Minor League Baseball Rules

Minor league baseball is not just a game played by younger players, there are a number of different rules compared to official baseball. Anyone coaching a Little League team will need to know the variations in order to properly teach younger players.

Differences in field design

• When minor league baseball is played, the field is generally about 2/3 of a regulation ball diamond in size; instead of 90 feet between the bases, there should only be 60 feet.
• The pitcher stands 46 feet from the batter’s box, instead of 60 1/2 feet from regulation baseball.

Game rules

• All players on the roster will play a minimum of 2 innings on the field and have a chance to hit at least once.
• In addition, any player who leaves the game may return, as long as his substitutes also play 2 innings and have a turn at bat.
• A minor league baseball game lasts 6 innings instead of 9. – A game is declared over once either side gains a 10-run lead over the other team.
• After the third strike, the batter is out. It doesn’t matter if the catcher holds onto the ball on strike three.
• There are no designated hitters in minor league baseball. The 9 players go up to bat according to their position on the list.
• All runners must remain on base until the ball reaches the batter when he pitches it.
• There are limits to the number of throws any player can make, depending on age. For example, an 11-year-old can only throw 85 pitches, but an 8-year-old is limited to 50. Pitchers are also given rest periods, depending on how many have been thrown.
• A manager may visit the pitcher on the mound twice during an inning, as opposed to the one-time statutory limit.
• If a game is canceled due to rain, it will count as an officially complete game if four innings have been played. If the home team is the leader, only 3 1/2 innings are needed.
• Doubles matches can only be held once a week maximum, unless one of the games is played to continue a previous suspended tie game.