1.00 Objectives of the Game.

1.01 Baseball is a game between two teams of nine players each, under direction of a manager, played on an enclosed field in accordance with these rules, under jurisdiction of one or more umpires.

1.02 The objective of each team is to win by scoring more runs than the opponent.

1.03 The winner of the game shall be that team which shall have scored, in accordance with these rules, the greater number of runs at the conclusion of a regulation game.

1.04 THE PLAYING FIELD. The field shall be laid out according to the instructions below, supplemented by Diagrams No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3. The infield shall be a 90 foot square. The outfield shall be the area between two foul lines formed by extending two sides of the square, as in Diagram 1. The distance from home base to the nearest fence, stand or other obstruction on fair territory shall be 250 feet or more. A distance of 320 feet or more along the foul lines, and 400 feet or more to center field is preferable. The infield shall be graded so that the base lines and home plate are level. The pitcher's plate shall be 10 inches above the level of home plate. The degree of slope from a point 6 inches in front of the pitcher's plate to a point 6 feet toward home plate shall be 1 inch to 1 foot, and such degree of slope shall be uniform. The infield and outfield, including the boundary lines, are fair territory and all other area is foul territory. It is desirable that the line from home base through the pitchers plate to second base shall run East Northeast. It is recommended that the distance from home base to the backstop, and from the base lines to the nearest fence, stand or other obstruction on foul territory shall be 60 feet or more. When location of home base is determined, with a steel tape measure 127 feet, 3 3/8 inches in desired direction to establish second base. From home base, measure 90 feet toward first base; from second base, measure 90 feet toward first base; the intersection of these lines establishes first base. From home base, measure 90 feet toward third base; from second base, measure 90 feet toward third base; the intersection of these lines establishes third base. The distance between first base and third base is 127 feet, 3 3/8 inches. All measurements from home base shall be taken from the point where the first and third base lines intersect. The catcher's box, the batters' boxes, the coaches' boxes, the three foot first base lines and the next batter's boxes shall be laid out as shown in Diagrams 1 and 2. The foul lines and all other playing lines indicated in the diagrams by solid black lines shall be marked with wet, unslaked lime, chalk or other white material. The grass lines and dimensions shown on the diagrams are those used in many fields, but they are not mandatory and each club shall determine the size and shape of the grassed and bare areas of its playing field.

NOTE (a) Any Playing Field constructed by a professional club after June 1, 1958, shall provide a minimum distance of 325 feet from home base to the nearest fence, stand or other obstruction on the right and left field foul lines, and a minimum distance of 400 feet to the center field fence. (b) No existing playing field shall be remodeled after June 1, 1958, in such manner as to reduce the distance from home base to the foul poles and to the center field fence below the minimum specified in paragraph (a) above.

APPROVED RULING: Field Conditions. Prior to the season, each NEW playing field will be reviewed by the head umpire, the manager and the Commissioner to determine if the playing field is acceptable and safe for play. If the 3 above parties, do not deem it playable then the field needs to be corrected or the team must designate another field for use during the season.

1.05 Home base shall be marked by a five sided slab of whitened rubber. It shall be a 17 inch square with two of the corners removed so that one edge is 17 inches long, two adjacent sides are 8 ½ inches and the remaining two sides are 12 inches and set at an angle to make a point. It shall be set in the ground with the point at the intersection of the lines extending from home base to first base and to third base; with the 17 inch edge facing the pitcher's plate, and the two 12 inch edges coinciding with the first and third base lines. The top edges of home base shall be beveled and the base shall be fixed in the ground level with the ground surface. Diagram 2:

1.06 First, second and third bases shall be marked by white canvas bags, securely attached to the ground as indicated in Diagram 2. The first and third base bags shall be entirely within the infield. The second base bag shall be centered on second base. The bags shall be 15 inches square, not less than three nor more than five inches thick, and filled with soft material.

1.07 The pitcher's plate shall be a rectangular slab of whitened rubber, 24 inches by 6 inches. It shall be set in the ground as shown in Diagrams 1 and 2, so that the distance between the pitcher's plate and home base (the rear point of home plate) shall be 60 feet, 6 inches.

1.08 The home club shall furnish and assign players' benches, one each for the home and visiting teams.

NOTE: Home and visiting team’s bench assignments shall be designated in the Field Directions packet.

1.09 Official game baseballs must be a high school equivalent or major league baseball (no Pony balls) or be approved in advance by the Chief Umpire and the 15-19 BCML Commissioner.

(b) Cupped Bats. An indentation in the end of the bat up to one inch in depth is permitted and may be no wider than two inches and no less than one inch in diameter. The indentation must be curved with no foreign substance added.

(c ) The bat handle, for not more than 18 inches from its end, may be covered or treated with any material or substance to improve the grip. Any such material or substance, which extends past the 18 inch limitation, shall cause the bat to be removed from the game.

NOTE: If the umpire discovers that the bat does not conform to ( c) above until a time during or after which the bat has been used in play, it shall not be grounds for declaring the batter out, or ejected from the game.

(d) Donuts and specially designed/weighted warm-up baseball bats are allowed only in the next batters box (on-deck circle). The use of poles, mauls, axes, and other such items for warm-up or any other purpose shall not be allowed; the umpire-in-chief shall remove any and all such items from the bench area and playing field and report such items to the Commissioner.

1.11 (a) (1) All players on a team shall wear COMPLETE PLAYER UNIFORMS identical in color, trim and style, and all players uniforms shall include minimal six-inch numbers on their backs. Last name of players on the back of the jersey is optional.

(2) Any part of an undershirt exposed to view shall be of a uniform solid color for all players on a team. Any player other than the pitcher may have numbers, letters, insignia attached to the sleeve of the undershirt.

(3) Any player whose uniform does not conform to that of his teammates shall NOT be permitted to participate in a game unless agreed upon by manager of both teams prior to the start of the game. If a manager points out the non-conformity to this rule to the opposing manager, and the uniform issue is not corrected, then that player will NOT be allowed to play and the umpire will be notified by the managers. If the umpire should point out the non-compliance of this rule to the managers, and the managers agree to allow the player to play, then the player will be allowed to play.

EXCEPTION: Any temporary 13/14-15 player moved up to play for a game is not required to comply to this rule.

INTENT: The intent of this Rule is not to punish a player/team for failure to have the correct uniform but to assure that all players are dressed as identical as possible. There should be no nitpicking over the shade of blue or the shade of red, etc.

(b) A league may provide that (1) each team shall wear a distinctive uniform at all times, or (2) that each team shall have two sets of uniforms, white for home games and a different color for road games.

(c ) (1) Sleeve lengths may vary for individual teams, but the sleeves of each individual player on that team shall be approximately the same length.

(d) All players must wear low- or high-top cleats or spikes (plastic or metal). Players may wear basketball, tennis, or multi-purpose cross-training shoes provided the opposing manager does not object prior to the commencement of the game. No player shall attach anything to the heel or toe of his shoe other than the ordinary shoe or toe plate/guard. Shoes with pointed spikes similar to golf or track shoes shall not be worn.

(e) A league may provide that the uniforms of its member teams include the names of its players on their backs. Any name other than the last name of the player must be approved by the League President. If adopted, all uniforms for a team must have the names of its players. Names on the back of the uniforms are optional.

(g) All managers must notify the Commissioner via e-mail of any player who was not allowed to play due to non-compliance of this Rule 1.11.

NOTE: Remember, all players, coaches, the manager, and all umpires not only represent their team and/or association, but also Baltimore County Major League Baseball, Inc.

1.12 The catcher may wear a leather mitt not more than thirty eight inches in circumference, nor more than fifteen and one half inches from top to bottom. Such limits shall include all lacing and any leather band or facing attached to the outer edge of the mitt. The space between the thumb section and the finger section of the mitt shall not exceed six inches at the top of the mitt and four inches at the base of the thumb crotch. The web shall measure not more than seven inches across the top or more than six inches from its top to the base of the thumb crotch. The web may be either a lacing or lacing through leather tunnels, or a center piece of leather which may be an extension of the palm, connected to the mitt with lacing and constructed so that it will not exceed any of the above mentioned measurements.

1.13 The first baseman may wear a leather glove or mitt not more than twelve inches long from top to bottom and not more than eight inches wide across the palm, measured from the base of the thumb crotch to the outer edge of the mitt. The space between the thumb section and the finger section of the mitt shall not exceed four inches at the top of the mitt and three and one half inches at the base of the thumb crotch. The mitt shall be constructed so that this space is permanently fixed and cannot be enlarged, extended, widened, or deepened by the use of any materials or process whatever. The web of the mitt shall measure not more than five inches from its top to the base of the thumb crotch. The web may be either a lacing, lacing through leather tunnels, or a center piece of leather which may be an extension of the palm connected to the mitt with lacing and constructed so that it will not exceed the above mentioned measurements. The webbing shall not be constructed of wound or wrapped lacing or deepened to make a net type of trap. The glove may be of any weight.

1.14 Each fielder, other than the first baseman or catcher, may use or wear a leather glove. The measurements covering size of glove shall be made by measuring front side or ball receiving side of glove. The tool or measuring tape shall be placed to contact the surface or feature of item being measured and follow all contours in the process. The glove shall not measure more than 12'' from the tip of any one of the 4 fingers, through the ball pocket to the bottom edge or heel of glove. The glove shall not measure more than 7 3/4'' wide, measured from the inside seam at base of first finger, along base of other fingers, to the outside edge of little finger edge of glove. The space or area between the thumb and first finger, called crotch, may be filled with leather webbing or back stop. The webbing may be constructed of two plies of standard leather to close the crotch area entirely, or it may be constructed of a series of tunnels made of leather, or a series of panels of leather, or of lacing leather thongs. The webbing may not be constructed of wound or wrapped lacing to make a net type of trap. When webbing is made to cover entire crotch area, the webbing can be constructed so as to be flexible. When constructed of a series of sections, they must be joined together. These sections may not be so constructed to allow depression to be developed by curvatures in the section sides. The webbing shall be made to control the size of the crotch opening. The crotch opening shall measure not more than 4 ½'' at the top, not more than 5 3/4'' deep, and shall be 3 ½'' wide at its bottom. The opening of crotch shall not be more than 4 ½'' at any point below its top. The webbing shall be secured at each side, and at top and bottom of crotch. The attachment to be made with leather lacing, these connections to be secured. If they stretch or become loose, they shall be adjusted to their proper condition. The glove can be of any weight.

(b) No pitcher shall attach to his glove any foreign material of a color different from the glove.

1.16 A Professional League shall adopt the following rule pertaining to the use of helmets:

(a) All players shall wear a double-flapped helmet at all times while in the next batters box (on-deck circle), at bat, on the bases, or in a coaches box.

EXCEPTION: A runner who unintentionally loses his helmet while running the bases is not in violation.

(b) Non-player managers and coaches are not required to wear helmets while in a coaches box.

NOTE: Single-flapped helmets are not allowed at any time except by defensive players in the field.

( c) All catchers shall wear a catcher's protective helmet, face mask, chest protector, shin guards, protective cup and throat protector at all times, including while warming-up pitchers.

EXCEPTION: The helmet, face mask and throat protector may be discarded when in the act of fielding a thrown or batted ball, or retrieving a wild pitch or pass ball.

(e) All bat/ball boys or girls shall wear a protective helmet while performing their duties. If the umpire observes any violation of these rules, he shall direct the violation to be corrected. If the violation is not corrected within a reasonable time, in the umpire's judgment, the umpire shall eject the offender from the game, and disciplinary action, as appropriate, will be recommended.

(f) (Alcohol & Tobacco Products) In accordance with Maryland State Law and Department of Recreation and Parks policy, the use of alcohol and/or tobacco products by managers, coaches, players, and umpires is strictly prohibited.

NOTE: Stadium and/or field complex regulations may include overriding or supplementary restrictions on the use of alcohol and tobacco products. Any and all such regulations shall take precedence over and/or be enforced in conjunction with the above rule.

1.17 Playing equipment including but not limited to the bases, pitcher's plate, baseball, bats, uniforms, catcher's mitts, first baseman's gloves, infielders and outfielders gloves and protective helmets, as detailed in the provisions of this rule, shall not contain any undue commercialization of the product. Designations by the manufacturer on any such equipment must be in good taste as to the size and content of the manufacturer's logo or the brand name of the item. The provisions of this Section 1.17 shall apply to professional leagues only.

NOTE: Manufacturers who plan innovative changes in baseball equipment for professional baseball leagues should submit same to the Official Playing Rules Committee prior to production.

An APPEAL is the act of a fielder in claiming violation of the rules by the offensive team.

A BALK is an illegal act by the pitcher with a runner or runners on base, entitling all runners to advance one base.

A BALL is a pitch which does not enter the strike zone in flight and is not struck at by the batter. If the pitch touches the ground and bounces through the strike zone it is a ball. If such a pitch touches the batter, he shall be awarded first base. If the batter swings at such a pitch after two strikes, the ball cannot be caught, for the purposes of Rule 6.05 © and 6.09 (b). If the batter hits such a pitch, the ensuing action shall be the same as if he hit the ball in flight.

A BASE is one of four points which must be touched by a runner in order to score a run; more usually applied to the canvas bags and the rubber plate which mark the base points.

A BASE COACH is a team member in uniform who is stationed in the coach's box at first or third base to direct the batter and the runners.

A BASE ON BALLS is an award of first base granted to a batter who, during his time at bat, receives four pitches outside the strike zone.

BATTER RUNNER is a term that identifies the offensive player who has just finished his time at bat until he is put out or until the play on which he became a runner ends.

The BATTER'S BOX is the area within which the batter shall stand during his time at bat.

BENCH OR DUGOUT - the seating facilities reserved for players, substitutes, and other team members only (ie: no friends, parents, fans, etc.) in uniform when they are not actively engaged on the playing field (that is, in the field, on base, at bat, on deck, in a coach’s box, or warming-up in the bullpen). This excludes the areas immediately behind and/or along the entire backstop, immediately behind and/or along the out-of-bounds marker, and the bleachers. For safety reasons, benches not equipped with a separate protective fence must be substantially offset from the playing field or located immediately behind the extreme ends of the backstop and not within close proximity to the home plate area.

ALERT: All players, coaches, and managers shall occupy the bench when not actively engaged on the playing field. At no time are players, coaches, managers, or spectators allowed in the area immediately behind and/or along the backstop and/or out-of-bounds marker. If, in the judgment of the umpire, any person is in flagrant violation of the above rule, that shall constitute grounds for warning, ejection, and/or forfeiture of the game by the offending team.

A BUNT is a batted ball not swung at, but intentionally met with the bat and tapped slowly within the infield.

A CALLED GAME is one in which, for any reason, the umpire in chief terminates play.

A CATCH is the act of a fielder in getting secure possession in his hand or glove of a ball in flight and firmly holding it; providing he does not use his cap, protector, pocket or any other part of his uniform in getting possession. It is not a catch, however, if simultaneously or immediately following his contact with the ball, he collides with a player, or with a wall, or if he falls down, and as a result of such collision or falling, drops the ball. It is not a catch if a fielder touches a fly ball which then hits a member of the offensive team or an umpire and then is caught by another defensive player. If the fielder has made the catch and drops the ball while in the act of making a throw following the catch, the ball shall be adjudged to have been caught. In establishing the validity of the catch, the fielder shall hold the ball long enough to prove that he has complete control of the ball and that his release of the ball is voluntary and intentional. A catch is legal if the ball is finally held by any fielder, even though juggled, or held by another fielder before it touches the ground. Runners may leave their bases the instant the first fielder touches the ball. A fielder may reach over a fence, railing, rope or other line of demarcation to make a catch. He may jump on top of a railing, or canvas that may be in foul ground. No interference should be allowed when a fielder reaches over a fence, railing, rope or into a stand to catch a ball. He does so at his own risk. If a fielder, attempting a catch at the edge of the dugout, is held up and kept from an apparent fall by a player or players of either team and the catch is made, it shall be allowed.

The CATCHER'S BOX is that area within which the catcher shall stand until the pitcher delivers the ball.

THE CLUB is a person or group of persons responsible for assembling the team personnel, providing the playing field and required facilities, and representing the team in relations with the league.

A COACH is a team member in uniform appointed by the manager to perform such duties as the manager may designate, such as but not limited to acting as base coach.

COMMISSIONER - the LEAGUE PRESIDENT (interchangeable for the purpose of all rules)

COMPLETE PLAYER UNIFORM - the following items shall constitute a complete player uniform:

NOTE: Pant length is flexible from the knees to the ankles, but socks and stirrups must be worn regardless of pant length.

A DEAD BALL is a ball out of play because of a legally created temporary suspension of play.

The DEFENSE (or DEFENSIVE) is the team, or any player of the team, in the field.

A DOUBLE HEADER is two regularly scheduled or rescheduled games, played in immediate succession.

A DOUBLE PLAY is a play by the defense in which two offensive players are put out as a result of continuous action, providing there is no error between putouts.

(b) A reverse force double play is one in which the first out is a force play and the second out is made on a runner for whom the force is removed by reason of the first out. Examples of reverse force plays: runner on first, one out; batter grounds to first baseman, who steps on first base (one out) and throws to second baseman or shortstop for the second out (a tag play). Another example: bases loaded, none out; batter grounds to third baseman, who steps on third base (one out); then throws to catcher for the second out (tag play).

A FAIR BALL is a batted ball that settles on fair ground between home and first base, or between home and third base, or that is on or over fair territory when bounding to the outfield past first or third base, or that touches first, second or third base, or that first falls on fair territory on or beyond first base or third base, or that, while on or over fair territory touches the person of an umpire or player, or that, while over fair territory, passes out of the playing field in flight. A fair fly shall be judged according to the relative position of the ball and the foul line, including the foul pole, and not as to whether the fielder is on fair or foul territory at the time he touches the ball. If a fly ball lands in the infield between home and first base, or home and third base, and then bounces to foul territory without touching a player or umpire and before passing first or third base, it is a foul ball; or if the ball settles on foul territory or is touched by a player on foul territory, it is a foul ball. If a fly ball lands on or beyond first or third base and then bounces to foul territory, it is a fair hit. Clubs, increasingly, are erecting tall foul poles at the fence line with a wire netting extending along the side of the pole on fair territory above the fence to enable the umpires more accurately to judge fair and foul balls.

FAIR TERRITORY is that part of the playing field within, and including the first base and third base lines, from home base to the bottom of the playing field fence and perpendicularly upwards. All foul lines are in fair territory.

FIELDER'S CHOICE is the act of a fielder who handles a fair grounder and, instead of throwing to first base to put out the batter runner, throws to another base in an attempt to put out a preceding runner. The term is also used by scorers (a) to account for the advance of the batter runner who takes one or more extra bases when the fielder who handles his safe hit attempts to put out a preceding runner; (b) to account for the advance of a runner (other than by stolen base or error) while a fielder is attempting to put out another runner; and © to account for the advance of a runner made solely because of the defensive team's indifference (undefended steal).

A FORCE PLAY is a play in which a runner legally loses his right to occupy a base by reason of the batter becoming a runner. Confusion regarding this play is removed by remembering that frequently the force situation is removed during the play. Example: Man on first, one out, ball hit sharply to first baseman who touches the bag and batter runner is out. The force is removed at that moment and runner advancing to second must be tagged. If there had been a runner on third or second, and either of these runners scored before the tag out at second, the run counts. Had the first baseman thrown to second and the ball then had been returned to first, the play at second was a force out, making two outs, and the return throw to first ahead of the runner would have made three outs. In that case, no run would score. Example: Not a force out. One out. Runner on first and third. Batter flies out. Two out. Runner on third tags up and scores. Runner on first tries to retouch before throw from fielder reaches first baseman, but does not get back in time and is out. Three outs. If, in umpire's judgment, the runner from third touched home before the ball was held at first base, the run counts.

FORFEITED GAME - is a game declared ended by the umpire-in-chief in favor of the offended team by the score of seven (7) to zero (0), for violation of the rules.

A FOUL BALL is a batted ball that settles on foul territory between home and first base, or between home and third base, or that bounds past first or third base on or over foul territory, or that first falls on foul territory beyond first or third base, or that, while on or over foul territory, touches the person of an umpire or player, or any object foreign to the natural ground. A foul fly shall be judged according to the relative position of the ball and the foul line, including the foul pole, and not as to whether the infielder is on foul or fair territory at the time he touches the ball. A batted ball not touched by a fielder, which hits the pitcher's rubber and rebounds into foul territory, between home and first, or between home and third base is a foul ball.

FOUL TERRITORY is that part of the playing field outside the first and third base lines extended to the fence and perpendicularly upwards.

A FOUL TIP is a batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcher's hands and is legally caught. It is not a foul tip unless caught and any foul tip that is caught is a strike, and the ball is in play. It is not a catch if it is a rebound, unless the ball has first touched the catcher's glove or hand.

The HOME TEAM is the team on whose grounds the game is played, or if the game is played on neutral grounds, the home team shall be designated by mutual agreement.

An ILLEGAL PITCH is (1) a pitch delivered to the batter when the pitcher does not have his pivot foot in contact with the pitcher's plate; (2) a quick return pitch. An illegal pitch when runners are on base is a balk.

INCIDENTAL CONTACT - any contact between a defensive player and a runner that results from the normal progression of a play.

An INFIELD FLY is a fair fly ball (not including a line drive nor an attempted bunt) which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort, when first and second, or first, second and third bases are occupied, before two are out. The pitcher, catcher and any outfielder who stations himself in the infield on the play shall be considered infielders for the purpose of this rule. When it seems apparent that a batted ball will be an Infield Fly, the umpire shall immediately declare Infield Fly for the benefit of the runners. If the ball is near the baselines, the umpire shall declare "Infield Fly, if Fair." The ball is alive and runners may advance at the risk of the ball being caught, or retouch and advance after the ball is touched, the same as on any fly ball. If the hit becomes a foul ball, it is treated the same as any foul. If a declared Infield Fly is allowed to fall untouched to the ground, and bounces foul before passing first or third base, it is a foul ball. If a declared Infield Fly falls untouched to the ground outside the baseline, and bounces fair before passing first or third base, it is an Infield Fly. On the infield fly rule the umpire is to rule whether the ball could ordinarily have been handled by an infielder not by some arbitrary limitation such as the grass, or the base lines. The umpire must rule also that a ball is an infield fly, even if handled by an outfielder, if, in the umpire's judgment, the ball could have been as easily handled by an infielder. The infield fly is in no sense to be considered an appeal play. The umpire's judgment must govern, and the decision should be made immediately. When an infield fly rule is called, runners may advance at their own risk. If on an infield fly rule, the infielder intentionally drops a fair ball, the ball remains in play despite the provisions of Rule 6.05 (L). The infield fly rule takes precedence.

IN FLIGHT describes a batted, thrown, or pitched ball which has not yet touched the ground or some object other than a fielder.

IN JEOPARDY is a term indicating that the ball is in play and an offensive player may be put out.

INJURED PLAYER - any player that is unable to continue playing in a game as the direct or indirect result of a mental/physical illness/injury.

An INNING is that portion of a game within which the teams alternate on offense and defense and in which there are three putouts for each team. Each team's time at bat is a half inning.

(a) Offensive interference is an act by the team at bat which interferes with, obstructs, impedes, hinders or confuses any fielder attempting to make a play. If the umpire declares the batter, batter runner, or a runner out for interference, all other runners shall return to the last base that was in the judgment of the umpire, legally touched at the time of the interference, unless otherwise provided by these rules. In the event the batter runner has not reached first base, all runners shall return to the base last occupied at the time of the pitch.

(b) Defensive interference is an act by a fielder which hinders or prevents a batter from hitting a pitch.

( c) Umpire's interference occurs (1) When an umpire hinders, impedes or prevents a catcher's throw attempting to prevent a stolen base, or (2) When a fair ball touches an umpire on fair territory before passing a fielder.

(d) Spectator interference occurs when a spectator reaches out of the stands, or goes on the playing field, and touches a live ball. On any interference the ball is dead.

THE LEAGUE is a group of clubs whose teams play each other in a pre arranged schedule under these rules for the league championship.

THE LEAGUE PRESIDENT shall enforce the official rules, resolve any disputes involving the rules, and determine any protested games. The league president may fine or suspend any player, coach, manager or umpire for violation of these rules, at his discretion.

A LINE DRIVE is a batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to a fielder without touching the ground.

MALICIOUS CONTACT - any deliberate and/or intentional contact between a defensive player and a runner that, in the judgment of the umpire, constitutes unsportsmanlike conduct, including but not limited to punching, elbowing, forearming, clotheslining, spiking, kicking, kneeing, head-butting, steam-rolling, tackling, blind siding, or directing the force of any blow above the shoulders.

THE MANAGER is a person appointed by the club to be responsible for the team's actions on the field, and to represent the team in communications with the umpire and the opposing team. A player may be appointed manager.

(a) The club shall designate the manager to the league president or the umpire in chief not less than thirty minutes before the scheduled starting time of the game.

(b) The manager may advise the umpire that he has delegated specific duties prescribed by the rules to a player or coach, and any action of such designated representative shall be official. The manager shall always be responsible for his team's conduct, observance of the official rules, and deference to the umpires.

( c) If a manager leaves the field, he shall designate a player or coach as his substitute, and such substitute manager shall have the duties, rights and responsibilities of the manager. If the manager fails or refuses to designate his substitute before leaving, the umpire in chief shall designate a team member as substitute manager.

OBSTRUCTION is the act of a fielder who, while not in possession of the ball and not in the act of fielding the ball, impedes the progress of any runner. If a fielder is about to receive a thrown ball and if the ball is in flight directly toward and near enough to the fielder so he must occupy his position to receive the ball he may be considered in the act of fielding a ball. It is entirely up to the judgment of the umpire as to whether a fielder is in the act of fielding a ball. After a fielder has made an attempt to field a ball and missed, he can no longer be in the act of fielding the ball. For example: an infielder dives at a ground ball and the ball passes him and he continues to lie on the ground and delays the progress of the runner, he very likely has obstructed the runner.

An OUT is one of the three required retirements of an offensive team during its time at bat.

An OUTFIELDER is a fielder who occupies a position in the outfield, which is the area of the playing field most distant from home base.

OVERSLIDE (or OVERSLIDING) is the act of an offensive player when his slide to a base, other than when advancing from home to first base, is with such momentum that he loses contact with the base.

The PERSON of a player or an umpire is any part of his body, his clothing or his equipment.

A PITCH is a ball delivered to the batter by the pitcher. All other deliveries of the ball by one player to another are thrown balls.

The pitcher's PIVOT FOOT is that foot which is in contact with the pitcher's plate as he delivers the pitch.

PLAY is the umpire's order to start the game or to resume action following any dead ball.

A QUICK RETURN pitch is one made with obvious intent to catch a batter off balance. It is an illegal pitch.

A RUN (or SCORE) is the score made by an offensive player who advances from batter to runner and touches first, second, third and home bases in that order.

A RUN DOWN is the act of the defense in an attempt to put out a runner between bases.

A RUNNER is an offensive player who is advancing toward, or touching, or returning to any base.

SAFE is a declaration by the umpire that a runner is entitled to the base for which he was trying.

SQUEEZE PLAY is a term to designate a play when a team, with a runner on third base, attempts to score that runner by means of a bunt.

STARTING PLAYER (or STARTER) - any of the nine or ten (if the designated or extra hitter is used (refer to Rule 6.10)) players that appear in the original batting order as presented to the opposing team prior to the start of the game.

(b) Is not struck at, if any part of the ball passes through any part of the strike zone;

The STRIKE ZONE is that area over home plate the upper limit of which is a horizontal line at the midpoint between the top of the shoulders and the top of the uniform pants, and the lower level is a line at the hallow beneath the knee cap. The Strike Zone shall be determined from the batter's stance as the batter is prepared to swing at a pitched ball.

A TAG is the action of a fielder in touching a base with his body while holding the ball securely and firmly in his hand or glove; or touching a runner with the ball, or with his hand or glove holding the ball, while holding the ball securely and firmly in his hand or glove.

A THROW is the act of propelling the ball with the hand and arm to a given objective and is to be distinguished, always, from the pitch.

A TIE GAME is a regulation game which is called when each team has the same number of runs.

TIME is the announcement by an umpire of a legal interruption of play, during which the ball is dead.

TOUCH. To touch a player or umpire is to touch any part of his body, his clothing or his equipment.

A TRIPLE PLAY is a play by the defense in which three offensive players are put out as a result of continuous action, providing there is no error between putouts.

A WILD PITCH is one so high, so low, or so wide of the plate that it cannot be handled with ordinary effort by the catcher.

(a) Require strict observance of all rules governing implements of play and equipment of players;

(b) Be sure that all playing lines (heavy lines on Diagrams No. 1 and No. 2) are marked with lime, chalk, or other white material easily distinguishable from the ground or grass. Games may be played without marked playing lines or batter's boxes, but no game may be played without bases or a pitcher's plate.

(c ) Receive from the HOME club two (2) regulation game baseballs and one (1) regulation backup baseball. Thereafter if additional balls are required, the teams will alternate providing the umpire with baseballs.

(d) Be assured by both teams that a sufficient supply of regulation reserve balls are immediately available for use if required;

(e) Both teams shall have in their possession at least two (2) alternate balls and shall replenish the supply of alternate balls as needed throughout the game in accordance with ( c) above. Such alternate balls shall be put in play when:

(3) The pitcher requests such alternate ball. The umpire shall not give an alternate ball to the pitcher until play has ended and the previously used ball is dead. After a thrown or batted ball goes out of the playing field, play shall not be resumed with an alternate ball until the runners have reached the bases to which they are entitled. After a home run is hit out of the playing grounds, the umpire shall not deliver a new ball to the pitcher or the catcher until the batter hitting the home run has crossed the plate.

3.02 No player shall intentionally discolor or damage the ball by rubbing it with soil, rosin, paraffin, licorice, sand paper, emery paper or other foreign substance.

PENALTY: The umpire shall demand the ball and remove the offender from the game. In case the umpire cannot locate the offender, and if the pitcher delivers such discolored or damaged ball to the batter, the pitcher shall be removed from the game at once and shall be suspended automatically for ten days.

3.03 (Substitution & Re-Entry) A player, or players, may be substituted during a game at any time the ball is dead. A substitute player shall bat in the replaced player's position in the team's batting order. A substitute player once removed from a game shall not re-enter that game. A STARTING PLAYER may be re-entered into the game exactly once and must re-occupy his original position in the batting order. A STARTING PLAYER may re-enter to any defensive position, including pitcher, provided he has not pitched previously in the game. A STARTING PLAYER may re-enter as designated or extra hitter provided that he appeared in the original batting order in that role. A STARTING PLAYER twice removed from a game shall not re-enter that game. If a substitute enters the game in place of a player-manager, the manager may thereafter go to the coaching lines at his discretion. When two or more substitute players of the defensive team enter the game at the same time, the manager shall, designate to the opposing team such player's positions in the team's batting order.

A pitcher may change to another position only once during the same inning; e.g. the pitcher will not be allowed to assume a position other than a pitcher more that once in the same inning.

A starting pitcher once removed from the mound on the first visit (per inning) may pitch again in the same game provided he has not been taken out of the game.

Any player other than a pitcher substituted for an injured player shall be allowed five warm-up throws. (Refer to Rule 8.03 for pitchers.)

APPROVED RULING: A starting pitcher who is switched from the mound to a non-pitching defensive position after exactly one visit per inning may return to the mound at any later time provided that he has remained in the game (e.g. has not been once-removed and then re-entered).

3.04 a. (Injured Player Substitution) In case of injury, an INJURED PLAYER shall be replaced first by any non-entered (eligible) substitute, second by any once-removed substitute, third by any twice-removed STARTER, fourth by any once-removed STARTER, and finally by the designated or extra hitter (Refer to Rule 6.10) in order of availability, but never by an ejected or other INJURED PLAYER. The returning player shall be entered into the INJURED PLAYER's position in the batting order, regardless of the returning player's original position in the batting order (if any), unless the returning player was the extra-hitter in which case the INJURED PLAYER’s position in the batting order shall be unoccupied and recorded as an out each time subsequently through the batting order.

NOTE: Ejected or INJURED PLAYER’s shall not, under any circumstance, be allowed to re-enter a game in any capacity, especially if a substitute was afforded additional warm-up or eligibility as a direct result of ejection or injury.

b. (Courtesy Runners) A team may elect (optional) to use a courtesy runner for the catcher when he occupies or reaches base. The manager should notify the umpire-in-chief of any courtesy runner and shall state to the umpire-in-chief the player's name and uniform number. Any player who is not currently entered in the batting order may courtesy run for the catcher provided that player has remaining eligibility (i.e. : is an unentered substitute or once-removed STARTING PLAYER and has not been injured or ejected). If batting 9 or 10 then courtesy runner is last out.

NOTE: The use of a courtesy runner for the catcher anytime before two (2) are out shall not be allowed.

PENALTY: The umpire shall immediately relieve the courtesy runner of his role and order the catcher to run for himself for the remainder of the game.

NOTE: If the umpire discovers that the courtesy runner does not conform to this Rule until a time after which the courtesy runner has been left on base, was put out, or has scored, it shall not be grounds for protest or for nullifying any run(s) which may have scored.

NOTE: Courtesy runners shall not be considered as having been re-entered or substituted.

3.05 (a) The pitcher named in the batting order handed the umpire in chief shall pitch to the first batter or any substitute batter until such batter is put out or reaches first base, unless the pitcher sustains injury or illness which, in the judgment of the umpire in chief, incapacitates him from pitching.

(b) If the pitcher is replaced, the substitute pitcher shall pitch to the batter then at bat, or any substitute batter, until such batter is put out or reaches first base, or until the offensive team is put out, unless the substitute pitcher sustains injury or illness which, in the umpire in chief's judgment, incapacitates him for further play as a pitcher.

(c ) If an improper substitution is made for the pitcher, the umpire shall direct the proper pitcher to return to the game until the provisions of this rule are fulfilled. If the improper pitcher is permitted to pitch, any play that results is legal. The improper pitcher becomes the proper pitcher as soon as he makes his first pitch to the batter, or as soon as any runner is put out. If a manager attempts to remove a pitcher in violation of this Rule the umpire shall notify the manager of the offending club that it cannot be done. If, by chance, the umpire in chief has, through oversight, announced the incoming improper pitcher, he should still correct the situation before the improper pitcher pitches. Once the improper pitcher delivers a pitch he becomes the proper pitcher.

3.07 The umpire in chief, after having been notified, shall immediately announce, or cause to be announced, each substitution.

3.08 (a) If no announcement of a substitution is made, the substitute shall be considered as having entered the game when

(3) If a fielder, he reaches the position usually occupied by the fielder he has replaced, and play commences;

(b) Any play made by, or on, any of the above mentioned unannounced substitutes shall be legal.

3.09 Players in uniform shall not address or mingle with spectators, nor sit in the stands before, during, or after a game. No manager, coach or player shall address any spectator before or during a game. Parents/spectators are not allowed in the playing area of the benches. Players of opposing teams shall not fraternize at any time while in uniform.

Note: This Rule is not to prevent a player from visiting with his parents or friends who are at the game. But we encourage the managers/coaches to keep their players’ minds into the game, into supporting their team, and not into making the game a social event to fraternize with their friends and girlfriends. This type of behavior can affect their teammates who are trying to play the game of baseball and win. It is distracting to teammates, opposing players, as well as spectators.

3.10 (a) The manager of the home team and the field leader (representative) shall be the sole judges as to whether a game shall be started because of unsuitable weather conditions or the unfit condition of the playing field, except for the second game of a doubleheader. EXCEPTION: Any league may permanently authorize its president to suspend the application of this rule as to that league during the closing weeks of its championship season in order to assure that the championship is decided each year on its merits. When the postponement of, and possible failure to play, a game in the final series of a championship season between any two teams might affect the final standing of any club in the league, the president, on appeal from any league club, may assume the authority granted the home team manager by this rule.

(b) The umpire in chief of the first game shall be the sole judge as to whether the second game of a doubleheader shall not be started because of unsuitable weather conditions or the unfit condition of the playing field.

(c ) The umpire in chief shall be the sole judge as to whether and when play shall be suspended during a game because of unsuitable weather conditions (this includes thunder and lightning. This is a Baltimore County policy.) or the unfit condition of the playing field; as to whether and when the play shall be resumed after such suspension; and as to whether and when a game shall be terminated after such suspension. He shall not call the game until at least thirty minutes (after the last sound of thunder or the last flash of lightning) after he has suspended play. This is Baltimore County policy. He may continue the suspension as long as he believes there is any chance to resume play. The umpire in chief shall at all times try to complete a game. His authority to resume play following one or more suspensions of as much as thirty minutes each shall be absolute and he shall terminate a game only when there appears to be no possibility of completing it.

3.11 Between games of a doubleheader, or whenever a game is suspended because of the unfitness of the playing field, the umpire in chief shall have control of ground keepers and assistants for the purpose of making the playing field fit for play.

PENALTY: For violation, the umpire in chief may forfeit the game to the visiting team.

3.12 When the umpire suspends play he shall call Time. At the umpire's call of Play, the suspension is lifted and play resumes. Between the call of Time and the call of Play the ball is dead.

3.13 The manager of the home team shall present to the umpire in chief and the opposing manager any ground rules he thinks necessary covering the overflow of spectators upon the playing field, batted or thrown balls into such overflow, or any other contingencies. If these rules are acceptable to the opposing manager they shall be legal. If these rules are unacceptable to the opposing manager, the umpire in chief shall make and enforce any special ground rules he thinks are made necessary by ground conditions, which shall not conflict with the official playing rules.

3.14 Members of the offensive team shall carry all gloves and other equipment off the field and to the dugout while their team is at bat. No equipment shall be left lying on the field, either in fair or foul territory.

3.15 No person shall be allowed on the playing field during a game except players and coaches in uniform, managers, umpires, the 15-19 BCML Commissioner, officers of the law in uniform and watchmen or other employees of the home club. In case of unintentional interference with play by any person herein authorized to be on the playing field (except members of the offensive team participating in the game, or a coach in the coach's box, or an umpire) the ball is alive and in play. If the interference is intentional, the ball shall be dead at the moment of the interference and the umpire shall impose such penalties as in his opinion will nullify the act of interference. NOTE: See Rule 7.11 for individuals excepted above, also see Rule 7.08 (b). The question of intentional or unintentional interference shall be decided on the basis of the person's action. For example: a bat boy, ball attendant, policeman, etc., who tries to avoid being touched by a thrown or batted ball but still is touched by the ball would be involved in unintentional interference. If, however, he kicks the ball or picks it up or pushes it, that is considered intentional interference, regardless of what his thought may have been. PLAY: Batter hits ball to shortstop, who fields ball but throws wild past first baseman. The offensive coach at first base, to avoid being hit by the ball, falls to the ground and the first baseman on his way to retrieve the wild thrown ball, runs into the coach; the batter runner finally ends up on third base. The question is asked whether the umpire should call interference on the part of the coach. This would be up to the judgment of the umpire and if the umpire felt that the coach did all he could to avoid interfering with the play, no interference need be called. If it appeared to the umpire that the coach was obviously just making it appear he was trying not to interfere, the umpire should rule interference.

3.16 When there is spectator interference with any thrown or batted ball, the ball shall be dead at the moment of interference and the umpire shall impose such penalties as in his opinion will nullify the act of interference.

If spectator interference clearly prevents a fielder from catching a fly ball, the umpire shall declare the batter out. There is a difference between a ball which has been thrown or batted into the stands, touching a spectator thereby being out of play even though it rebounds onto the field and a spectator going onto the field or reaching over, under or through a barrier and touching a ball in play or touching or otherwise interfering with a player. In the latter case it is clearly intentional and shall be dealt with as intentional interference as in Rule 3.15. Batter and runners shall be placed where in the umpire's judgment they would have been had the interference not occurred. No interference shall be allowed when a fielder reaches over a fence, railing, rope or into a stand to catch a ball. He does so at his own risk. However, should a spectator reach out on the playing field side of such fence, railing or rope, and plainly prevent the fielder from catching the ball, then the batsman should be called out for the spectator's interference. Example: Runner on third base, one out and a batter hits a fly ball deep to the outfield (fair or foul). Spectator clearly interferes with the outfielder attempting to catch the fly ball. Umpire calls the batter out for spectator interference. Ball is dead at the time of the call. Umpire decides that because of the distance the ball was hit, the runner on third base would have scored after the catch if the fielder had caught the ball which was interfered with, therefore, the runner is permitted to score. This might not be the case if such fly ball was interfered with a short distance from home plate.

3.17 Players and substitutes of both teams shall confine themselves to their team's benches unless actually participating in the play or preparing to enter the game, or coaching at first or third base. No one except players, scorekeeper, substitutes, managers, coaches, trainers and bat boys shall occupy a bench during a game.

PENALTY: For violation the umpire may, after warning, remove the offender from the field. Players on the disabled list are permitted to participate in pre game activity and sit on the bench during a game but may not take part in any activity during the game such as warming up a pitcher, bench jockeying, etc. Disabled players are not allowed to enter the playing surface at any time or for any purpose during the game.

3.18 The home team shall provide police protection sufficient to preserve order. If a person, or persons, enter the playing field during a game and interfere in any way with the play, the visiting team may refuse to play until the field is cleared.

PENALTY: If the field is not cleared in a reasonable length of time, which shall in no case be less than fifteen minutes after the visiting team's refusal to play, the umpire may forfeit the game to the visiting team.

4.00 - PRE-GAME TIMETABLE, STARTING AND ENDING THE GAME, FORFEIT, PROTEST PROCEDURE

4.01 (a) All players, coaches, managers, and umpires must adhere to the following pre-game timetable:

(1) The home team shall use the playing field for warm-up purposes beginning no later than thirty-five (35) minutes prior to game time and continuing until no later than twenty (20) minutes prior to game time (a total of fifteen (15) minutes). The umpire-in-chief shall order the home team to leave the playing field promptly in order that the visiting team begin using the playing field for warm-up purposes at the prescribed time.

(2) The visiting team shall use the playing field for warm-up purposes beginning no later than twenty (20) minutes prior to game time and continuing until no later than five (5) minutes prior to game time (a total of fifteen (15) minutes). The umpire-in-chief shall order the visiting team to leave the playing field promptly in order that the remainder of the pre-game timetable be observed.

NOTE: Under no circumstance shall any warm-up activities take place on the playing field after five (5) minutes prior to game time.

(3) Both team managers and/or their representatives shall meet with all umpires at home base no later than five (5) minutes prior to game time to carry out the procedures outlined in Rule 4.01(c).

PENALTY: Any team that refuses to adhere to the pre-game timetable as ordered by the umpire-in-chief shall forfeit the game to the opposing team.

NOTE: For the 2005 season, the following start times will be observed for regular-season games:

Start times for make-up, All-Star, playoff, championship, and other regular or post-season games will be announced by the Commissioner. See Rule 4.17 for additional start regulations.

(b)Each manager shall prepare a lineup (to be delivered to the opposing team prior to carrying out the procedures outlined in Rule 4.01(c)) that contains the following information:

(1) A nine (9) or ten (10) (if the extra hitter is used) (Refer to Rule 6.10) position batting order.

NOTE: If a designated hitter is used (refer to Rule 6.10), the defensive player for whom the designated hitter is batting shall be listed in parenthesis immediately under the designated hitter in the batting order.

(3) The last name (and identifying initial(s) if necessary), uniform number, and the numeric defensive position code, the symbol DH ( Designated Hitter), the symbol XH (eXtra Hitter) or the symbol A (Alternate) for each player.

NOTE: The nine (9) or ten (10) (if the designated or extra hitter is used) players listed in the lineup delivered to the opposing team shall be considered the STARTING PLAYERS (refer to Definition 2.00 and Rule 6.10).