3rd inning until all players have sat at least 1 inning.
Player Injury—
A player may be removed from the game at any time because of injury or illness. He
may return to the game at a later time at the discretion of the coach. If an injured
player is unable to bat, no penalty shall be assessed. An injured player who misses an
“at bat” but subsequently returns to the lineup shall assume his original batting order
position.
Scoring—
Each team will have the opportunity to score 5 more runs than the opposing team
during their time at bat. If a team is leading at the start of their at bat, they can score
no more than 5 runs during their at bat. If a team is trailing at the start of their at bat,
they can score up to 5 runs more than the opposing team.
Time Out—
The umpire can at any time call timeout. Once time out has been granted the ball is
dead. The umpire can utilize this to investigate a situation, to discuss a call, or to
control the pace of the game.
Any player can request a time out before or after a play. Time out will be granted at the
umpires’ discretion. The length of a time out will be at the umpires’ discretion. Play will
resume when the umpire calls for the players to “play ball”.
Base Coaches—
Each team will be allowed 2 base coaches on the field during their turns on offense. The
base coaches will be stationed near 1st base and 3rd base.
The base coaches are prohibited from interfering or distracting members of the other
team in any manner. Any interference in or violation of stated rules will result in a
warning from the umpire and/or the coach being ejected from the game.
The base coach may not touch a base runner in any way that helps a runner avoid over
running a base or helps a runner get back to a base.
Protest—
There will be no protested games. Complaints will be considered only when based on
the violation of the rules and regulations or the use of an ineligible player.
Weapons—
There are no weapons permitted on the Eastern Greene Youth Baseball League grounds.
Any persons who violate this rule may be subject to dismissal immediately.
Tobacco—
There are no tobacco products permitted on the Eastern Greene Youth Baseball League
grounds. Any persons who violate this rule may be subject to dismissal immediately.
Foul Language—
Foul language will not be permitted by players, coaches, or fans. Any persons who
violate this policy may be subject to dismissal immediately.
Discipline—
Any player, coach, or spectator who is ejected from a game must immediately leave the
ball park, not just the immediate area. The league reserves the right to ban any person
or persons from Eastern Greene Youth Baseball League sponsored activities at any time
for any length of time.
Team Responsibility
Field—
Both team coaches should arrive at the field in sufficient time to insure the field is free
of debris, playable, and to correct any problems. A delay in starting a game due to field
conditions will not push back the starting times of the remaining games.
Both coaches should work together to get field ready to play like lining the field.
Equipment—
The both teams/coaches will be responsible for positioning and removing the bases,
collecting and returning protective helmets, all equipment and locking the equipment
shed at the end of the playing day. Both teams/coaches should help rake and take care
of the field and be sure dugouts are cleaned out.
Copy of Rules—
Each team is responsible for having read and understood the rules. Any
questions/concerns should be brought to a League Rules Committee Member at any
time when a game is not in play unless the question arises from an event during a game.
Decision on Field Conditions—
The League Grounds Committee member or designated board member shall decide if
the game is to be started due to any concerns with the field condition. After the first
pitch, the umpire and the League Grounds Committee member or designated board
member shall be the sole authority regarding continued play.
Injury Reports—
Any injury sustained in a practice or a game must be reported to a league representative
immediately.
Dug Out Appearance—
Teams are to remove any and all trash from the dugout immediately after the game.
Dug Out Schedule—
Teams are to vacate the dug out immediately after their game. Teams are encouraged
to hold any post game meetings in an area out of the dugout and out of the routine
warm up areas as to prevent teams from the following games from being delayed.
Dug Out Control—
All players must remain in the dugout areas while the game is in progress, unless they
are on the playing field.
Only Uniformed players and coaches are allowed in the dugout.
Players are not permitted to leave the dugout unless they are going to the restroom
(Players are not permitted to sit in the stands, go to the concession stand, or stand
outside of the dugout swinging a bat, unless they are the on deck batter warming up in
the on deck circle).
Pitchers are not permitted to warm up outside of the dugout except between innings on
the mound.
Catchers are permitted and encouraged to step outside of the dugout to put their
protective gear on during innings, but must remain behind the protective fencing during
this time.
Jewelry—
Players are not permitted to wear any jewelry. This includes watches, rings, necklaces,
bracelets, etc.
Interference—
In the case of intentional interference person authorized to be on the field, the ball is
dead at the moment of interference and no runners may advance.
Should an overthrown ball accidentally come in contact with a person authorized to be
on the field, the ball will remain live and this will not be considered interference (This
includes coaches and umpires).
If a person not authorized to be on the field interferes with the ball in any manner, the
umpire will call the ball dead and will impose any penalties necessary to nullify the
effects of the interference.
If the interference prevents the fielder from catching a clearly catchable ball, then the
umpire will call the batter out.
Sportsmanship—
Without curbing the competitive desire to win, coaches should always strive to maintain
an atmosphere of sportsmanship on the playing field.
Players are prohibited from making remarks which might be insulting or humiliating to
teammates and the players on the opposing team.
Teams can and will be penalized for disruptive behavior by parents of players who do
not comply with the League’s rules on sportsmanship.
Chatter is acceptable by the defensive team as long as it is not personal or offensive in
nature. Teams may not address the pitcher-1 warning will be given to each team and an
out will be accessed for each additional infraction.
Players and coaches exhibiting poor sportsmanship will be warned by the umpire. A
second display of poor sportsmanship will result in automatic ejection from the game by
the umpire. A coach may be ejected, if in the opinion of the umpire, the coach is
promoting or unwilling to control any unsportsmanlike conduct. The League may
impose sanctions against players, coaches, and fans who exhibit poor sportsmanship.
Equipment
Uniforms—
League authorized uniform shirts and a baseball cap are required to be worn during the
game.
Protective Helmets—
All batters and base runners must wear approved protective helmets.
Bat Restrictions—
All bats must have a maximum barrel width of 2 ¼” and a maximum length of 33”. All
bats must be marked as approved for play in Little League, Babe Ruth Baseball, Dixie
Youth Baseball, Pony Baseball, AABC, USSSA.
Cleats—
Metal cleats are prohibited.
Gloves—
All players will wear an appropriate sized glove at all times when they are in the field
during the time when the ball is in play.
Catcher’s Equipment—
Catchers must wear appropriate catchers gear at all times when they are on defense.
This includes at a minimum a helmet with a mask, a chest protector, shin guards, and a
catcher’s mitt. Catchers must wear catcher’s mitt.
Protective Cup—
All male catchers must wear cups. It is recommended, but not required, that all other
male players wear a cup.
The Batter
Bunting—
Bunting is permitted.
Bat Boys/Girls—
The use of bat boys/girls is not permitted.
Legal Batting Position—
The batter’s legal stance will be with both feet in the batter’s box. A foot on the line of
the batting box is permitted.
Taking Position in the Batter’s Box—
The batter shall take his/her position promptly when it is the said batter’s time at bat.
Refusing to Enter the Batter’s Box—
If the batter refuses to take his/her position in the batter’s box during a time at bat, the
umpire shall call a strike on the batter without the need for a pitch to be pitched. After
the penalty, the batter may take the correct position in the batter’s box and the count
will continue as normal. However, if the batter does not take the correct position in the
batter’s box before 3 strikes are called, then the batter shall be declared out.
Exiting the Batter’s Box
The batter shall not exit the batter’s box after the pitcher comes to a set position or
begins the windup motion. If this occurs, the umpire shall call a strike (the strike will be
called even if the pitched ball would have otherwise been a ball). The only exception to
this rule is in the event of the batter’s safety. A batter can step out of the way of a ball
when it is imminent that the ball will strike the batter.
Stepping Out—
If a batter steps out of the batter’s box during the delivery of an acceptable pitch, the
batter will be called for a strike, regardless if the pitch would have otherwise been a
ball.
Illegal Actions—
The batter will be immediately out if the batter hits the ball with one or both feet
outside of the batter’s box, the batter switches sides of the plate when the pitcher is in a
ready to pitch position, and/or the batter interferes with the catcher’s attempt to field a
ball or make a throw.
Continuation of an at Bat—
If a batter is in the process of completing his/her at bat when the third out is made on a
base runner (not the batter), then the batter will be the first batter in the beginning of
the next inning with the ball/strike count starting over.
Throwing a Bat—
Each team will receive 1 warning per game for throwing a bat. If a second occurrence
happens a dead ball will be called and the batter will be called out.
Dropped Third Strike—
The batter is out on a dropped third strike and cannot advance. Base runners can
advance at their own risks.
Base Running
Double First Base/Foul Territory—
A batted ball that hits the white section of the double first base shall be declared fair. A
batted ball that hits the orange section of the double base without first touching or
bounding over the white section of the base shall be declared foul.
Double First Base—
When a play is attempting to be made the offensive player (the Batter) must touch the
orange section of the base and the defensive player (the Fielder) must touch the white
portion of the base when attempting to make a play. (Note: on extra base hits and/or
when there is no chance for a play to be made at the double first base, the batter may
touch either half of the double first base.)
Returning to the Double First Base—
When a runner returns to first base either to tag up or because the runner chooses not
to advance any further or to avoid a pick off play, is only safe on the white portion of the
base.
Overthrown Ball—
If an overthrown ball goes outside the area of play, the runners shall advance to the
base they were going to at the time the ball was overthrown and shall be awarded the
next base. This will be determined by the home plate umpire.
Injury—
If an accident occurs to a runner and prevents a runner from proceeding to an entitled
base, as on a homerun or an awarded base, a substitute runner can be submitted to
complete the play. The pinch runner shall be the person who made the last out.
Dead Ball—
A ball is dead and runners advance 1 base or return to their previous base without
liability when of the following happens:
1. A pitched ball hits a batter or the batters clothing.
2. The plate umpire interferes with the catcher as he/she is attempting to throw a
runner out.
3. A ball is illegally batted (foul or fair) runners return.
4. A foul ball not caught, the runners return
5. A batted fair ball touches a runner or an umpire before it touches an infielder
including the pitcher, or touches an umpire before it has passed in infielder other
than the pitcher.
Note: if a fair ball goes through or by an infielder and touches a runner immediately
back of said infielder, the ball is in play and the umpire shall not call the runner out. In
making the decision, the umpire must be convinced that the ball passes through or by
the infielder and no other fielder had a chance to make a play on the ball, runners
advance if forced.
6. A pitched ball lodges in the catcher’s mask or the umpires mask or other protective
equipment.
Base Path—
The runner will be called out if they run more than 3 feet out of the base path in any
direction. (The exception to this is if the runner must move around a fielder attempting
to make a catch).
Runner Hit by Batted Ball—
If a base runner is touched by a batted ball in fair territory before the ball was touched
by a defensive player, the base runner is out and the ball is declared dead. Other base
runners must return to their previously occupied base unless they are forced to advance
because the batter would be awarded first base.
Scoring on Third Out-All runs scored before the 3rd out is actually obtained will count if the 3rd out occurs in a
tag out situation. For example if there are two outs and runners at 2 nd and 3rd and the
batter hits the ball and the runner going from 2nd to 3rd is tagged out after the runner
going home crosses home plate then the run counts. The run does not count if the 3 rd
out is a force out even if the runner crosses home plate before the force out occurs.
Missed Bases—
The status of the following runner is not affected by the preceding runner’s failure to
touch or retouch a base.
Touching Missed Bases—
A runner who is returning to a missed base must touch each base in reverse order while
returning to the base. Failure to do so will result in the runner being called out.
A runner may not return to a missed base after it has touched by a following runner, this
includes home plate.
If a runner is unable to return to a missed base, that runner will be called out.
If a runner misses home plate and is tagged out or home plate is tagged, that runner will
be called out and the run will not count.
Stealing/Leadoffs—
There are no leadoffs of any kind.
Stealing is permitted once the ball has passed home plate or while the ball is in play.
The defense must force the lead runner to tag up. (Throwing the ball to the mound
does not freeze the runners). Once this has happened, the ball may be returned to the
pitcher and no base runner can advance. A base runner leaving before the ball crosses
home plate will be declared out after 1 team warning issued to any base runner from
that team. Leaving early is a dead ball infraction-the pitch counts, but the other base
runners must return to their original bases.
If the runner leaves before the ball reaches home plate, the play will continue if the
runner is thrown out and the out will stand. If the runner reaches the base safely, the
runner will be sent back to the base that they possessed prior to the play.
If the runner leaves the base early and the ball is hit, the runner will return to their
previously occupied base unless they are forced to advance to the next open base.
Base Running/Fielding
Any runner who is found to have interfered with a fielder attempting to catch a batted
ball, whether intentional or unintentional, will be called out.
If the impact of a runner dislodges the base from its position, no play can be made on
the runner if they safely reached the base.
If a base is dislodge from its position during a play, any following runners on the same
play shall be considered as touching or occupying the base, if in the umpire’s judgment,
that runner touches or occupies the dislodged bag, or the point marked by the original
location of the dislodged bag.
Infield Fly Rule—
The infield fly rule will be in effect for major league games. The decision of the infield fly
will be determined by the home plate umpire solely.
Blocking the Bases—
All players, including the catcher, cannot block any base, including home plate, without
the ball in their possession. Blocking the base and interfering with the runner will result
in “fielder’s interference” and the umpire will award the runner the base plus one
additional base. If the fielder has possession of the ball, they have the right to make the
play.
The Catcher—
The catcher will be stationed in the catcher’s box. The catcher must remain in the
catcher’s box with both feet until the pitch has left pitcher’s hand. The catcher may
leave the catcher’s box at any time to make a play.
Running into a Defensive Player—
Base runners must slide or avoid defensive players. A base runner may not run into a
defensive player or attempt to knock a defensive player out of the play. A base runner
may slide into a base blocked by a defensive player. If an umpire determines that a
runner intentionally runs into a defensive player, the umpire will declare the base
runner out. The ball is dead and no other base runners may advance.
If a fair ball either before or after touching the ground, bounds into the stands or passes
through, over or under a fence, through or under a scoreboard, the batter and any runners are
entitled to the base they were running to and shall be awarded one additional base.
If any bounding fair ball is deflected by a fielder into the stands or over or under the fence in
fair or foul territory, the batter and any runners are entitled to the base they were running to
and shall be awarded one additional base.
If a ball is deflected by a fielder over the fence in fair territory before coming into contact with
the ground, a home run will granted to the batter.
Throwing Equipment—
The batter and or base runner will be granted additional bases if the following occurs:
1. A fielder deliberately touches a fair ball with a cap, mask, or any part of the fielder’s
uniform detached from its proper place—3 bases. The ball is in play and the runners
can continue to advance beyond the allotted bases at their own risk.
2. A fielder throws a glove and touches a fair ball—3 bases. The ball is in play and the
runners can continue to advance beyond the allotted bases at their own risk.
3. A fielder deliberately touches a thrown ball with a cap, mask, or any part of their
uniform detached from its proper place—2 bases. The ball is in play and the runners
can continue to advance beyond the allotted bases at their own risk.
4. A fielder throws a glove and touches a thrown ball—2 bases. The ball is in play and
the runners can continue to advance beyond the allotted bases at their own risk.
5. A ball pitched to the batter, or thrown by the pitcher from the pitcher’s mound to a
base while attempting to throw out a runner goes into the stands or a bench, or
over or through a fence or backstop—1 base. The ball is dead.
6. When a thrown ball goes into the stands, or into the bench (even if the ball bounces
back onto the field) or over, under, or through a fence or on a slanting part of the
backstop screen or remains in the mesh of the back stop, the ball is dead.—2 bases.
(Note: when such a throw is the first play by an infielder, the umpire, in awarding
bases, shall be governed by the position of the runners at the time that the ball was
pitched. In all other cases, the umpire shall be governed by the position of the
runners when the throw was made.)
Two runners may not occupy a base, but if, while the ball is live, two runners are touching a
base, the lead runner shall be out when tagged. The preceding runner is entitled to the base.
Required Sliding—
Base runners must slide into any base where a play is being made. If a base runner
doesn’t slide, the runner will be called out. (It is at the discretion of the umpire to
determine if the runner needed to slide. The home plate umpire will have the final say
in all disputed calls.)
Advancing with the Ball in the Pitcher’s Hand—
If the pitcher has possession of the ball and is in contact with the pitching rubber and
the catcher is in the catcher’s box then no runner may advance.
Pitching
Eligibility—
Majors- A player may pitch no more than 3 innings in a 6 inning game. The delivery of a
single pitch constitutes having pitched an inning. The innings do not have to be
consecutive.
Pitching in Relief—
The coach must inform the home plate umpire and the opposing coach of a pitching
change. Unless injured, the relief pitcher must pitch to a minimum of one batter. One
pitch constitutes having pitched to a batter.
Trips to the Mound—
A coach my come onto the field twice in one inning to visit a pitcher, but on the third
visit the player must be removed as a pitcher.
Only 1 coach may go to the mound per visit.
A coach may confer with any players, including the catcher, during a visit with the
pitcher. A coach who is granted timeout to talk to any defensive player will be charged
a timeout visit to the pitcher.
Any conference with the pitcher or any other defensive player to evaluate an injury will
not be charged as a visit. This will be done at the discretion of the umpire.
Balks—
Balks will not be called.
No player shall intentionally discolor or damage the ball in any manner. This includes rubbing
the ball with rosin, soil, paraffin, licorice, sandpaper, emory cloth, or other foreign substances.
The umpire shall demand the ball and the player will be removed from the game immediately.
Intentional Walks—
Coaches may instruct a pitcher to intentionally walk a batter. When intentionally
walking a batter the pitcher should throw to the outside of the batter. The pitcher
cannot throw behind the batter.
Hit Batters—
A pitcher who in the umpire’s judgment has intentionally hit a batter will be given a
warning and if the pitcher intentionally strikes or attempts to strike the batter again or a
second batter will be removed from the mound immediately. The player cannot return
to the mound during the game no matter how many innings of eligibility the player has
remaining.
The pitcher shall not bring their pitching hand in contact with their lips or mouth at any time
while the pitcher is within the mound area. Exception-when both coaches agree before the
start of an inning that the temperature is a factor The pitcher shall not spit on the ball, the
glove, or the hand. If a rosin bag is used, then rosin may not be applied to the ball or glove at
any time.
Warm Up—
Only a catcher in full gear or a team’s coach are permitted to warm a pitcher up
between innings or before the start of the game.
Pitcher Warm Ups—
Each team will be granted 2 minutes or 5 pitches whichever is less between innings.
Any relief pitcher will be given 10 pitches prior to restarting the game.
Special Ground Rules
On field 1 (big field) if a batted ball hits the tree hanging over first base the following will
be the rule. If the ball is clearly a foul ball (discretion of the umpire) it will count as a
foul ball and be a strike (unless it is the third strike). If it is a fair ball, the umpire will
declare a dead ball and the entire play will be replayed. It is basically a redo.
Post Season/Playoffs
All league rules shall apply to post season games unless amended by the Eastern Greene
Baseball League Rules Commission.
All teams will be seeded according to their regular season record. If in the event teams
have identical records, then the tie breaker will be decided by:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Head to Head Play
Runs Allowed
Runs scored
Coin Flip
All other IHSAA rules apply