Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Pitch limits?
2. Pitcher rest day requirements?
3. Game times?
4. Dropped Third Strike rule?
5. Lead off and stealing bases?
6. Infield Fly rule?
7. Batter interference?
8. Out of the baseline?
9. Fielder touches a foul ball?
10. Batting out of order?
11. Illegal bat?
12. Not enough players?
13. Warmup between innings?
14. Pool play in older age groups?
15. Balk?

1. How many pitches can players throw?

Little League has pitch count limits based on age to protect young arms:

• Ages 7-8: 50 pitches per day
• Ages 9-10: 75 pitches per day
• Ages 11-12: 85 pitches per day
• Ages 13-16: 95 pitches per day 

2. How many days of rest are required after pitching?

Pitchers must adhere to the following rest schedule:

• 1-20 pitches: No rest required
• 21-35 pitches: 1 calendar day of rest
• 36-50 pitches: 2 calendar days of rest
• 51-65 pitches: 3 calendar days of rest
• 66 or more pitches: 4 calendar days of rest 

3. What are the game times?

• T-ball:  1:15
• Rookie 6: 1:20
• Rookie 7: 1:25
• Minor 8: 1:30
• Minor 9: 1:35
• Minor 10: 1:40
• Minor 11: 1:40
• Intermediates: 1:45
• Jr/Sr: 1:50
• Adult: 1:55

4. What is the dropped third strike rule?

The Dropped Third Strike rule applies when the catcher fails to catch a pitch that is the third strike. The batter may attempt to run to first base if:

• First base is unoccupied, or
• There are two outs, regardless of whether first base is occupied.

If the batter reaches first base safely before being tagged or thrown out, they remain on base. This rule encourages catchers to secure third strikes and keeps the play alive.

5. What age groups can lead off and steal bases?

• Lead-offs: Allowed in Intermediate (50/70), Junior, and Senior divisions.
• Stealing: Permitted in all divisions starting with Minor 9, but lead-offs are only allowed for older divisions. 

6. What is the infield fly rule?

The infield fly rule applies when:

• Runners are on first and second, or bases loaded.
• Fewer than two outs.
• A fair fly ball (not a bunt or line drive) can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort.

The batter is automatically out, and runners may advance at their own risk.

7. What is batter interference?

Batter interference occurs if:

• The batter steps out of the box during a play.
• The batter impedes the catcher’s throw.

The batter is out, and runners return to their original bases.

8. What is considered out of the baseline?

A runner is out if they leave their baseline by more than three feet to avoid a tag unless avoiding interference with a fielder fielding the ball.

9. What happens if a fielder touches a foul ball?

If a fielder touches a ball in foul territory:

• If caught, the batter is out.
• If dropped, the ball remains foul. 

10. What happens if a batter is out of order?

11. What is the penalty for using an illegal bat?

• If discovered before the first pitch: The bat is removed with no penalty.
• If discovered after a play: The batter is out, and runners return to their original bases. 

12. What happens if a team doesn’t have enough players?

• Minimum of 7 players to start a game
• Late arrivals go to end of batting order
• Outs will be taken automatically for 8th and 9th batters that are not present
• If players show-up they will be added to the end of the lineup and no out will be taken for that spot and the team is no longer required to take the outs

13. How much time is allowed between innings for warmups?

• A maximum of  one minute or eight warmup pitches is allowed between innings to maintain pace of play. 

14. Can players pool play in older age groups?

• Players may “play up” one divisions with league approval but cannot “play down” to younger divisions.

15. What is a "balk?"

A balk is an illegal action by the pitcher designed to deceive the baserunners, which results in all runners advancing one base. It typically occurs in the following situations:

• The pitcher starts their pitching motion but does not complete it.
• The pitcher makes a motion toward home plate without delivering the ball.
• The pitcher fakes a throw to first base without stepping off the pitching rubber.
• The pitcher fails to come to a complete stop in the set position.

The balk rule exists to ensure fair play and prevent pitchers from unfairly tricking baserunners. It applies in Intermediate (50/70), Junior, and Senior divisions but not in lower divisions like Minor or Major League Baseball.