Rookies Division Rules

The following rules are specific to the Rookies League. New in 2019, the Rookies League will be Machine Pitch or Coach Pitch. Each coach can determine how to maximize the success of each batter. If a child may be more successful from a ball thrown from a coach, the coach can elect to do that batter by batter during the course of the game.  

Batting Rules:

• Three swinging strikes is an out. Foul balls count as strikes just like normal baseball. 
• There are no walks 
• There are no called strikes (looking) 
• Each batter gets 6 pitches 
• The 6th pitch is a "must swing" pitch regardless of the count 
• If the 6th pitch is not put into play, the batter is out 
• If the 6 pitch is fouled, the batter gets a 7th pitch 
• If the 7th pitch is not put into play, the batter is out 
• If the 7th pitch is fouled, the batter gets a 8th pitch 
• If the 8th pitch is not put into play, the batter is out 
• A batter hit by pitch from a coach pitch is not entitled to a base 
• A batter hit by pitch from a machine pitch can select to take a base or continue the at-bat 
• If the pitching machine and/or coach who is pitching is hit by a baseball, the ball is dead and the batter is awarded one base 
• Any coach pitching should make an effort to get out of the way of the baseball and certainly shouldn't reach out to glove a baseball. In the event that occurs (a coach actively fields the position), the batter should still be awarded the base (they hit the ball!). If a run scores, it does not count. If no run scores, if the runner awarded first eventually scores it will not count

Fielding Rules

• Rookies will play 10 players on the field with 4 outfielders 
• Once a ball is possessed in the infield (on dirt on Lafayette Field #3), then base runners may not advance.  
• If a base runner is halfway or more when the ball is possessed, then the runner can continue 
• If a base runner is less than halfway when the ball is possessed, then the runner will return to the previous base at the end of the play 
• When the ball is possessed, runners off the base are live and can be tagged out 
• The intent of the rule is to teach kids how to run bases once kids are skilled enough to make throws and catches to retire base runners. For example, a runner would never run to home after rounding third if a fielder in the infield had the ball.  
• If the player who possesses the ball attempts to make a play on a runner, play continues until another player possesses the ball 
• One base on all overthrows regardless if in play or not