[F.O.D. UIC]

To eliminate the "walkfest" that many rec leagues experience, we implemented a unique twist to the "kid-pitch" league of 9-10 yr olds.

Since the 7-8 yr old league is coach pitch, the pitchers that come to the 9-10 year old league are marginal at best. Therefore, we let the pitcher pitch, and, if he throws 4 balls to the batter, we do NOT let the batter take first base. We have the offensive coach enter the game, and assume the number of strikes to the batter. The coach may throw up to 3 pitches to the batter (depending on the number of strikes the player assumes), and if the batter does not put the ball in play by the third pitch, he is called out. If he fouls off the final pitch, he continues to get 1 additional pitch until he swings and misses, puts it in play, or lets it go by.

We feel that in this manner, pitchers will get the chance to pitch, batters the chance to bat and run (not drop the bat and walk to 1st, then walk to 2nd, etc.), and the fielders the chance to field, throw and catch. It seems to work pretty well, and coaches have become very fond of this change.