Little League Questions?

[Rich Ives]

There is a "Special Pinch Runner" rule.

7.14 Once each inning a team may utilize a player who is not in the batting order as a special pinch-runner for any offensive player. A player may only be removed for a special pinch runner one time during a game. The player for whom the pinch-runner runs is not subject to removal from the lineup. If the pinch runner remains in the game as a substitute defensive or offensive player, the player may not be used again as a pinch runner while in the batting order. However, if removed for another substitute that player or any player not in the line up, is again eligible to be used as a pinch runner.

[BigUmp56]

7.17 Note

Does not apply if the local league adopts the continuous batting order. See rule 4.04.


Tim.

[RPatrino]

Good answers, Tim and Rich.

Some of us were lucky enough to start in the LL program, we were well trained, and now have moved on. To disrespect a fellow blue because we perceive the program he works to be "inferior" is not fair.

Welcome to the forum, Jack.

Bob P.
CA D57 Ump
SRUA UIC
D57 Staff

[jackthyref]

Thanks for answering those questions for me..And screw mr. chuckles there...I'm a umpire in a little league that isn't really part of the little league organization but goes by their rules and they make the kids slide no matter what at home. Then when the ball lodges in the fence they call it a dead ball and they make the runner stay at first...They just really screw everything up so I was going to have an umpires meeting and correct them on some things.

[RPatrino]

Jack, it sounds like you have experienced the dreaded "house rules". This is where well meaning but ignorant coach's and board members attempt to fix rules that they don't agree with. Most organizations frowns upon this, and your league should avoid trying to make the rules better by changing them locally.

What is your league going to do when a player slides at home because he was forced to by the league rules and breaks his leg?

Bob P.

[BigUmp56]

You should consider asking them why they feel the need to punish the offense when the defense messes up. After all it's not the offenses fault there was a WP/PB in the first place, so why should their runners be returned. On a small diamond the runner will almost always get at least one advance base on a passed ball that doesn't become lodged anyway. It's extremely rare to see a catcher throw out a runner on a WP/PB in Little League. The basepath's are too short.

Bob's comment on the "must slide rule" is right on the money. Such a rule is not only stupid, it can be dangerous.


Tim.