MANCHESTER CAL RIPKEN

MINOR LEAGUE DIVISION

2017 LOCAL RULES

In addition to the “OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES” of Major League Baseball, Inc. the Board of Directors of Manchester Cal Ripken has approved certain local rules. They are intended to ensure that competition among all teams is as fair as possible, that each player plays as much as practical and that each player learns the fundamentals of baseball and good sportsmanship.

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  1. There will be roster batting. Each player shall be designated a spot in the batting order and will hit it in the spot throughout the game, regardless of whether that player is in the game defensively.
  1. There shall be a maximum of 12 players on each team.
  1. Each player shall play a minimum of nine (9) defensive outs in a six (6) inning game. They need not be consecutive. Any player who is unable to fulfill that requirement for any reason (except absence at the start of the game or disciplinary reasons) MUST start in the field the next scheduled game. This provision shall not apply for any game that is not deemed an official game (i.e., Postponement for weather, etc.)
  1. The offensive team is limited to five (5) runs each inning. Any play shall continue to its conclusion, but only (5) runs shall be counted. The only exception to this rule shall be the sixth inning. There shall be no limit to the number of runs either team may score. (Note: The sixth inning is the controlling inning, the limit of 5 runs shall still apply to that inning).
  1. There shall be a ten (10) run “mercy” rule enforcedthroughout the regular season and playoffs. (If the home team is ahead by 10 or more runs after the visitors have batted in the 4th inning; if the visitors are ahead by 10 or more runs after the home team has batted in the 4th inning; or if the home team increases its lead by 10 runs in the 4th inning, the game is ended. If the visitors increase the lead by 10 or more runs in the 4th inning, the home team shall complete its half of the 4th inning. The score after the home team has batted shall determine whether the game shall continue).
  1. A runner is allowed to steal only if the pitched ball is caught by the catcher. (Note: a catch and an immediate drop by the catcher is a catch. Runner may steal. Umpires’ judgment governs)
  1. A runner on third base may score only in the following circumstances:
  1. Any batted ball;
  2. Walk or a hit batsman with the bases loaded;
  3. A pitched ball that lands in a dead ball area;
  4. Any play that is made at the runner on 3rd base (the ball must be thrown toward the base or a defensive player chases the runner);
  5. Any continuous play ex: batter hits ball or runner steal 2nd or 3rd and continues to advance without stopping.
  1. There shall be no balk.
  2. No player shall play more than three (3) innings in the same defensive position in any game. The pitcher is limited to a pitch count, but may NOT exceed 3 innings. (See, however, number 11, below).
  3. Maximum number of pitches per day:
  1. Age 850 pitches;
  2. Age 9 and 1075 pitches;
  3. Age 1185 pitches

12 year old players may not pitch in any Minor League game.

Exception: If a pitcher reaches the pitch count limit while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until the batter is put out, reaches base or 3rd out in the inning is recorded.

If a player pitches:

66 or more pitches: 4 calendar days rest is required;

51-65 pitches: 3 calendar days rest is required;

36-50 pitches: 2 calendar days are required.

21 -35 pitches: 1calendar day is required

1-20 pitches: 0 calendar day rest is required (the player may pitch the next day).

Exception: If a pitcher reaches the day(s) rest threshold while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until the batter is put out, reaches base or the 3rd out of the inning is recorded. The pitcher’s day(s) rest requirement remains as it was in the beginning of the batter’s turn at bat.

  1. Umpires’ decisions are final. In case of darkness, weather or any other factor the umpire may suspend play if he/she believes that the safety of the players.
  1. Protests are not allowed either in regular season or playoff games.
  1. For games beginning May 9, Rules 6 and 7 shall not apply. Also, pitchers may pitch up to the pitch count, regardless of the number of innings played. The requirement of playing in the field for nine (9) defensive outs shall continue to apply.
  1. Playoff games shall be played under rules governed by Major League Baseball Official Playing Rules, except that: roster batting and the requirement of playing the field for nine (9) defensive outs shall continue to apply. Players may play the same position throughout the game, subject to the minimum rule.
  1. “Dancing Rule.” Once the catcher or pitcher controls the ball, any runner must return to the base. Once a runner retreats to the base, he/she must return to the base. There shall be no advance unless a play is made on the runner, or there is an overflow to the pitcher. Dropping the ball by the pitcher is NOT an overthrow. If the runner violates this rule and advances, he/she shall be returned to the base. If the runner violates the rule and the play results in a putout, the play shall stand and the runner is out. The umpire’s judgment shall be final. This rule SHALL apply to both regular season and playoff games.
  1. No game shall start or continue unless each team has a representative in the concession stand.
  1. Weekday games shall be limited to 6 innings or 90 minutes, whichever occurs first. Strict curfew of 7:30 shall be enforces. No inning shall start after 7:3- pm or after 90 minutes or 6 innings during the week. There shall be no exceptions. Weekend games shall be limited to 6 innings or 2 hours, whichever occurs first.
  1. Have fun!!