Peabody Little Leagues: Spring 2009 Divisions
AA
AGES: 8, 9
PURPOSE: The purpose of this level is to continue the process of teaching the game of baseball and develop the basic skills necessary to play the game as well as introduce the children to the basic rules of the game. Pitching and catching is live, performed by the players themselves. New skills need to be taught and developed as the season progresses - bunting, base running, signs, etc. are all part of the game that need to be taught at this level. The continuing education of the players in the basic rules of the game is also an important part of this level of play. Teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship need to be stressed. And most importantly, make sure everyone has fun - players, coaches, and parents. The proper techniques for throwing, catching, fielding, sliding, and hitting should be taught and stressed at every practice and game. This is the level to begin stressing the basic rules of the game and help each child become aware of the areas that they need to work on as a group as well as individuals. The continuing education of the players in the basic concepts of the game (catching, fielding, throwing, etc.) is an important part of this level of play. Teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship need to be stressed.
GAME LENGTH: Approximately two hours. Attempt to play as many innings prior to 7:30pm
INNINGS: Six (6) inning maximum. No inning to begin after 7:30pm. Each player must play a minimum of three (3) innings per game with two (2) of those consecutive innings. If due to time constraints or weather conditions, a player does not play his/her two innings in a game, that player must start the next game. Each inning consists of three (3) outs per team.
BATTING/BASE RUNNING: Each at bat will consist of four (4) balls, three (3) strikes, or a batted ball in play. Each player in attendance will be in the batting order, regardless of whether or not they are playing the field at any given time. There is no designated hitter. Bunting is permitted. Stealing and/or advancing one base on a passed ball will only be permitted after the mid-point of the schedule and only if agreed to by the AA coordinator and other managers at the AA level. There will be no stealing of home plate. Runners can advance only one base on an overthrow on a steal attempt, except for throws to third base - runner cannot advance. One (1) base will be awarded to each base runner on an overthrow out of the field of play. Play is live on all other overthrows. Play is dead once the pitcher has control of the ball on the mound. Walks are not permitted. Once a batter reaches a count of 4 balls, a coach shall pitch until the batter reaches bases or is put out either by strike out or a defensive play resulting in an out.
FIELDING: Each team will field one (1) pitcher, one (1) catcher, four (4) infielders, and three (3) outfielders.
PITCHING: Pitchers shall pitch from the pitching rubber (mound); if a pitcher cannot reach the plate from the pitching rubber, he or she should be worked with during practice sessions or the parents encouraged to work with the child at home. No player shall be allowed to pitch at this level from more than 2 normal player (not coach) steps. Safety of both the pitcher and batter should be taken into consideration. Each eligible pitcher is subject to a 75 pitch per day count and/or a maximum of 3 innings per game, whichever is reached first. Exception: If a pitcher reaches the limit imposed while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until that batter reaches base or is put out in the same inning. Pitchers must adhere to the following rest requirements:
If a player pitches 61 or more pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest and one team game must be observed.
If a player pitches 41 - 60 pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest and one team game must be observed.
If a player pitches 21 - 40 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar days of rest must be observed.
If a player pitches 1-20 pitches in a day, no (0) calendar day of rest must be observed.
NO EXCEPTIONS TO THE PITCHING RULE! Each pitcher will be allowed two (2) hit batters per game. Pitcher MUST be replaced after third hit batter. Once a pitcher has been removed from the mound, that pitcher cannot return as a pitcher during that game. If a pitcher is substituted for during an active at bat, the relief pitcher must finish pitching to that batter before he/she can be removed from the mound.
Walks are not permitted. Once a pitcher reaches a count of 4 balls on any batter, a coach shall pitch until the batter reaches bases or is put out either by strike out or defensive play. The pitcher will resume pitching with the next batter.
UMPIRES: Coaches will call balls and strikes for their OWN team's batters. Strike zone should be VERY large to encourage kids to swing and keep the game moving.
AAA
AAA
AGES: 10-12; selected 9's from open tryout
MINOR AAA will play under the same rules as the Major Leagues following the official regulations and playing rules of Little League Inc., Williamsport, PA with noted exceptions.
PURPOSE: The objective of this level is to have the players play the game of Little League baseball as it was meant to be played. New skills need to be taught and developed as the season progresses - bunting, stealing, base running, signs, etc. are all part of the game that need to be taught at this level. The continuing education of the players in the basic rules of the game is also an important part of this level of play. Teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship need to be stressed. And most importantly, make sure everyone has fun - players, coaches, and parents.
GAME LENGTH: Approx. two hours.
INNINGS: Six (6) innings. No inning to begin after 7:45pm. Each player must play a minimum of three innings - two (2) consecutive. If due to time constraints or weather conditions, a player does not play at least two innings in a game, that player must start the next game. Each inning consists of three (3) outs per team.
PITCHING: 12 year olds are not allowed to pitch in minor league games. Each eligible pitcher is subject to a pitch count, based on league age. Age 11: 85 pitches per day; ages 10 and under: 75 pitches per day. Exception: If a pitcher reaches the limit imposed while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until that batter reaches base or is put out. Pitchers must adhere to the following rest requirements:
If a player pitches 61 or more pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest and one team game must be observed.
If a player pitches 41 - 60 pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest and one team game must be observed.
If a player pitches 21 - 40 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar days of rest must be observed.
If a player pitches 1-20 pitches in a day, no (0) calendar day of rest must be observed.
NO EXCEPTIONS TO THE PITCH COUNT RULES! Each pitcher will be allowed two (2) hit batters per game. Pitcher MUST be replaced upon hitting a third batter. Once a pitcher has been removed from the mound, that pitcher cannot return as a pitcher during that game. If a pitcher is substituted for during an active at bat, the relief pitcher must finish pitching to that batter before he/she can be removed from the mound.
BATTING: Continuous Batting Order will be used. All players will be in batting order regardless of whether or not they are playing in the field at any given time. There will be no Designated Hitter used.
STEALING: Stealing and advancing on a passed ball will be allowed for the entire season. Runners cannot advance until the ball has passed home plate. Only one base is allowed (even on overthrow). No runner can advance from third base to home plate by means of a steal or passed ball. The goal is to teach the players the skills required for stealing, and to develop skills required for the catcher position, not to run up the scores.
FIELDING: Each player must play in the field for 3 innings each game, at least two of which must be consecutive. If a player does not play the minimum 3 innings due to shortened/postponed games, or playing only five defensive innings, that Player MUST start the next game.
AL-MAJORS
AL MAJORS
American League (Major) will play under the official regulations and playing rules of Little League Baseball Inc. , Williamsport, PA, as revised for 2007. The following additional rules have been adopted by PLL, most of which come directly from LL rules and regulations.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this level is to have the players play the game of baseball as it was meant to be played. All skills need to be taught and developed as the season progresses - bunting, stealing, base running, signs, etc. are all part of the game that need to be taught and reinforced at this level. The continuing education of the players in the basic rules of the game is also an important part of this level of play. Teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship need to be stressed. And most importantly, make sure everyone learns and has fun - players, coaches and parents.
GAME LENGTH: Approximately two hours.
INNINGS: Six (6) innings; No inning to begin after 8:00pm; Each player must play a minimum of three innings - two (2) consecutive. If due to time constraints or weather conditions, a player does not play at least two innings in a game, that player must start the next game. Each inning consists of three (3) outs per team.
PITCHING: 12 year olds are allowed to pitch. Each eligible pitcher is subject to a pitch count, based on league age. Age 11-12: 85 pitches per day; ages 10 and under: 75 pitches per day. Exception: If a pitcher reaches the limit imposed while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until that batter reaches base or is put out. Pitchers must adhere to the following rest requirements:
If a player pitches 61 or more pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest and one team game must be observed.
If a player pitches 41 - 60 pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest and one team game must be observed.
If a player pitches 21 - 40 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar days of rest must be observed.
If a player pitches 1-20 pitches in a day, no (0) calendar day of rest must be observed.
CURVE BALLS-Regular Season, including Playoffs
Pitchers shall not throw curveballs or screwballs. In judging these pitches, the umpire shall be governed by the movement of the ball, the ball's spin, and the pitcher's hand-wrist-arm movement. The umpires judgment shall be final. No appeals shall be allowed, and no explanation of the judgment shall be necessary. Managers and coaches are expected to refrain from delaying the game by questioning the judgment of the call. On the first occasion, the umpire shall call an illegal pitch. The pitch shall become a ball and the pitcher given a warning.
On the second occasion in the game, it will be called an illegal pitch. If the ball is hit, the offensive team may elect to let the play stand or impose the penalty as if the pitch had not been struck at. In either case, the pitcher shall be removed from the pitching position, but may stay in the game in another position and may not return to the pitching position in that game. In addition, the manager shall meet with a committee composed of the league president, vice president, league coordinator and the Safety Director to insure that no further violations of this rule occur.
Continue violation of this rule may result in suspension or termination
Each pitcher will be allowed two (2) hit batters per game. Pitcher MUST be replaced after third hit batter in a single game. Once a pitcher has been removed from the mound, that pitcher cannot return as a pitcher during that game, even if he stays in the field after being replaced; If a pitcher is substituted for during an active at bat, the relief pitcher must finish pitching to that batter before he/she can be removed from the mound.
BATTING: Continuous Batting Order will be used. All players will be in batting order regardless of whether or not they are playing in the field at any given time. There will be no Designated Hitter used.
SUBSTITUTION: A starter who has been removed for a sub can re-enter the game provided that the following has been met: - his/her substitute has played defensively for six consecutive outs;
- only a starter can reenter a game;
- if a starter re-enters the game for a starter, the same criteria as above must be met before the subbed starter can reenter the game;
- if during a game, because of the substitution rule, a team cannot field 9 players due to injury or ejection, then the opposing manager shall select a player to re-enter the game;
- pinch runners shall not be used unless due to injury.
NL-MAJORS
NL MAJORS
National League (Major) will play under the official regulations and playing rules of Little League Baseball Inc. , Williamsport, PA, as revised for 2007. The following additional rules have been adopted by PLL, most of which come directly from LL rules and regulations.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this level is to have the players play the game of baseball as it was meant to be played. All skills need to be taught and developed as the season progresses - bunting, stealing, base running, signs, etc. are all part of the game that need to be taught and reinforced at this level. The continuing education of the players in the basic rules of the game is also an important part of this level of play. Teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship need to be stressed. And most importantly, make sure everyone learns and has fun - players, coaches and parents.
GAME LENGTH: Approximately two hours.
INNINGS: Six (6) innings; No inning to begin after 8:00pm; Each player must play a minimum of three innings - two (2) consecutive. If due to time constraints or weather conditions, a player does not play at least two innings in a game, that player must start the next game. Each inning consists of three (3) outs per team.
PITCHING: 12 year olds are allowed to pitch. Each eligible pitcher is subject to a pitch count, based on league age. Age 11-12: 85 pitches per day; ages 10 and under: 75 pitches per day. Exception: If a pitcher reaches the limit imposed while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until that batter reaches base or is put out. Pitchers must adhere to the following rest requirements:
If a player pitches 61 or more pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest and one team game must be observed.
If a player pitches 41 - 60 pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest and one team game must be observed.
If a player pitches 21 - 40 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar days of rest must be observed.
If a player pitches 1-20 pitches in a day, no (0) calendar day of rest must be observed.
CURVE BALLS-Regular Season, including Playoffs
Pitchers shall not throw curveballs or screwballs. In judging these pitches, the umpire shall be governed by the movement of the ball, the ball's spin, and the pitcher's hand-wrist-arm movement. The umpires judgment shall be final. No appeals shall be allowed, and no explanation of the judgment shall be necessary. Managers and coaches are expected to refrain from delaying the game by questioning the judgment of the call. On the first occasion, the umpire shall call an illegal pitch. The pitch shall become a ball and the pitcher given a warning.
On the second occasion in the game, it will be called an illegal pitch. If the ball is hit, the offensive team may elect to let the play stand or impose the penalty as if the pitch had not been struck at. In either case, the pitcher shall be removed from the pitching position, but may stay in the game in another position and may not return to the pitching position in that game. In addition, the manager shall meet with a committee composed of the league president, vice president, league coordinator and the Safety Director to insure that no further violations of this rule occur.
Continue violation of this rule may result in suspension or termination
Each pitcher will be allowed two (2) hit batters per game. Pitcher MUST be replaced after third hit batter in a single game. Once a pitcher has been removed from the mound, that pitcher cannot return as a pitcher during that game, even if he stays in the field after being replaced; If a pitcher is substituted for during an active at bat, the relief pitcher must finish pitching to that batter before he/she can be removed from the mound.
BATTING: Continuous Batting Order will be used. All players will be in batting order regardless of whether or not they are playing in the field at any given time. There will be no Designated Hitter used.
SUBSTITUTION: A starter who has been removed for a sub can re-enter the game provided that the following has been met: - his/her substitute has played defensively for six consecutive outs;
- only a starter can reenter a game;
- if a starter re-enters the game for a starter, the same criteria as above must be met before the subbed starter can reenter the game;
- if during a game, because of the substitution rule, a team cannot field 9 players due to injury or ejection, then the opposing manager shall select a player to re-enter the game;
- pinch runners shall not be used unless due to injury.
A (COACH PITCH)
A (COACH PITCH)
AGES: 2nd year 6, 7
PURPOSE: The purpose of this level is to begin the process of teaching the game of baseball, develop the basic skills necessary to play the game, as well as introduce the children to the basic rules of the game. Throwing, catching, and fielding are areas of great importance at this level. Hitting is of secondary importance to the first three areas mentioned. If a Tee is needed to assist any player, do not hesitate to use one. Encourage the player by allowing him/her to hit the ball in any way that they can. The education of the players in the basic concepts of the game (catching, fielding, throwing, etc.) is an important part of this level of play. Teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship need to be stressed. And most importantly, make sure everyone has fun - players, coaches and parents.
GAME LENGTH: One and one half hours.
INNINGS: Each half inning will end once each player on each team has batted once.
BATTING/BASERUNNING: Continuous batting order. No walks. No called strikeouts. After 5 strike zone pitches from the coach, if the player has not put the ball in play, the player will hit from the tee. Do not hold up the game due to players inability to hit the ball. If after 3 swings from the tee, the ball is not put into play, move on to the next batter. At this level, players do need to learn the concept of being out on the base paths. If a base runner is thrown out or forced out in the discretion of the coaches on the field, they should be called out and sent back to the bench, notwithstanding the continuous batting order. Players will be introduced to the concept of three outs as follows- if at any time prior to the completion of hitting through the lineup there are three outs, the bases will be cleared but the team will finish its at-bat to the end of the order. Other playing rules - First half of season - each hit will be held to a single. Second half of season - each hit will stand on its own. Base runner(s) must stop at current base, once the ball is in control of the players in the infield. No stealing, no bunting, no sliding - no collisions at any base.
FIELDING: Coaches pitch and catch. Overhand pitching is preferred, with the optimal being the coach on 1 knee in between the mound and the plate to give the hitter an age-appropriate feel for the pitchers release.. Each team will field one (1) pitcher, four (4) infielders, and three to four (3 - 4) outfielders. The outfielders must position themselves at least 15 feet from the infield. Every player will play in the field on a rotational basis and coaches will rotate players at this level to different positions.
T-Ball
T-Ball
AGES: first year 5 or 6
PURPOSE: The purpose of this level is to have fun. This is the beginning for all players in organized baseball, and for many children, for participation in organized sports. The experience should be enjoyable to all. Teaching the basics of baseball basic infield positions, location of the bases, base running, throwing, hitting, and fielding, are areas of great importance at this level. Encouragement of each player is the most important aspect at this age group. A sense of self-worth and accomplishment are important to each player that participates at this level. Teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship need to be stressed. And most importantly, make sure everyone has fun - players, coaches, and parents. All games end in a tie.
GAME LENGTH: One and one half hours.
INNINGS: Each half inning will end once each player on each team has batted once.
BATTING: Continuous batting order. Each batter that hits the ball is allowed only one base at a time.
1ST HALF OF THE SEASON, a batting tee shall be used for all players; 2ND HALF OF THE SEASON, the coach shall pitch a maximum of 4 pitches to each batter; after 4 pitches, the batting tee shall be used.
FIELDING: At this age, players are becoming accustomed to the fundamental basics of the game. In order to ensure maximum engagement and development, the following rules will be observed by the coaches. Each player will be rotated between playing and practicing during the course of the game. NO TEAM will field a pitcher in T-Ball. In order to assure an age-appropriate learning experience at this level, each team will field 4-5 infielders, and depending on the number of players on the team, the remaining team members will practice fielding, hitting, and throwing skills in the outfield with other coaches. There will be no outfielders in T-Ball. Each inning, the players will be rotated (those that were doing drills will play the field and vice-versa) allowing each group of players to play different positions and practice. Coaches should get players used to the standard infield positions (3B, SS, 2B, 1B) and rotate all players through these positions during the course of the season. All plays are to first base. If numbers call for it, coaches can place 2 players between either SS or 2B. For the first half of the season, there are no outs. During the second half of the season, if a play is made at first base, and the player is out, players need to learn the concept of being out. The player will be called out by the coach of the hitting team, but continuous batting order is still in effect and the inning ends when the last player hits.
Some helpful tips to the coaches:
? Get enough assistant coaches to manage in-game instruction and meaningful hitting, throwing, and fielding drills in the outfield.
? Have a pre-season meeting with the players and parents:
? Establish bench rules (no food at games, no horseplay, no bats on the bench, bring a bat share it)
? Get volunteers (bench coach, 2-3 other assistants)
? Advise parents to be supportive, not coach from the sidelines
? Place cones at the positions to teach players where the positions are.
CHALLENGER
CHALLENGER
The Challenger Division was established in 1989 as a separate division of Little League Baseball to enable boys and girls with physical and mental disabilities, ages 5-18 or the completion of high school, to enjoy the game of baseball along with the millions of other children who participate in this sport worldwide.
for more information, please contact Tom Gould at (978) 531-7010