Little League Baseball Rules

Little League baseball isn't just simply a game- After the 3rd strike, the hitter is out. It does
played by younger players, there are a numbernot matter if the catcher holds on to the ball on
of different rules when compared to officialthe third strike.
baseball. Anyone coaching a Little League team will- There are no designated hitters in Little League
have to know the variations in order to teachbaseball. All 9 players come up to bat according to
younger players properly.their position in the roster.
Differences in Field Layout- All runners have to stay on base until the ball
- When playing Little League baseball, the field isreaches the batter when pitched.
usually sized about 2/3 of a regulation ball diamond- There are limits to the number of pitches any
-- instead of 90 feet between the bases, thereplayer can throw, based on age. For example an
should only be 60 feet.11-year-old can only throw 85 pitches but an
- The pitcher stands 46 feet away from the8-year-old is limited to 50. Rest periods are also
batter's box, rather than the 60 1/2 feet forgiven to pitchers, depending on how many have
regulation baseball.been thrown.
Game Rules- A manager can visit the pitcher on the mound
- All players on the roster will play 2 innings in thetwice during an inning, unlike the regulation limit of
field at a minimum, and have the opportunity toonce.
bat at least once.- If a game is called on account of rain, it will
- Also, any players who leave the game cancount as an officially complete game if four innings
return, as long as their substitutes also get to playhave been played. If the home team is head, then
2 innings and have one at-bat.only 3 1/2 innings are needed.
- A game of Little League baseball lasts for 6- Double-headers can only be held once per week
innings instead of 9.- A game is declared overat a maximum, unless one of the games is played
once either side gets a 10-run lead over the otherto continue a suspended tie game from earlier.
team.