SABA

Minor League

Rules

General Information

SABA Rules

Excerpt from SABA’s Mission Statement

The San Anselmo Association (SABA) is an independent, volunteer, community based organization whose goal is to teach the fundamentals of baseball and sportsmanship to our community’s kids.

SABA teaches behavior according to the principles of fairness, observance of the rules, respect for one’s opponent, and graciousness in winning or losing. Managers and coaches should take every opportunity to teach these values. Managers, coaches, parents, and spectators are expected to be positive role models and display proper sportsmanship at all times.

SABA Rules vs. Little League Rules For the most part, SABA Rules track the Official Regulations And Playing Rules published by Little League Baseball. However, SABA has modified some rules in an effort to ensure better competition and fairness at both the Minor and Major League levels.

On the web site, you will find a of charts that detail the various rules differences, which fall into three categories:

1) SABA Major League Rules vs. Little League Rules; 2) SABA Minor League Rules vs. Little League Rules; and 3) SABA Major League Rules vs. SABA Minor League Rules.

SABA’s Umpires SABA mainly uses youth Umpires to call the games. SABA takes time each season to fully educate and train its Umpires on the applicable SABA Rules.

Expected Conduct

Expected Player & Parent Conduct (LL Rule 4.06)

No Negativity Managers, coaches, or players cannot use negative or critical language toward opposing players, or the umpires, or their own teammates. The offending person will receive 1 warning, and thereafter will face ejection.

Noise Limitations No artificial noise in dugouts or stands. Air horns, bells, drums, music or other noise-making devices are prohibited.

Respect The Umpires & The Game Respect Umpires’ Calls. Never confront an about a call. The umpire must always be treated with respect. If you want to discuss a call or some aspect of the game, approach and speak with the Umpire calmly between .

Coach & Player Responsibilities 1. Move the game along. After , get your team on the field quickly and have the ready to warm up . Maximum of 3 minutes between innings. 2. Base Coaches must stay in the coaches’ boxes, except that they must get of way of thrown or . 3. Coaches may stand outside of , but stay alert and stay close to the fence. 4. All players should be in full uniform (hat, belt, etc.). No watches or jewelry. 5. Keep the field clear ─ keep bats, hats, equipment, and all team members in the dugout. 6. Clean the dugout at the end of the game.

Game Rules & Time Limits

Game Time Limitations

Time Limits These limits are intended to insure safety and the Game Schedule. Typically, no starts after 2:10 (130 minutes) from the start of the game (defined as the first ). An inning starts with the final out of the preceding inning.

Official Game Defined A game shall consist of 6 innings. The game shall be called at any time if the umpire determines that continuation of play is unsafe due to darkness, rain, or wet field. The completion of 4 innings (or 3 ½ innings if the home team is ahead) constitutes an official game if a game is called on account of the 2:10 time limit, darkness, or rain, or otherwise.

Extra Innings If 6 innings are played within the 2:10 time limit and the score is tied, then an extra inning shall be played to determine a winner.

Sunday Extra-Innings Limitation No new inning may start after the expiration of the time limit for Sunday games. There is no time limit for weeknight games, as daylight allows.

The League V.P. Has Authority League V.P.’s can adjust these rules at their discretion. The League VP will declare the game a tie or can schedule a continuation if the two teams meet again later in the season and the schedule allows.

Ties Standings are determined on winning percentage. A tie counts as a game played, and half a win.

Scoring Limitations

Limitations on Scoring

Maximum = 5 Runs Per Half Inning In the Minor Leagues, the half inning shall end after 5 runs are scored. Under this rule, the inning is immediately over once the 5th crosses home plate.

Home-Run-RBI Exception In the event of a clean – meaning that it clears fence (as opposed to an inside-the- park-home run) – all runs driven in by the home run will (and the inning ends when the homerun hitter crosses the plate).

Last Inning Exception (Last Inning Declared, 6th Inning, or ) There is no limit to the number of runs that a team can score in a half inning before three outs are made if it happens during: 1) The 6th inning (normally the last inning); or 2) Any extra inning beyond 6 innings; or 3) Any inning that has been declared to be the last inning by the umpire (prior to the start of the inning) due to darkness or time limit.

(This rule replaces the old 9-batter rule.)

Pitching

Pitching Limitations

Pitching Maximums Maximum = 2 Innings/Game Maximum = 4 Innings/Week may only pitch a maximum 2 innings per game and 4 innings total per week.

Week Defined The pitching week starts on Sunday morning and ends on Saturday night.

Inning Defined One pitch to a batter in a game constitutes an inning pitched. Warm-up pitches do not count. There are no fractions of innings. Example: If the pitcher pitches in the first and then throws only one pitch to a batter in the second inning, then the pitcher is deemed to have pitched two full innings.

Exception To Maximum 4 Innings Per Week Rule This rule applies when a team plays 3 games in a given week (Sunday through Saturday). A team may play 3 games in one week due to scheduling or due to rain make-up games. When a team plays 3 games in one week, an individual pitcher, may pitch a maximum of 6 innings total during that week. However, the rule requiring one day of rest between pitching outings (below) would still apply.

Mandatory Rest Between Pitching Outings Pitch 2 Innings ─ Rest 1 Day. If a pitcher pitches 2 innings in a given game, then the pitcher must rest one full day before pitching again. Example: If the pitcher pitches on Wednesday, he may not pitch on Thursday, and may not pitch again until Friday. (It’s not just 24 hours of rest.)

One Pitching Appearance Per Game Once a player is removed as pitcher, the player cannot pitch again in the same game.

Removal of Pitcher at Umpire’s Discretion If a Minor League pitcher hits 2 batters in an inning with a pitch, or hits 3 batters in a game, then the Umpire may remove the pitcher from the mound at the Umpire's discretion.

Catchers Must Wear Cup & Throat Protector (LL Rule 1.17)

Catchers Must Be Properly Equipped Catchers will not be allowed to without this protective equipment. It is the ’s responsibility to ensure compliance with this rule. This rule applies to practices and games.

Limitation on Coach Visits To The Mound (LL Rule 8.06)

Coach Visits To The Mound Are Limited Coaches may only visit the mound twice per inning. The pitcher must be changed on 3rd visit.

Wind Up & Set Positions (LL Rule 8.01)

Pitching Positions The pitcher must assume either the Wind Up Position or the Set Position prior to delivering the pitch. Prior to assuming the Wind Up Position or the Set Position, the pitcher may stand on the pitching plate with his hands apart. Prior to assuming either the Wind Up Position or the Set Positions (below), the pitcher may make a natural movement to assume one of the two positions.

The Wind Up Position Defined The Wind Up Position is when the pitcher’s front pivot foot is on the pitching plate, the pitcher is facing the batter, and he has both hands on the ball held in front of his body. From the Wind Up Position, the pitcher is allowed to take one step backward and one step forward with is free foot during the course of his pitching motion.

The Set Position Defined The Set Position is when the pitcher’s pivot foot is on the pitching plate, the pitcher is facing the batter, the pitcher’s free foot is positioned in front of the pitching plate, and he has both hands on the ball held in front of his body. The pitcher may elect to make a natural movement to assume the Set Position (known as the “Stretch”). However, after the Stretch movement, the pitcher must come to a complete stop in the Set Position before delivering the pitch.

Once Set, The Pitcher May Only Move The Head Generally, once the pitcher has come to a complete stop, he may only move his head (to check the runners) prior to delivering the pitch or making a move toward a base. Other movements may be interpreted as a . However, balk movements will not be penalized at the Minor League level.

Balks (LL Rules 8.01 & 8.05)

No Penalty for Balks will not be called at the Minor League level. For instructional purposes only, Minor League pitchers may be advised about balk movements by the Umpire and at the Umpire’s sole discretion.

Breaking Balls Prohibited

No Breaking Balls Allowed Absolutely no curve balls, sliders, or other breaking pitches of any kind are allowed in SABA. Absolutely no curve balls, sliders, or other breaking pitches of any kind are allowed in SABA. This rule applies to practices and games. This rule is designed to protect the pitcher’s arm. Pitches, other than , may be allowed, if the pitcher employs the same delivery, and if the pitcher does not break his wrist during the pitching delivery. This is a discretionary call for the Umpire.

Change-Ups & Knuckle Balls Permitted

Change-Ups & Knuckle Balls Permitted The Change-Up and Knuckle Ball pitches are specifically allowed, so long as the Pitcher does not break his wrist during the pitching delivery.

Pitching Rule Violations

Enforcement & Penalties All pitching rules are strictly enforced. The league VP has the authority to enforce forfeit penalties for violations. The intent of these pitching restrictions is to insure the players’ health and to institute fair play.

Batting

Distances & Measurements (Formerly SABA Rule 9)

Mound to Plate = 46 feet. Between Bases = 60 feet. = Armpits to top of knees. Bat = 33” maximum length. 2 ¼ ” maximum barrel diameter. No “Big barrel” bats. Only bats sanctioned for Little League play are permitted. Batters Box = 36” wide (measured from the edges of the plate). 6’ long (the back of which measures 27.5” from the back of the plate).

Hitting The Ball While Out of The Batter’s Box (LL Rule 6.03 & 6.06 (a) – Formerly SABA Rule 5)

Batter Must Be in The Batters Box At Contact (Batter Out) The batter is out, if one or both of the batter’s feet are outside the batters box when the batter swings and makes contact with the ball.

Bat While Batter Avoiding a Pitch (Batter Not Out; Strike Call) If the batter is getting out of the batter’s box to avoid an inside pitch, and the ball hits the bat, then there was no intent to swing. The batter is not out, but the pitch is a strike.

Bunt Attempts (Formerly SABA Rule 10)

The “Fake--Swing” Play Is Prohibited For safety reasons, the “fake-bunt-then-swing” play (aka the “Butcher Boy” play), is prohibited.

First Offense = & Warning The first time the fake-bunt-swing play is attempted, the Umpire will call time, preferably before the pitch is thrown, and instruct the batter to stop attempting the play. The Umpire will also issue a warning to both Managers that on the second offense, the pitch will automatically be called a strike.

Second Offense = Dead Ball & Strike Call If the fake-bunt-swing play is attempted again, the pitch will automatically be called a strike even if the batter hits the ball into fair territory.

Hit Batsman (LL Rule 6.08 (b) – Formerly SABA Rule 3)

Hit Batsman Advances to 1st Base If the batter is touched by a pitched ball, which the batter is not attempting to hit, then the batter is entitled to take 1st Base.

Exceptions The hit batsman is not entitled to 1st base if:

1. The ball is in the strike zone when it touches the batter; or 2. The batter makes no attempt to avoid being touched by the ball.

Notes 1. It is a strike if the ball hits the batter’s hand while he is attempting to hit the ball. 2. It is a hit batsman if the ball hits the batter’s hand while he is not attempting to hit the ball. 3. It shall be called a strike if the ball is in the strike zone when it touches the batter, whether or not the batter tries to avoid the ball. 4. It shall be called a ball if the ball is outside the strike zone when it touches the batter, and that batter made no attempt to avoid being touched. 5. On a hit batsman, the ball is dead and all runners return to their last occupied base unless forced to advance because of the hit batsman taking 1st Base.

Ground-Rule (LL Rule 6.09 (g), 7.05 (f) & (g) – Formerly SABA Rule 7)

The batter and all runners are awarded 2 bases from their position at the time of the pitch if the ball:

1. Bounces over or through a fence in fair territory; or 2. Is deflected or rolls out of play down either line; or 3. Is thrown out of play on the first play by an infielder.

The batter and all runners are awarded 2 bases from their position at the time of the throw if the ball is:

1. Thrown out of play by an outfielder; or 2. Thrown out of play by an infielder on a secondary play.

Batting Out of Order (LL Rule 6.07 – Formerly SABA Rule 2)

This is an . The umpire does not make this call without an appeal.

Timely Appeal Made While Still = Batter Not Out (Appeal Made While Still At-Bat)

If the improper batter is still at bat when the appeal is made:

1. The proper batter assumes his proper place at bat and replaces the improper batter; 2. The proper batter assumes the ball and strike count of the improper batter, if any; 3. All base-runner advances (steals, etc.) that occurred while the improper batter was batting count and are legal; 4. No one is out!

Timely Appeal Made After At-Bat = Batter Out (Appeal Made After At-Bat, But Before Next Pitch)

If the improper batter becomes a runner or is put out:

1. And an appeal is made either: a. Before the first pitch to the next batter (of either team); or b. Before any play is made; 2. The umpire shall declare that the proper batter is out; 3. The umpire shall nullify any advance or score resulting from a batted ball by the improper batter (advances due to steals, wild pitches, balks, etc. are legal); and 4. The next batter is the batter whose name follows that of the proper batter who was called out. (The next batter shall be the proper batter who occupies the next spot in the lineup after the proper batter.)

Untimely Appeal Made = Batter Not Out (Appeal Made After At-Bat, And After Next Pitch)

If the improper batter reaches base or is put out:

1. And a pitch is made to the next batter before an appeal is made; 2. The improper batter thereby becomes the proper batter; 3. The results of that at bat are legalized; 4. The next batter shall be the batter whose name follows that of the now-legalized improper batter. (The next batter shall be the proper batter who occupies the next spot in the lineup after the spot normally occupied by the improper batter. The instant an improper batter’s actions are legalized, the picks up with the name following that of the legalized improper batter.)

Limitation on Offensive Time Outs (Formerly noted under Problems, Rules to Know, and Myths)

Teams are permitted to take only 1 offensive timeout per inning.

Foul-Tip Rule Myth (LL Rule 7.08 (c) & (j) – Formerly SABA Item No. 4 under Problems, Rules to Know, and Myths)

Caught Foul-Tip = Strike If the ball nicks the bat and goes sharply and directly into the catcher’s hand or glove and is caught, this is a foul-tip by definition. A caught foul-tip is a strike and the ball is live. If the ball is not caught, it is a .

A runner may perform a legal steal on a caught foul-tip. It is the same as a-swing-and-a- miss.

Infield Fly Rule (IFR) (LL Rule 2.00 Definition – Formerly SABA Rule 6)

No Fly Rule The does not apply in Minor League games.

The Base Paths

Avoiding Collisions (LL Rule 7.08 (a)(3) – Formerly SABA Rule 4)

Runner Fails to or Get Around Fielder (Runner Out) If the fielder:

1. Has the ball, and 2. Is waiting to tag the runner;

And the runner:

1. Does not slide; or 2. Does not attempt to get around the fielder who has the ball;

Then, the penalty is:

3. The runner is out.

Runner Intentionally Collides with A Fielder (Runner Out) If a thrown ball is reaching the fielder, and the runner intentionally collides with the fielder, then runner is out. This is a judgment call.

Head-First Sliding Prohibited

Players May Not Slide Head First (Runner Out) In the Minor League, runners may only slide feet first. A runner who slides head first is out.

Offensive (LL Rule 7.09 (f) – (i); 7.06 (a) & (b) – Formerly SABA Rule 1)

Any Interference with Fielding A Batted Ball (Runner Out) The runner must avoid a fielder who is attempting to field a batted ball. Regardless of whether the interference was intentional or unintentional, the offensive team will be penalized.

If the fielder is attempting to field a batted ball, and the runner collides or interferes with the fielder (whether intentionally or unintentionally), then:

1. The runner is out for interference; 2. The ball is dead; and 3. All other runners return to the last legally-touched base.

Intentional Interference with Fielders (Runner Out & Batter Out) If the runner intentionally interferes with a fielder who is attempting to:

1. Make a , or 2. Catch a thrown ball, or 3. Throw a ball to complete a play;

Then the penalty is:

1. The runner is out; and 2. The batter is out.

Intentional Interference to Break Up Double Play (Lead Runner Out & Batter Out) If the runner intentionally interferes with a fielder to break up a double play, then:

1. The batter is out; and 2. The runner closest to home is out.

Intentional Interference with A Thrown Ball (Runner Out) If the runner intentionally interferes with a ball that has been thrown (as opposed to the act of throwing), then:

1. The runner is out.

Defensive (LL Rule 7.09 (f) – (i); 7.06 (a) & (b) – Formerly SABA Rule 1)

Obstruction of Runner (Runners May Advance) Fielders must avoid obstructing the runners. The defensive team will be penalized for either intentional or unintentional obstruction.

The fielder has obstructed the runner if the fielder: 1. Does not have possession of the ball; and 2. Is not attempting to field the ball; and 3. The fielder impedes the progress of any runner (whether intentionally or unintentionally); . Obstruction of Play on The Runner If the obstruction occurs while the defense is making a play on the obstructed runner: 1. The ball is dead; and 2. All runners advance to the base they would have reached had there been no obstruction.

Obstruction of Secondary Runner If the obstruction occurs while the defense is not making a play on the obstructed runner: 1. The play shall proceed until no further action is possible; and 2. The umpire shall then call “time” and impose such penalties, if any, which, in that umpire’s judgment, will nullify the act of obstruction.

Examples of Obstruction 1. The Catcher blocks home plate without possession of the ball. 2. On a ball hit to the , the First Baseman stands in base path between 1st and 2nd, forcing the runner to stop or go way around him. 3. Any time a runner runs into any fielder who does not have the ball and is not fielding the ball.

Over-Running 1st Base (LL Rule 7.08 (c) & (j)) (Formerly SABA Item No. 4 under Problems, Rules to Know, and Myths)

Over-Running 1st Base Rules The batter/runner may turn left or right after crossing 1st Base, provided that if he turns left he does not attempt to advance. Any attempt to advance is a judgment call made by the umpire. The requirement is that the runner must immediately return to 1st Base after over- running or over-sliding it.

Note: It is best to teach runners to over-run first base to the right (into foul territory) and return immediately and directly to the base.

Right Turn Rule Myth A runner is not “live” simply because he/she turned slightly to the left or into fair territory.

Runners Missing Bases (Formerly SABA Item No. 1 under Problems, Rules to Know, and Myths)

Appeal & Penalty If the runner misses a base, and the defense appeals correctly, then the runner is out. This does not affect other runners or runs scored. If not a force-out situation, then all other runners can score if they were ahead of the runner who missed a base.

However, no runs score if:

1. It is the 3rd out; and 2. It was a force out (the batter missed first base).

Base Responsibilities for Umpires (Formerly SABA Item No. 2 under Problems, Rules to Know, and Myths)

Duties of Umpires The Base Umpire is responsible for plays made at 1st and 2nd bases. The Plate Umpire is responsible for plays made at 3rd base and Home Plate.

However either umpire can call a runner out on appeal if he sees a runner miss a base. Umpires are instructed to be alert and watch all runners touch each base. If the umpire was not watching or is unsure, then the umpire shall call the runner .

Appeals (Formerly SABA Item No. 3 under Problems, Rules to Know, and Myths)

Remember that the ball is live during appeal plays and other base runners may steal and/or score.

Appeal During Play (When Time Has Not Been Called) An appeal can be made immediately (during the play without calling time) at the missed base in question. To properly lodge an appeal, a fielder must: 1. Hold the ball; 2. Touch the base; and 3. Announce the violation while holding the ball and touching the base, e.g., "Runner #2 missed the base.”

Appeal After Time Has Been Called To lodge an appeal after time has been called, the defense must do all of the following: 1. The Pitcher must get the ball; 2. The Pitcher must stand on the rubber; 3. The Pitcher must wait for the umpire to signal to "play ball", then, 4. The Pitcher must step off the rubber and throw – or go – to the base in question; 5. The Pitcher or fielder must hold the ball; 6. The Pitcher or fielder must touch the base; and 7. The Pitcher or Fielder who is holding the ball and touching the base must announce the violation, e.g., "Runner #2 missed the base.”

Steals in Minors

In order to promote skill development and competition, SABA has developed specialized rules for the Minor League Games regarding steals.

Entire Season 1. Runners cannot steal home ever. 2. Runners cannot score ever on a or a in the Minor Leagues. 3. Runners cannot steal on the pitcher. (The runner cannot start to steal while the pitcher is still holding the ball.) 4. Runners must remain on base until the pitch reaches the batter. 5. Runners can steal only one base at a time. (The Runner may not advance on a ball that is overthrown in an effort to stop a steal attempt.) 6. In the Minor League, following a pitched ball, a runner may be caught wandering or dancing off a base. If the runner draws a pick-off throw by the catcher or pitcher, the runner cannot advance on the throw, even if overthrown. Advancing on such a play is considered a delayed steal and would therefore be illegal in the Minor Leagues. However, the runner may be tagged out in this situation. In the event of an overthrow on such a pick-off attempt, all runners must return to the base occupied before the pitch. 7. After a ball is put in play by a batter, and a fielder overthrows in an attempt to get the batter or a lead runner out, this is not considered to be an overthrown pick-off attempt, even if the ball is thrown behind the runner. It is a and the runners may advance more than one base on the overthrow, subject to the ground-rule-double limitation, if any. (Example: Runner on 1st and the batter hits to the Left Fielder. As the lead runner rounds 2nd, the Left Fielder attempts to put out the lead runner at 2nd base, but overthrows. It is a live ball and both the lead runner and the batter may continue to advance all the way home if the ball is not deemed to be a ground-rule double.)

First Half of The Season (Cannot Steal on PB or WP) 1. Runners cannot advance or steal on a passed ball or a wild pitch. 2. If a pitch bounces or rolls away from the catcher in any direction, it is a passed ball or a wild pitch, and runners may not advance or steal. 3. To steal a base, the runner must wait to steal until the ball is either: a. In catcher’s glove; or b. Directly in front of the catcher, at the catcher’s feet.

Second Half of The Season (Can Steal on PB or WP) 1. Runners may advance or steal on a passed ball or wild pitch. (But, runners may not score on a passed ball or wild pitch.) 2. No delayed steals. If a runner is not in the act of stealing when the catcher obtains possession of the ball (on a caught ball), then no steal is allowed. 3. If the pitch is a wild pitch or a passed ball, then the runner may decide to leave at that point, in the second half of the season. 4. Runners may not steal on the catcher’s overthrow to pitcher (considered a delayed steal).

Runners Leaving Early (LL Rule 7.13 – Formerly SABA Rule 8)

Runners Cannot Leave Early In Minor Leagues, runners cannot leave until pitched ball reaches batter. If one runner leaves early, all runners are affected.

Penalty If The Ball Was Not Hit (Runners Go Back, Unless Out) If a runner leaves early and the ball is not hit, then the runners are sent back to their respective bases, unless they were thrown out. If they were thrown out, then they are out.

Penalty If The Ball Was Hit (Runners Go Back, Unless Forced To Advance) If the runner leaves early and the ball is hit, at the end of play, the batter gets his base, and all runners are sent back unless forced to advance by the batter.

rd Dropped 3 Strikes (LL Rule 6.09 (b))

No Advancement on Dropped 3rd Strikes In the Minor League, the batter may not advance on a dropped 3rd strike. Other runners may advance on a dropped 3rd strike in accord with the rules set forth above.

Live Ball Rule

Runners Must Stop Upon Return of The Ball to The Pitcher Near The Mound On a ball put in play, a runner cannot advance once the ball has been returned to the pitcher on or near the mound. The pitcher must catch and remain in possession of the throw to hold the runner(s).

If a runner was advancing to the next base at the time the ball was returned to the pitcher, the runner can take that base so long as he is safe. (“Leading” off a base does not count as advancing to the next base.)

Batting Order & Substitutions

Entire Team Bats in Order & Must Play Defense (Formerly SABA Rule IV)

The Batting Order must include all team members who are not absent or injured. All team members bat in order regardless of whether the player is in the game on defense.

Minimum Defensive Playing Time Each player must play a minimum of defensive 3 innings in a 6-inning game. Penalty = forfeit.

Substitutions Substitutions occur in the defensive portion of the game. Penalty = forfeit.

A player has officially entered game once he takes the position (in the field, the batter’s box, or at a base). (LL Rule 3.08.)

Missed At-Bat Due To Injury, Illness, Or Otherwise If, due to an injury, illness, or other circumstance, a batter is unable to bat when his or her spot in the lineup comes up, the manager must advise the umpire and the opposing manager and elect one of the following two options:

1. Skip Turn ─ Record Out As Penalty ─ Re-Enter Later Have that batter skip his or her spot in the batting order and record an out for the missed at-bat, but the player remains eligible to re-enter the game at a later time. The manager must advise the umpire and the opposing manager prior to allowing the player to re-enter the game; OR 2. Skip Turn ─ No Penalty Out Recorded ─ But Not Re-Enter Later Permanently remove the batter for the rest of the game, in which case no out will be recorded. The injured batter's spot in the lineup will be skipped for the remainder of the game without penalty, but the injured player may not re-enter the game.

Playing with Only 8 Players When playing with only 8 players, the 9th position in the batting order is an automatic out.

Minor League Players Are Permitted To Play in Major League Games

Minor League Player Entitled To At Least One At-Bat In order to avoid a forfeit, a Major League team may invite a Minor League player to play in a Major League game (known as having a “cup of coffee in the bigs”). Once invited, and once the Minor League player arrives at the field for the game, the Major League team must allow the Minor League player to have at least one at bat, but is not otherwise obligated to observe the batting rules and defensive substitution rules with regard to the Minor League player.

Typically, this rule is used to field a team so that Major League players may fulfill other commitments (school plays, recitals, etc.) Often the Major League player will arrive late to the game, after which the Minor League replacement player is no longer needed.

Coaches are encouraged to allow the Minor League player to play more than just the one at- bat to which they are entitled. However, the Manager has complete discretion to play the Minor League player as much or as little as the manager wants beyond the one at-bat to which the Minor League player is entitled.

Minor League Player Must Bat At The End Of The Batting Order All Major League players must fill the Line Up card first, after which the Minor League player(s) may be listed. If Major League players are listed but not present (and are expected to arrive late), then the batting order simply skips over those Major League players without penalty for the skipped at-bat.

Example: If the Major League team can only field 7 Major League players and 2 Minor League players for the beginning of the game, and expects 2 more Major League players to show up after the second inning, then the Major League team should list all 9 Major League players on its Line Up card as if all players were present at the beginning of the game. The Minor League players should be listed in the 10th and 11th spots on the Line Up card. The Major League team would then simply skip the missing Major League players’ at-bats until those players arrived and no outs would be recorded for those missed at bats.

Minor League Player May Not Pitch Or Play Infield A Minor League player may not pitch in any Major League game. A Minor League player may not play infield in any Major League game, unless there are not enough Major League players available to staff the 6 infield positions.