Rules - Minor Boys

All rules are those of Major League Baseball with the following exceptions, clarifications, and modifications.

FIELD DIMENSION: Bases 60 feet apart and the pitching rubber is 46 feet from home plate.

LENGTH OF GAMES: Six innings is a regular game. Umpire may stop game if he feels it will be too dark to complete a full inning. Four innings will be considered a full game in the event of inclement weather or darkness. (3 ½ innings if visiting team is losing)

STRIKE ZONE: Knees to shoulders, batter is still out on a dropped third strike.

PITCHERS: Pitchers are restricted to a maximum of two innings pitched per game. One pitch in an inning is considered a complete inning. Once the pitcher is removed from the mound, he may not return to the game as a pitcher.

SUBSTITUTION RULE: There is free substitution except for the pitcher (see above). Each  boy must play a minimum of three (3) innings on defense in a six-inning game.

HIT BATTERS: A pitcher who hits three (3) batters in the same game will be removed as a pitcher.

BATTING PROCEDURE: Each boy will bat in rotation throughout the game whether or not he is playing in the field. If a boy shows up after a game has started, he will be inserted  into the bottom of the lineup.

RUN LIMIT (“Mercy Rule”): If the losing team is trailing by 12 or more runs after four at-bats or by 10 runs after 5 at-bats, the game shall be declared over.

BASE STEALING: There are NO leads. The runner may not leave the base until the pitch has crossed the plate. Failure to follow this rule will result in a team warning. A second violation by the same or other team member will result in the player’s removal from the base and an out declared.

A successful steal attempt will result in the runner’s gain of the base to which he was running; he, and any other runners, may not advance on an overthrow.

There is NO stealing of home plate UNLESS an attempt is made by a fielder to throw the runner out that is on third base.

“INFIELD FLY” RULE: The infield fly rule will NOT be in effect in the regular season or playoffs. However, the rule will be in effect during the tournaments following the season.

“MUST SLIDE” RULE: The runner may not intentionally run into any fielder. The runner must avoid the collision, preferably by sliding. If there is a legitimate play being made at a base on a runner, the runner must slide. Umpire’s judgment prevails.

FIELDERS: Ten fielders shall be used. Four must be in the outfield. No “short-fielders” allowed.

FORFEITS: A team cannot play with less than eight (8) players. After a ten (10)-minute wait, the game shall be declared a forfeit.

LENGTH OF GAMES: There is a time limit of two (2) hours on the games. The coach needs to “hustle” the kids up between innings. Plan your lineups in advance as much as possible.

UNIFORMS: A complete uniform shall be considered the Brookline team shirt and hat along with the standard white baseball pants—NO OTHER COLOR  IS  ACCEPTABLE. Shirts must be tucked in the pants at all times.

Catchers are required to wear protective helmet/mask, chest protector, and shin guards provided by the league. The catcher must also wear a protective cup supplied by the parent.

Batters and runners must wear the protective helmet at all times.

UMPIRES: Professional umpires will be provided by the league. Once the game has started, the umpire will be in complete control of the game. Judgement calls MUST NOT be questioned. Rule interpretations can be discussed with the umpire by both coaches with the final decision belonging to the umpire.

PROTEST: You may protest a rule interpretation by the umpire. You must inform the umpire and the opposing coach before the next pitch. The Umpire should then sign your scorebook that the game is now being played under protest. The game situation should be described in the book.

The protest shall be given to the League Commissioner within 24 hours. The Commissioner’s decision will be final.

BOOK SIGNING: The winning coach  should have the umpire sign the scorebook at game’s end.

BEHAVIOR: The coach shall take responsibility for the behavior of all of his players and  parents. Any serious situation should be reported to the League Commissioner that night.

GAME RESULTS: The winning coach will have the responsibility of telephoning the final score to the League Commissioner that same day or evening.

Adopted March 7, 2000

Revised March 7, 2002