MOUNTAINEER BASEBALL ASSOCIATION
LEAGUE PLAYING RULES
MUSTANG - 2009

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Play in the Mountaineer Baseball Association is governed by Official Baseball Rules: "The Sporting News" edition and Pony Baseball. The rules contained in this section are only those exceptions to Official Baseball Rules and Pony Baseball, which are necessary to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

The following rules will be observed as exceptions or additions to PONY Baseball rules.

1. Each player of the roster will be required to play two consecutive innings in each game; six offensive and six defensive outs (Penalty will be forfeiture of game).  EXCEPTION:       If a player does not get the expected three offensive outs in the bottom of the sixth inning.
   
   
2. Coaches cannot deliberately tell players to stay home.
   
   
3. When a team arrives at a game with more than eight players in the higher age bracket, no more than eight players in the higher age bracket may be in the line-up at one time.
   
   
4. No infield fly rule is used.
   
   
5. No ten or twelve run rule is used.
   
   
6. In the first five innings, after a team has scored its fifth run, this shall complete that half-inning regardless of the number of outs to be made.  EXCEPTION:      If the last batter up hits a homerun over the fence and the homerun results in more than five runs scoring for the inning, then all runners scoring that inning will count.  Otherwise, once the fifth run touches home plate the inning is over.
   
   
7. Pitchers may pitch a MAXIMUM of three innings per game and nine innings per week.  (Refer to pony rulebook for definition.)
   
   
8. Runner may steal bases.  (Refer to pony rulebook.)
   
   

   1. NO runner from third may steal home, or advance from third unless forced to advance because of a walk, the batter hits a fair ball or an initial play is made on the actual runner on third base.
      
      
   2. A player becomes “a runner at third base” when the defense prevents his advance.
      
      
9. The re-entry rule can be used.  (Refer to pony rulebook.)
   
   
10. No dropped third strike.
    
    
11. If there is “A Play at Home Plate” the runner MUST slide or he/she is out.
    
    
12. Additional Hitter.  The AH can be used with the following guidelines:
    
    

    1. A player may be used in your line-up as an AH.  The AH may be placed at any of the 10 positions, but once established shall remain in the same position for the entire game.
       
       
    2. The AH may enter the game in a defensive position but shall keep his original batting position in the line-up.  The player coming out of the game defensively then becomes the AH, but must bat in his original batting position.
       
       
    3. An AH may be substituted for in the line-up.
       
       
    4. The use of an AH is optional.
       
       
    5. The AH has to play 2 innings in the field.
       
       
13. Bat entire lineup (optional).  Must inform opposing coach prior to the game.
    
    
14. Optional:  Can play four outfielders with the approval of the opposing coach.  The other team could still use three.
    
    
15. Bats are limited to 2 ¼" barrels, i.e., no big barrel bats.
    
    
16. If the home team is losing by 10 or more runs at the end of the bottom of the 5th inning, they will bat again in the top of the 6th inning.