Walpole Little League has implemented two new local rules regarding -Pitch Count and -Curve Balls

Please click here for the original notice...

An addendum to the original notice is as follows --

Given that our intent was to limit Little League pitchers to fastballs
and change-ups, and that it is a priority of Walpole Little League to
ensure safety, let me bring further clarity and simplicity to this issue:

1) Any pitch that curves, as determined by the umpire, is a breaking 
ball. And, no breaking balls are allowed… whether it’s a curve, knuckle
ball, knuckle curve or any other variation.

2) This season we are fortunate to have experienced, patched umps behind
the plate. If an umpire calls any pitch a breaking ball … it’s a
breaking ball. There is no discussion.

3) Should a breaking ball be thrown, it automatically will be called a
ball, regardless of outcome. The breaking ball also will count against
the pitcher’s pitch count.

By Communications Division
WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
March 26, 2009

NOTICE TO PARENTS, PLAYERS AND LEAGUES:  IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING THE PURCHASE OF A NEW COMPOSITE METAL BAT FOR USE IN LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL (Major Division and below), BE SURE THAT THE BAT YOU ARE PURCHASING HAS THIS MARKING:  BPF 1.15 ON THE BARREL OR HANDLE OF THE BAT.  IF NOT, IT WILL NOT BE ALLOWED FOR PLAY IN LITTLE LEAGUE GAMES. 
 
Little League officials are aware that there are bats for sale in stores, online or that may have already been purchased that are Little League approved, but do not have the required bat performance standard (BPF) markings.  In fact, some of the bats on the Little League approved bat list may not carry the required BPF 1.15 marking on the bat, depending on when they were manufactured and licensed. Currently manufacturers are conducting an inventory and re-testing of all approved bats.  The results of this study / retesting is to be finished by March 31, 2009.  We are building a list of certain bats that are approved, but do not have the BPF marking due to special circumstances.  For these bats, we are extending eligibility for play until December 31, 2009.  As we are made aware of bats that meet our criteria for this extension, we will add them to the list.  Please check this list regularly for updates.  HOWEVER, ONLY BATS WITH THE BPF 1.15 MARKING AND THE BATS ON THIS LIST WILL BE ALLOWED FOR PLAY IN 2009.  

Bats with the special exception include the following:

Adidas Vanquish Blue design   (There is a newer model of this bat, also named the Vanquish and it has copper and black markings.  It contains the proper labeling and therefore is not subject to the one-year rule).
 
DeMarini  -   Black Coyote, Rogue, Distance, Rumble, Tengu, Mach 10, Patriot
 
Easton   -   LZ-810, LZ-800, Stealth Optiflex LST 1
 
Louisville Slugger - YB31
 
NIKE -  Areo

Note: This does not apply to softball.

Thinking about being an Umpire?  Unsure what you would have called on that play?

Follow this link to an Umpire Quiz .  It will generate 5 random questions and score your results after you are done.