Major Baseball – Rule Variations / Clarifications
This document covers clarifications and variations of the Little League® Official Regulations, Playing Rules, and Policies manual (“LL handbook”) for games in the West Point Little League Majors Division.
All rules not listed below will be covered under Official Little League Rules. At the Major League Division of WPLL, the on-field playing rules are as close to the on-field playing rules as the Little League International Tournament as possible. The league has made some “local modifications” due to time restrictions and to increase the involvement of all players.
Definition of Major League
West Point Little League defines the age range of the Majors Division to be between Little League ages 9-12. The teams at the Major League Division of baseball at West Point Little League are to take the names of Current and or defunct Major League Baseball Teams.
WPLL Majors Baseball Local Game Rules
1. No new inning will start after 1 hour and 55 minutes from the first pitch of the game.
i. A new inning starts as soon as the third out is made in the bottom half of an inning.
b. Coaches will verify the start time with each other.
c. If a game is tied after 6 innings the game will end in a tie unless the 6th inning ends before the 1 hour and 45 minutes mark.
2. Teams MAY run for their pitcher or catcher (to speed up the game).
a. Does not have to be the pitcher or catcher from the last inning if they are to pitch or catch the next inning.
b. You may run for a pitcher so they can warm up to pitch.
i. WPLL Understands that arm health is a top priority and players should be given time to warm up if possible.
3. All eligible players must play a minimum of three innings (nine defensive outs)
a. This is the minimum please make sure kids play as much as possible.
4. Each team will track batting order, runs, hits, errors, etc. for the inning, for the game using the GameChanger.
5. A minimum of eight players is required to begin a game.
a. Each team is assigned call up players who are to be added to the roster first.
b. If the call-up players are not available a list of call up players and contact information is shared with manager.
i. Call up players on this list are to be used in a rotation
1. Once a player is used, they go to the bottom of the list.
ii. Coaches are to make their best effort to have atleast 10 players at every game and give call-up players the opportunity to participate. Every effort is to be made to not use players from other Majors Teams.
1. If a team must use a player from another team that player is to bat last and play Left or Right Field only.
2. Exception, a catcher can catch if they are replacing a catcher.
iii. Every effort should be made so that a team does not have to borrow a player from another team.
1. The player borrowed is to play the outfield position nearest his teams’ dugout.
2. The player is to be the player that was batting when the last out was recorded.
Point of Emphasis
1. Pitches Between innings or for new pitchers
a. New pitchers can throw 8 pitchers
b. Pitchers returning to the mound can throw up to 5 pitches.
2. +10-run mercy rule in place after 4 innings (3 and ½ for the home team).
3. Dropped 3rd strike
4. Infield fly rule are in effect.