Cal Ripken Baseball Rules for the 2021 Season

The 2021 Cal Ripken baseball season is just around the corner, so here are the updated rules to make sure you’re prepared for the season!

Introduction

Cal Ripken Baseball is excited to announce the rule changes for the 2021 season. We have made some changes to our rules in order to make the game more fair, exciting, and enjoyable for all involved.

Here are the highlights of the rule changes for the upcoming season

-The batter will be awarded first base if he is hit by a pitch while trying to bunt.
-A runner cannot advance to second base on a wild pitch or passed ball if first base is unoccupied.
-A pitcher must declare his intention to throw to first base before he throws home on a pickoff attempt.
-Pitchers will be allowed to throw two innings in relief per game.
-The distance between bases will be increased from 90 feet to 100 feet.

Pitching

There are a few changes to the pitching rules for the 2021 season. Pitchers must now pitch from a distance of 60 feet, 6 inches from home plate The strike zone has also been slightly tweaked; it is now defined as the area over home plate between the batter’s armpits and the top of their knees. Lastly, pitchers are only allowed to throw one “foreign substance” per game, such as Pine Tar rosin, etc.

Hitting

-Every batter starts with a count of three balls and one strike.
-A foul ball counts as a strike, except when the batter already has two strikes. In that case, it counts as the third strike and the batter is out.
-If a batter hits a pitch and the ball is caught by the catcher before it touches the ground, the batter is out.
-If a batted ball hits the pitcher or his equipment while he is on the mound, it is a Dead Ball and the batter is awarded first base.

Fielding

In order to be eligible to play in the field during a game, each player must play at least three defensive innings in the field. There are nine defensive positions on a baseball diamond and all field positions are considered fair territory. The infield positions include first base, second base, third base and shortstop. The catcher and all four outfield positions make up the fair territory. If a team has less than nine eligible players available to play in the field during a game, that team forfeits the game.

Base Running

One of the most important aspects of playing baseball is Base running This year, there are a few changes to the rules that everyone should be aware of. Here is a quick guide to Base running in the 2021 season:

-You can now lead off from first base before the pitcher has thrown the ball. This means you can get a Head Start towards second base as soon as the pitcher windup up.
-You are now allowed to steal any base, even home plate when the catcher is not paying attention. This means that you can be more aggressive on the bases, and try to score some cheap runs.
-If you get tagged out while trying to steal a base, you will now be out automatically. This rule is designed to discourage players from taking unnecessary risks on the bases.

Keep these rules in mind when you are playing baseball this season, and always play safe!

Game Play

Each game shall consist of seven (7) innings, or six (6) innings if the home team is ahead after five and a half (5 1/2) innings have been played, or if the game is called because of weather or light conditions. If a game is tied after seven (7) innings have been played, Extra Innings shall be played until a decision is reached.

The visiting team shall be at bat first and the home team second in each inning. The batting order for each team shall include all eligible players. Substitutes may be used freely, but once a player is removed from the game, he/she may not re-enter. A pinch runner may be used for any player at any time during the game. A starting player who leaves the game for any reason, including injury, may not return to that game.

Coaches

Each team shall field no more than 11 Defensive Players All players on the defensive team, including the pitcher and catcher, shall be wearing protective baseball gloves The catcher must wear a baseball mask

The pitcher shall deliver the ball to the batter within 20 seconds after he receives the ball. The batter shall have up to 10 seconds to take his stance once he enters the batter’s box. Once the pitched ball hits the ground, it is in play and the batter may attempt to advance to first base or any other base.

A baserunner may not lead off his respective base until the pitched ball has reached home plate A baserunner who leaves his respective base too early will be called out.

Stealing bases is allowed in Cal Ripken Baseball A baserunner may attempt to steal any time after the pitched ball reaches home plate as long as he does not leave his respect base too early. If a baserunner is caught stealing, he will be called out.

Umpires

All games will be played under the Official Baseball Rules, as amended by Cal Ripken Baseball These rules will be supplemented by specific Cal Ripken Baseball Rules which are set forth below. The Official Baseball Rules take precedence over any conflicting Cal Ripken baseball rule

All managers and coaches are responsible for the conduct of their players and bench personnel. Umpires have the authority to eject players, managers, coaches or other persons violating the rules from a game. The ejected person must leave the immediate playing area and take no further part in that game. A report must be filed with the Tournament Director for any person ejected from a game.

Umpires will be on the field 30 minutes prior to game time for a pre-game conference with both managers/coaches.

Each team must provide their own catcher(s). No Metal cleats are allowed – rubber or molded plastic only.

Parents

Cal Ripken Baseball is committed to helping parents understand the rules of the game so they can better support their child’s participation. The following information covers some of the key rules parents should know for the 2021 season.

-Each team must have a minimum of 9 players and a maximum of 10 players on the field at all times.
-Bunting is allowed.
-The Infield Fly Rule is in effect.
-Pitching limits are as follows:
9-10 year olds – 85 pitches per game
11-12 year olds – 95 pitches per game
13-16 year olds – 105 pitches per game

Miscellaneous

-All games will be played on a regulation size baseball field
-The distance between bases is 60 feet.
-The Pitching Mound will be at a distance of 60 feet 6 inches from home plate
-The length of the game will be 9 innings, unless the teams are tied at the end of 9 innings, in which case the game will continue until one team is ahead after an extra inning.
-Each team will have 3 outs per inning.
-Each team can bat a maximum of 9 players per inning.
-A player must reach base safely in order to score a run. A run is scored when the player crosses home plate after successfully touching all 3 bases.