Minor AA – Machine/Player Pitch Hybrid (League Ages 7-9)
Pre-Game
· Home team provides 2 baseballs
· Home team is responsible for ensuring field is set up (bases, backstop, pitcher’s mound, etc.)
· Coaches should have a First Aid kit on them at all team functions
Field Dimensions
· First Base (back right corner) shall be 60’ from the back tip of Home Plate (white) so that the entire base is within/on the baseline.
· Third Base (back left corner) shall be 60’ from the back tip of Home Plate (white) so that the entire base is within/on the baseline.
· Second Base (exact center) shall be 60’ from the back right corner of First Base and 50’ from the back left corner of Third Base
· Pitching Machine (front center) shall be 38’ from the back tip of Home Plate (white) and aligned/centered with Home Plate
· Pitching Rubber (front center) shall be 42’ from the back tip of Home Plate (white) and aligned/centered with Home Plate
The Game
Basics:
· 2A is designed to be instructional and semi-competitive with score being kept. Coaches are reminded that the purpose of this level is to develop the players, foster an atmosphere of fun, and allow kids to deepen their experience in a competitive environment.
· A game will consist of five innings or 1:30, whichever comes first.
o If the time limit is invoked, the batter may finish his at bat.
§ If the top half of the inning is not completed:
· Revert to the score of the final completed inning.
§ If the bottom half of the inning is not completed:
· And the home team is winning, the game is over, and the home team has won.
· And the home team is losing, revert to the score of the final completed inning.
· Game scores and player pitch counts should be submitted to the league the same night.
· Half-innings are terminated upon 3 outs or five runs, whichever comes first. The five-run rule applies to all except the bottom of the 5th.
· Batting lineup will consist of the entire roster (and roll continuously throughout the game)
· 9 defensive players will play (P, C, 1B, 2B, 3B, SS, LF, CF, RF)
· Players who are left on the bench during the defensive side of the inning shall not sit out a second inning unless all players have sat out at least one.
· There is no infield fly rule.
· The home team is the official book and any disputes by the visiting team should be brought up immediately.
· Both home & visiting teams should log pitch counts and verify accuracy.
Batting:
· First Half of the Season:
o Batters will face a pitching machine.
o 3 Strikes will be an out.
o There will be no walks.
o The batting team’s coach will operate the machine.
· Second Half of the Season:
o Batters will face player pitchers.
o 3 strikes will be an out.
o 4 balls will be a walk.
o Hit by pitches will be treated as a dead ball and first base awarded to the batter.
· No bunting allowed during the first half of the season. A short roller must be caused by a full swing.
Baserunning:
· The batter and baserunners may advance once the ball is hit and continue running until the pitcher possesses the ball on the mound and the ball is declared dead. At that point, the baserunners will be granted any base they were more than halfway to, otherwise they must return to the last base they reached safely.
o Any disputes here will default to the umpire.
· Baserunners will only advance one base on a ball that leaves the live playing area (spectators, etc.).
· Baserunners will only advance one base on any overthrow.
· Baserunners will not advance on passed balls or wild pitches.
· There is no head-first sliding. This is a safety issue.
· Stealing bases is not allowed and runners are not allowed to leave the base before the ball is struck.
Defense:
· Fielders shall attempt to make outs including catching pop flies, force plays, and tag outs.
· The catcher should be wearing catcher’s gear.
Pitching:
· There are no balks.
· Pitchers may throw from the stretch or windup, but must have a foot in contact with the pitching rubber.
· Any pitcher who has been removed from the mound during that game, may not return as pitcher.
· Pitch Counts (determined by League Age):
o Ages 6-8 – 50 pitches
o Ages 9-10 – 75 pitches
· Rest Days
o 1-20 Pitches – 0 Days Rest
o 21-35 Pitches – 1 Day Rest
o 36-50 Pitches – 2 Days Rest
o 51-65 Pitches – 3 Days Rest
o 66+ Pitches – 4 Days Rest
Equipment:
· Only league supplied baseballs are to be used.
· Bats must meet USA Bat standards as set forth by Little League
· NOSCAE approved batting helmets shall be worn by all offensive players at all times while on the field and the ball is in play.
· All fielders must have a glove.
· All male players must wear a protective cup.
Post-Game:
· Both teams should line up at home plate and shake hands
· Both teams are responsible for picking up all garbage.
· Bases and equipment will need returned to the shed.