Intermediate (50/70) - Little League Baseball
The Intermediate (50/70) Baseball Division was introduced in January 2010, which utilizes a 50-foot pitching distance and 70-foot base paths. It was formed by Little League International to: (1) provide an opportunity for players to transition incrementally from a 46/60 field to a full size 60/90 baseball field in high school (if they choose to play) ; (2) provide an opportunity for local leagues to offer a more competitive level of baseball during the regular season for advanced players; and (3) allow Little League to adapt with the changing environment of youth baseball. In the Intermediate Division, base runners are allowed to lead off and to steal at any time (they do not need to wait for the ball to cross the plate). In addition, pitchers and catchers may attempt to pick off a base runner who has led off too far. This makes the game much closer to what players see on tv, while competing on a field that is reasonable for their age.