Two seasons ago, we introduced a new rule that’s been a hit with players, coaches, and families alike. It has made our games more exciting and has provided more confidence to our 9-and-under (9U) players learning to pitch.
When your player turns league-age 8, they will be placed in our Minors division which uses a 42' pitching distance (our AAA and Majors divisions use the standard 46'). That extra 4 feet makes a difference! We also follow all Little League pitch count rules and days rest thresholds (i.e. 50 pitches per day for 8's and 75 for 9's).
In order to speed up the pace of play and reduce the pitcher's anxiety and frustration, we introduced a modified player-pitch scenario. After the pitcher throws their second walk of an inning, instead of walking the batter, the batting team's coach heads to the mound to finish pitching to the batter. If the batter had one or two strikes, the count resets to only one strike. Coaches can't walk the batter but they can strike them out (see below for actual text of the rule). This usually leads to the ball being put in play, creating more action in the field. After the at-bat, the pitcher resumes pitching to the next batter. This "safety net" isn't something players often find in other leagues who may pull a young pitcher after several walks in an inning. Batters get to face more live pitching and walks are minimized as they are developing their skills.
Our modified player-pitch rule for 9U players provides valuable pitching experience and builds confidence throughout the season. It has been a game-changer for our Minors division, reducing pitcher frustration and increasing reps for fielders as well. It’s been a fantastic improvement to the player experience!
Minors Division rule #17: The Minor’s Division uses a modified kid-pitch during the regular season. A pitcher is allowed one walk/hit batter during an inning, before the modified kid pitch rule comes into effect. Any subsequent 4-ball count or hit batter by that same pitcher will result in a coach taking over the at-bat. If there were one or two strikes, the count will reset to one strike (balls no longer matter while the coach is pitching, as the player cannot reach first base as a result of a walk or hit-by-pitch during coach pitch). If there were no strikes, the count will reset to no strikes. Called strikes and swinging strikes will count during coach pitch. The pitcher will stay on the field, in their defensive position, and will return to the mound to pitch following the coach pitch at-bat. The rule will stay in effect until the end of the 1/2 inning, or until a new pitcher enters the game.
NOTE: The above pitching exception will not apply to the year-end playoffs. All playoff games will be player pitch.