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Little League

Shakopee League Little League (Grade 3)

 

4/28/12
  • Little League will start in early May with three practices prior to the first game; the third practice may be used as a partial scrimmage if coaches choose to do so. 
  • Basic infield, outfield, hitting, throwing, pitching, catching, and base-running fundamentals are stressed in pre-game practices and games. Players should arrive at 6:00 sharp for a 30-minute practice prior to the actual game.  Each team will have 15 minutes on the infield prior to the game (home team first, then visitors). Games are 5 innings or as many innings as can be played prior to 8:00 – don’t start an inning after 8:00 but you may complete an inning – encourage players to HUSTLE between innings for maximum playing time. 
  • During games prior to June 21, one coach should be in the field with his team instructing his players and helping to ump the bases, if no ump is available. For the second half of the regular season and playoffs, coaches should coach from the bench and coaching boxes – instructing players throughout the game. Coaches may stop the game for instructional purposes, if and when necessary – especially early in the season to explain rules/situations, etc. 
  • Game scores are recorded but don’t make game results the main focus – have fun and strive for individual and team improvement each game! The WINNING team should send an e-mail to TBD by Friday of each week – the sooner, the better.
  • Bases are 60 feet. Pitching rubber is approximately 44 feet
  • 2 ¼” barrel bats only
  • No metal cleats
  • 10 players play defense at a time (4 OF, 4 IF, P – defense only, and C). If less than 10 players are available, eliminate outfield positions. No player should sit out defensively for more than two innings in a row (equal playing time for regular season).
  • Coaches are responsible for rotating players’ defensive positions (open substituting) and batting order (keep the same order for the game). Coaches should ensure that all players play one infield and outfield position per game, if possible. It is recommended that players do not rotate defensively every inning, so they can better grasp the concept of each position (two positions per game is good). Coaches should be sure that all players play every position (including pitcher) and bat in every position in the batting order some time during the year.
  • Players pitch all innings (coaches finish pitching after four balls to a batter or a batter is hit by a pitch). 
    • Pitchers should warm up between innings so they are ready to pitch. 
    • If there is no umpire, coaches ump and pitch to their own teams. Be fair and have fun! Pitch to make the hitters better = similar or a bit faster speed than the players who pitch.
    • Three strikes on a batter is an out. No walks. (These apply whether a player or coach is pitching.)
    • All players should get an equal chance to pitch during the season. Encourage all to pitch!
    • Players should practice pitching at home between games!
  • Three outs per inning or a maximum of five runs can be scored in an inning.
  • No bunting or stealing, but players may advance one base on an overthrow. Base-runners cannot advance on a wild pitch/passed ball by the catcher – might be added later for advanced play = TBA.
  • Base-runners must stop their advancement of the next base once the ball is in control of an infielder, pitcher, or catcher. Stress hitting cut offs and backing up throws!
  • Dropped third strike is an automatic out; no infield fly rule enforced.
  • Sliding to all bases when there is a play at that base is encouraged (except first - run through it
  • A courtesy runner (last batter(s) who made an out) should be used for the catcher and/or pitcher after two outs – get catchers’ gear on - speed up the game.
  • Play the bottom of the fifth inning regardless of the score, if possible (even if home team is winning). The final score does not matter . . . winning team’s coach simply reports the win, not the scores.
 
 
Advanced Play: 
  • After June 21 the Little League season is played with players doing all of the pitching (still two innings maximum per player per game) and stressing that defense controls the baseball (hit cut offs and back up throws) or the offensive team should keep running.
  • Walks will be counted after June 21 as the players will do all the pitching.
 
  • An end-of-season tournament will be played with games at the regular times and locations (TBD) on July 16 and 18 - with final games on Saturday, July 21, at Tahpah Park. 
  • The playoff schedule will be based on regular season standings. 
  • Playoff games will be six innings with no time limit or runs per inning rule
  • 10-run rule after 5 innings (game over if one team is leading by 10 or more runs after 5 innings)
  • Coaches may play and bat players where they choose for this tournament; however, no player should sit out for more than two innings per playoff game. 
  • A player may only pitch two innings per playoff game. 
  • Players may play the same position for the entire playoff game (except pitchers).

Chet Meyer

Little League Coordinator