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Riverside-Bradford Baseball League

Riverside-Bradford Baseball League

General Rules

Riverside Bradford Baseball League

Major A Rules

 
1. The pitching distance is 50 feet at this level.  Pitchers must be in contact with the rubber when they release the ball.  If not, then the umpires will call an illegal pitch and a ball.
 
2. The base path distances are 70 feet. Base runners may lead at their own peril.
 
3. At the umpire’s discretion, a pitcher may hit only two batters in an inning and three in a game. Velocity, control, and intent will be factors.
 
4. Balks will be called.  The umpire will issue one warning per pitcher per game.  If a warning is issued, a coach may take an immediate trip to the mound to instruct the pitcher and will not be charged with a trip to the mound.
 
5. On an uncaught third strike with no runner on first base, or with two outs, the batter immediately becomes a runner and can advance to first base with liability to be put out.  If, at the time of the strike three pitch, first base is occupied with fewer than two outs, the batter is out and does not become a runner, and all runners on base can advance at their own risk.  A batter who does not realize his situation and is not in the process of running to first base will be declared out once he leaves the dirt circle surrounding home plate.
 
6. All available players will bat in the game in a continuous order.  The order may be changed from game to game.
 
7. Each player must bat in one of the top 4 positions in the batting order at least twice during the season.
 
8. Runners can advance on all overthrows when the ball stays in play.  Runners cannot advance when the pitcher has the ball on the mound OR if the catcher has the ball near home plate and the runner has retreated to the last occupied base, allowing a throw to the pitcher.  A runner has retreated if the runner steps back/moves toward his/her last occupied base.  The umpire will decide if the runner has retreated.    Note:  If a play is made on a runner who has retreated toward his/her last occupied base and the ball is overthrown, the runner may now advance at his/her own discretion.  The mound is defined as the circle, of 10-foot diameter, surrounding the pitching rubber.  The umpire will use their best discretion. 
 
Example 1:  After the pitch, the runner on third base comes off the base a few feet in the direction of home plate (i.e., takes a lead).  The catcher has the ball and the third base runner steps back toward third base.  The runner cannot advance to home plate when the catcher throws the ball to the pitcher.  In this case, the runner has retreated by moving back to the third base.
 
Example 2:  After the pitch, the runner on second base comes off the base a few feet in the direction of third base (i.e., takes a lead).  The catcher has the ball and the second base runner holds his/her ground or continues moving toward third base.  The runner can attempt to advance to third base when the catcher throws the ball to the pitcher.  In this case, the runner has not retreated to the last occupied base.
 
Example 3:  After the pitch, the runner on third base aggressively comes off the base in the direction of home plate (i.e., takes a lead).  The catcher has the ball and the third base runner steps back toward third base.  The catcher throws the ball to the third baseman, but the ball is overthrown.  The runner now has the opportunity to advance to home plate at his/her own discretion.
 
Example 4: If a pick-off attempt is overthrown, the runner can advance and will not be counted as a steal.
 
9. Three successful steals will be allowed per inning.  A balk is NOT considered a steal.  A team can only advance home once an inning on a steal OR a balk.
 
10. The umpire will issue one warning per team about throwing the bat.  A second offense will result in an out.
 
11. Catchers and fielders cannot block a base.  The runner must have access to the base.  Obstruction will be called at the umpire’s discretion.
 
12. The infield fly rule will be enforced.
 
13. Umpires make final determination on ALL RULES.  Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken League rules prevail on any situation not covered above.

Contact

Riverside-Bradford Baseball League
PO Box 5483 
Bradford, Massachusetts 01835

Email: [email protected]

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