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ScorekeepingCalifornia District 8

Little League Baseball

and Pitch Counting

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Regulation IV The PlayersAll programs from Minor to Senior Baseball & Softball…

(i) Every player on a team roster will participate in each game for a minimum of six (6) defensive outs and bat at least one (1) time.

For the purposes of this rule, “six (6) defensive outs” is defined as: A player enters the field in one of the nine defensive positions when his/her team is on defense and occupies such position while six outs are made; “bat at least one (1) time” is defined as: A player enters the batter’s box with no count and completes that time at bat by being put out, called out by an umpire or by reaching base safely.



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Regulation IV The Players

The manager shall for the:A. First Offense- receive a written warning.B. Second Offense- a suspension for the next scheduled game.C. Third offense- a suspension for the remainder of the season.

Penalty:

The player(s) involved shall start the next scheduled game, play any previous requirement not completed for Section (i) and the requirement for this game before being removed.



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Regulation IV The PlayersInstructor Comments:

Note 2: There is no exception to this rule unless the game is shortened for any reason at which time the Local league may elect not to impose a penalty on the manager/coach.

Note 1: If the violation is determined to have been intentional, a more severe penalty may be assessed by the Board of Directors. However, forfeiture of a game may not be invoked.

Responsibility for insuring that the Manager adheres to the elements of this rule rests with the Board of Directors. Every effort should be made to insure that players play the appropriate amount of time.



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Regulation IV The PlayersInstructor Comments:

This rule is not protestable. Don’t penalize the players for the incorrect actions (or lack of action) by the Manager.

If a game is shortened for any reason, the manager may not be held responsible unless his/her actions were intentional. However, the Board is still responsible for insuring the players fulfill their requirements. The local league may elect not to impose a penalty on the manager/coach.



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Regulation VI Pitchers

(a) Any player on a regular season team may pitch. Exception: Any player, who has played the position of catcher in four (4) or more innings in a game, is not eligible to pitch on that calendar day.

(b) Players once removed from the mound may not return as pitchers; Junior, Senior and Big League Divisions only: Pitchers remaining in the game, but moving to a different position, can return as a pitcher any time in the remainder of the game, but only once per game.



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Regulation VI Pitchers Baseball

League Age: 17-18 105 pitches per day13-16 95 pitches per day11-12 85 pitches per day 9 -10 75 pitches per day 7 – 8 50 pitches per day

(c) The manager must remove the pitcher when said pitcher reaches the limit for his/her age group as noted below, but the pitcher may remain in the game at another position.



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(d) Pitchers league age 14 and under must adhere to the following rest requirements:

• If a player pitches 66 or more pitches in a day, four (4) calendar days of rest must be observed.

• If a player pitches 51 to 65 pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest must be observed.

• If a player pitches 36 to 50 pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest must be observed.



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• If a player pitches 1 to 20 pitches in a day, no (0) calendar days of rest must be observed.

• If a player pitches 21 to 35 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar days of rest must be observed.



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Regulation VI Pitchers…

Pitchers league age 15-18 must adhere to the following rest requirements:

• If a player pitches 76 or more pitches in a day, four (4) calendar days of rest must be observed.

• If a player pitches 61 to 75 pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest must be observed.

• If a player pitches 46 to 50 pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest must be observed.



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Regulation VI Pitchers…

• If a player pitches 1 to 30 pitches in a day, no (0) calendar days of rest must be observed.

• If a player pitches 31 to 45 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar days of rest must be observed.



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Regulation VI (d) Pitchers NEW 2013EXCEPTION: If a pitcher reaches a day(s) of rest threshold while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until any one of the following conditions occurs:1. That batter reaches base; 2. That batter is retired; 3. The third out is made to complete the half-inning.The pitcher will only be required to observe the calendar

day(s) of rest for the threshold he/she reached during that at-bat, provided that pitcher is removed before delivering a pitch to another batter.

NOTE: A pitcher who delivers 41 or more pitches in a game cannot play position of catcher for the remainder of that day.



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(e) Each league must designate the scorekeeper or another official as the official pitch count recorder.

(f) The pitch count recorder must provide the pitch count for any pitcher when request by either manager or any umpire. However, the manager is responsible for knowing when his/her pitcher must be removed.



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(g) The official pitch count recorder should inform the umpire-in-chief when a pitcher has delivered his/her maximum limit of pitches for the game, as noted in Regulation VI (c). The umpire-in-chief will inform the pitcher’s manager that the pitcher must be removed in accordance with Regulation VI (c). However, the failure by the pitch count recorder to notify the umpire-in-chief, or the failure of the umpire-in-chief to notify the manager, does not relieve the manager of his/her responsibility to remove a pitcher when that pitcher is no longer eligible.



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(h) Violation of any section of this regulation can result in protest of the game in which it occurs. Protest shall be made in accordance with Playing Rule 4.19.

(i) A player who has attained the age of twelve (12) is not eligible to pitch in the Minor League. (See Regulation V – Selection of Players)



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(j) Pitching in more than one game in a day: Minor League and Little League – A player may not pitch in more than one game in a day; Junior League and Senior League—A player may be used as a pitcher in up to two games in a day. (Exception: If the player pitched 31 or more pitches in the first game, that player may not pitch in the second game on that day); Big League - A player may be used as a pitcher in up to two games in a day.



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Notes:1. The withdrawal of an ineligible pitcher after that pitcher is

announced, or after a warm-up pitch is delivered, but before that player has pitched a ball to the batter, shall not be considered a violation. Little League Officials are urged to take precautions to prevent protests. When a protest situation is imminent, the potential offender should be notified immediately.

2. Pitches delivered in games declared “Regulation Tie

Games” or “Suspended Games” shall be charged

against the pitchers eligibility.



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Instructor Comments:

“Before a ball is pitched” means to a batter. When warming up, if a pitcher is discovered to be ineligible, he/she must be removed, the previous pitcher may not return. Once the manager/coach makes his/her intentions known by removing the original pitcher, the original pitcher may not return. If the ineligible pitcher is discovered “before a ball is pitched” remove the ineligible pitcher. A protest may not be filed, however, if the ineligible pitcher is discovered after “a ball is pitched” the ineligible pitcher is removed and the opposing team manager may protest , if desired.



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Don’t hold the game up because one team challenges the eligibility by trying to track down the official scorebooks or a board member. Note the challenge in the current scorebook and get on with the game.

Okay…then I’ll protest!



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Regulation VI Pitchers:

Notes:3. In suspended games resumed on another day, the pitchers

of record at the time the game was halted may continue to pitch to the extent of their eligibility for that day, provided said pitcher has observed the required days of rest.



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Example 2: A league age 12 pitcher delivers 70 pitches in a game on Monday when the game is suspended. The game resumes on Saturday. The pitcher IS eligible to pitch up to 85 pitches more in the resumption of the game because he/she has observed the required rest.

Example 1: A league age 12 pitcher delivers 70 pitches in a game on Monday when the game is suspended. The game resumes on the following Thursday. The pitcher is NOT eligible to pitch in the resumption of the game because he/she has not observed the required rest.



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Example 3: A league age 12 pitcher delivers 70 pitches in a game on Monday when the game is suspended. The game resumes two weeks later . The pitcher IS eligible to pitch up to 85 pitches more in the resumption of the game, provided he/she is eligible based on his/her pitching record during the previous four days.

Note: The use of this regulation negates the concept of the “calendar week” with regard to pitching eligibility.

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Rule 3.03 Substitutions

A player in the starting line-up who has been removed for a substitute may re-enter the game once, in any position in the batting order, provided:

1. His/her substitute has completed one time at bat.

2. Has played defensively for a minimum of six (6) consecutive outs.

3. Pitchers once removed from the mound may not return as pitchers; Junior/Senior/Big League – A pitcher remaining in the game, but moving to a different position, can return as a pitcher any time in the remainder of the game, but only once per game.



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4. Only a player in the starting line-up may re-enter the game.


5. A starter, (S1) re-entering the game as a substitute for another starter (S2) must then fulfill all conditions of a substitute (once at bat and six defensive outs) before starter (S2) can re-enter the game.

6. Defensive substitutions must be made while the team is on defense. Offensive substitutions must be made at the time the offensive player has her/his turn at bat or is on base.



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Note 2: If during a game either team is unable to place nine (9) players on

the field due to illness, injury or ejection, the opposing manager shall select a player previously used in the lineup to re-enter the game, but only if use of all eligible players has exhausted the roster. A player ejected from the game is not eligible for re-entry.

Note 1: When two or more substitute players of the defensive team enter the game at the same time, the manager shall, immediately before they take their positions as fielders, designate to the umpire-in-chief such player’s positions in the team’s batting order and the umpire-in-chief shall notify the official scorer. The umpire-in-chief shall have the authority to designate the substitute’s places in the batting order, it this information is not immediately provided.



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Rule 3.03 Substitution

Instructor Comments: If a player other than the pitcher is substituted for an injured player, that substitute shall be allowed five warm-up throws.

A starter may re-enter when…His substitute has completed one time at bat and has played (6) consecutive defensive outs.

Only starters may re-enter the game.

REMEMBER!!



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Don’t confuse Regulation IV (i) Players Every player on a team roster will bat once and play at least

six defensive outs.

Regulation VI (c) Note: A pitcher who delivers 41 or more pitches in a game cannot play position of catcher for the remainder of that day.

With the substitution rule; defensive outs must be consecutive!



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1) Bill2) Bob3) John4) Tom

1 2 3 4 5 6Sub1

Coach re-enters Bill in Fourth

Top Top

Bill

Legal or Illegal?



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1 2 3 4 5 6S1

Reason:• Bill’s Sub (S1), may have gotten his at bat, but

has not played 6 defensive outs

Bill



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1) Bill2) Bob3) John4) Tom5) Sam

1 2 3 4 5 6

Coach re-enters Bill for Sub 1

Sub1

Top Top

Legal or Illegal?

Bill



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1) Bill2) Bob3) John4) Tom5) Sam

1 2 3 4 5 6Sub1

Reason:

• A starter can Re-enter for a starter or a substitute

In any order in the line-up

Bill

Bill



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1 2 3 4 5 6Sub1

Coach enters Sub 1 in the first

Top

Legal or Illegal?



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1 2 3 4 5 6Sub1

Reason:

It is not “mandatory” that the “Starting” player, play 6 consecutive defensive outs and bat once before they are substituted for...



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1 2 3 4 5 6Sub1

However:Bill must wait until Sub 1 has completed 6 consecutive defensive outs and batted one time before coming back

into the game.

Bill



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Rule 3.03 – Baseball/Softball, Senior League

Senior/Big League Designated Hitter Rule (1) At the beginning of a game, each manager may list on the lineup card a designated hitter to bat throughout the game for a designated player in the regular lineup.



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Rule 3.03

3. Pitchers once removed from the mound may not return as pitchers; Junior/Senior/Big League – A pitcher remaining in the game, but moving to a different position, can return as a pitcher any time in the remainder of the game, but

only once per game.



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Rule 3.03 – BIG LEAGUE

(c) A pitcher remaining in the game, but moving to a

different position, can return as a pitcher any

time in the remainder of the game, but only once

per game.

(d) Defensive substitutions must be made while the

team is on defense. Offensive substitutions must

be made at the time the offensive player has her/his turn at bat or is on base.



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Rule 3.05 (a) Starting Pitchers

The pitcher named in the batting order handed to the umpire-in-chief, as provided in Rules 4.01 (a) and (b) shall:1. Pitch to the first batter or substitute batter or any substitute batter is put out or; 2. The batter or substitute batter reaches first base or;3. Until the offensive team is put out or;4. The pitcher sustains injury or illness, which in the umpires

judgment incapacitates the pitcher from further play as a pitcher.



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Rule 3.05 (b) Substitute PitchersThe substitute pitcher shall:1. Pitch to the batter then at bat, or any substitute batter until; 2. The batter or substitute batter is put out or reaches first base or;3. Until the offensive team is put out or;4. The pitcher sustains injury or illness, which in the umpires judgment incapacitates the pitcher from further play as a pitcher.



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Rule 3.06 Notification of Substitutes

The manager shall immediately notify the umpire-in-chief of any substitution and shall state to the umpire-in-chief the substitute’s place in the batting order.



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Rule 3.08 (a) Unannounced SubstitutesShall be considered to have entered the game when…

If a pitcher, the substitute takes position on the pitcher's plate and throws one warm-up pitch to the catcher;

If a batter, the substitute takes position in the batter's box;

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

If a runner, the substitute takes the place of the runner he has replaced.



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Rule 3.08 (b) Unannounced Substitute


If the umpire notices that the substitutions are not legal before they assume the position on the field, the umpire should inform the manager and prevent the substitution from taking place.

Any play made by, or on any of the unannounced substitutes shall be legal.

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Rule 6.07 Batting Out Of Turn

(a) A batter shall be called out, on appeal, when failing to bat in the proper turn, and another batter completes a time at bat in place of the proper batter.

(1) The proper batter may take a position in the batter’s box at any time before the improper batter becomes a runner or is put out, and any balls and strikes shall be counted in the proper batter’s time at bat.



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Rule 6.07 Batting Out Of Order Situation 11) Bill2) Bob3) John4) Tom5) Sam6) Adam7) Paul8) Ken9) Mike

Bats 1st Count 2&1

Proper Batter

Key Elements To Remember Proper Batter

Last Legalized

Before the next pitch,

play or attempted play.

Bill’s Up Count 2&1Offensive notices error or defense appeals

Replace Bob with Bill who assumes 2&1 count



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(b) When an improper batter becomes a runner or is put out, and the defensive team appeals to the umpire before the first pitch to the next batter of either team, or before any play or attempted play, the umpire shall;

(1) declare the proper batter out; and (2) nullify any advance or score made because of a ball batted by the improper batter or because of the improper batter’s advance to first base on a hit, an error, a base on balls, a hit batter or otherwise.

Note: If a runner advances, while the improper batter is at bat, on a stolen base, balk, wild pitch or passed ball, such advance is legal.



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Key Elements Proper Batter

Last Legalized



Defensive appeals before the next pitch

Bats 1st Doubles Bob is removed from 2nd and is now the proper batter

Proper Batter

Comes up to bat

Bill is called out



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(c) When the improper batter becomes a runner or is put out, and a pitch is made to the next batter of either team before an appeal is made, the improper batter thereby becomes the proper batter, and the results of such time at bat become legal.



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Appeal must be made before the next pitch, play or attempted play. Baseball and Softball treat this element differently. In Baseball, a fake throw is NOT considered an attempted play. However, in Softball, if the pitcher is in the eight-foot circle, a fake throw IS considered an attempted play for consideration of the circle rule. See Rule 7.10 also.



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Key Elements Proper Batter

Last Legalized



John is proper batter with a count of 0/1

Bats 1st Doubles Bob stays on 2nd

Proper Batter

Takes one pitch/ball Defense now appeals

On 2nd Base

At bat 0/1

Bob is legalized



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(d) (1) When the proper batter is called out for failing to bat in turn, the next batter shall be the batter whose name follows that of the proper batter thus called out;



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(d) (2) When an improper batter becomes a proper batter because no appeal is made before the next pitch, the next batter shall be the batter whose name follows that of such legalized improper batter. The instant an improper batter’s actions are legalized, the batting order picks up with the name following that of the legalized improper batter.



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Sam is the proper batter


Key Elements Proper Batter Last Legalized Before the next pitch, play or attempted play.

Steps in the Box

Steps in the Box

Bob forced at 2nd

Sam grounds out

F/C 4-6

Walks

Up 1st Walks

Defense appeals before the next pitch

1 Out

Sam’s out is cancelled and Tom is called out

Tom proper batter

1st Base2nd Base

2 Outs

Revised 2nd Out

2 Outs

Bill’s run counts

John’s advance is legal

WP to Sam

Bill scores on a wild pitch1st Base2nd Base

1st Base

3rd Base

John goes 2nd on WP



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Steps in the Box

Bob forced at 2nd

Sam grounds out

F/C 4-6

Walks

Up 1st Walks

1 Out

Tom proper batter

1st Base2nd Base

2 Outs WP to Sam

Bill scores on a wild pitch1st Base2nd Base

1st Base

3rd Base

John goes 2nd on WPJohn goes to 3nd on G/O3rd Base

Steps in the Box Pitcher throws one pitch to Tom

Sam is now legalized

Defense appeals

Bills’ run counts

Johns’ advance was legalized by first pitch to Tom

Proper Batter Adam assumes the count from Tom



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Strikes Out

Paul leads off the next inning

Ken hits a triple 3 runs score

Singles

Walks

Up 1st Walks

Adam is called out and no runs score

Defense appeals beforethe next pitch

2nd Out

1 Out Pops Up/F-5 I.F.

Comes to bat

Proper batter

Comes to bat

3rd Out

On Base

On Base

On Base



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Ken stays at 3rd and 3 runs score

Defense appeals after first pitch to Paul.

2nd Out

1 Out

Comes to bat

Proper batter

Comes to bat

Ken hits a triple 3 runs score

Proper Batter, and assumes Paul’s count

1st pitch to Paul legalizes Ken’s triple

On Base

On Base

On Base

Last legalized batter3rd Base



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2nd Out

1 Out

Proper batter

Comes to bat

On Base

On Base

On Base

Paul flies out and no appeal is made.

3rd Out

Ken; When no appeal is made, the first pitch to the lead off batter of the opposing team legalizes Paul’s time at bat.

Who’s the proper leadoff batter in next inning?



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Due Up First



Proper batter

Proper batter

Comes up and walks

Comes to bat

Comes to bat Walks John flies out

Now Tom is the proper batter, but Tom is on second base. Who is the proper batter?

2nd Out

No appeal and pitch is made to Bill legalizing Tom’s walk

Sam can replace Bill and assume the count, but doesn’t.

Bill flies out1st Out If appeal is made, before the first pitch to Bill, Bill is out, Tom is removed from base and Bob is up.

There is no appeal, they pitch to Bob and he walks

The first pitch to Bill legalized Tom, and if an appeal is made before the 1st pitch to Bob, Sam is is out, and the proper batter is Adam.

Bill’s out is legalized by pitch to Bob

Sam; When the proper batter is on base, that batter is passed over

and the following batter becomes the

proper batter

On Base

On Base



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Bats 1st Singles

Proper Batter

Bats 2nd Singles

Tom is legalized by 1st pitch to AdamSam is called out

Defense appeals before the next pitch

Comes to bat

Adam is removed from 1st and bats again.

Tom returns to 1st cannot advance on improper batters actions

Due up First

On Base

On Base

1 Out

Proper Batter



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Rule 6.07 Batting Out Of TurnInstructor Comments:

Scorekeepers and umpires should never call attention to either team that a player is batting out of turn. It is an appeal play that must be discovered by the opposing team. This rule is designed to require managers and coaches from both teams to pay attention to who should bat and who is batting. The game cannot be protested if the scorekeeper says something. The scorekeeper should, however, be counseled as to his/her responsibilities.



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There are two basic things about the rule to keep in mind: When a player bats out of turn, the proper batter is the player called out. If an improper batter bats and reaches base or is out and no appeal is made before a pitch to the next batter, or before any play or attempted play, that improper batter is considered to have batted in proper turn and establishes the order that is to follow.



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In games where announcers are used, have the announcer only announce the player who is physically stepping into the batter’s box, not the player who is due up to bat. By announcing who is due up, he/she would be “giving away” to the opposing team that a player is batting out of turn.



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A player who is called out, on appeal, for failing to bat IS considered as satisfying the at-bat for purpose of the Mandatory Play Rule, Regulation IV (i) and Rule 3.03. See rule 2.00 AT-BAT. A player “skipped over” as a result of a player batting out of turn with no appeal has not satisfied Mandatory Play Reg. IV (i) rule.



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The scorekeeper works for the umpire!



and Pitch CountingScorekeeping

California District 8Little League Baseball

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• The best way to learn is to jump right in. • Attend a training clinic (like this one)• Watch several experienced scorekeepers, and keep a

parallel book to see what system is best for you.• Watching professional ball games on television and

paying attention to the scoring decisions, is also helpful.• As you become more familiar with the rules and gain

experience, you will become more of an expert.• Scorekeeping is not a chore lightly assumed, but it can

be fun and will add a new dimension to your enjoyment of baseball and softball.



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Base Hit — Usually, a base hit is scored when the batter reaches first (or any succeeding base) safely on a fair ball that strikes the ground or a fence or goes over it before being gathered in by a fielder. It is a base hit when the batter reaches base safely on a ball hit with such force, or so slowly, that any fielder attempting to make a play has no opportunity to do so. This also applies to a ball which takes an unusual bounce and makes it impossible for a fielder to cleanly handle. Always score a hit when good fielding of a ball does not result in a putout.



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• Force Out — However puzzling to some parents and spectators, not every batted ball on which the player reaches base safely can be credited as a base hit. For example, when another runner is forced out as the result of a batted ball, no hit is scored. Nor is it a hit if a fielder fails in attempting to retire a preceding runner, and in the judgment of the scorer, the batter-runner could have been retired at first base. In both cases, the batter-runner is credited with reaching base on a fielder’s choice.

• It is a prime rule of scoring that some indication be made in the book to account for every movement of batter-runner or preceding runners.



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• Value of a Base Hit — The scorer’s judgment is most critical in determining the value of a base hit. Usually a one-base hit (or single) is credited if the batter-runner stops at first base; a two-base hit (double) if the runner stops at second and a three-base hit (triple) if he/she stops at third.

• With runners advancing as the result of a safe hit and the batter advancing to second base as the result of the defensive team making a play in an attempt to put out one of these runners, the scorer must determine whether the batter is entitled to a two-base hit or whether he or she advanced to second base on the option by the defensive team. In this event, the scorer would indicate that the batter reached base on a one- base hit, but advanced to second on a fielder’s choice.



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• There are many situations in which the scorer must use judgment in evaluating a base hit. Example: A batter/runner overslides second base and is tagged out before getting back to the base. The runner is credited with a one-base hit because it was the last base reached safely. However, if the runner runs past second base after reaching it on his/her feet and is put out attempting to get back, credit a two-base hit.

• A situation which comes up often in Little League is that of a batter-runner missing a base after having made a safe hit. If he/she is called out for missing any base, he/she is credited only with a hit equivalent to the last base he/she did touch. If he/she misses first base and is called out, no hit is scored, but a time at bat shall be charged.



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• When a base hit ends the game by driving home the winning run in the last half of the final inning, the batter gets credit only for as many bases (one-base, two-base, three-base hit) as necessary to advance the runner who scores the winning run. However the batter-runner must run out the hit for as many bases as are advanced by the runner who scores the winning run. In scoring, credit only the winning run in the final score, except in the case where the batter hits a home run. Then all runs shall count. A home run counts for four bases at any stage of the game and in any situation on the bases.



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• Sacrifices — Scorers sometimes experience difficulty in determining how to record the action of the batter in trying to advance a base-runner. As the term indicates, the batter is deliberately sacrificing his/ her chance to hit safely by bunting the ball in order to force the defensive team to make a usually easy play on him/her at first base for an out, thus advancing a preceding runner into a more favorable position. Even if, as the result of an error, the batter is not put out at first base, but his/her action enables the preceding runner to advance, he/she gets credit for a sacrifice (not a base hit) and no time at bat is charged.

• It is NOT a sacrifice if the preceding runner is put out during this sequence of the defensive team’s action in playing the bunt. The batter is charged with a time at bat and if he/she reaches first base safely, the action is recorded as a fielder’s choice.

• It is also a sacrifice if with less than two out, the batter hits a fly ball or line drive which is caught in the outfield, and a run scores. (See Scoring Rule 10.09.)



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• Errors — In Little League, scorers should favor the batter if a decision of judgment is on the border line of hit versus error. However, this is not to say that obvious errors should be glossed over. Generally, when a defensive player (through ordinary effort) muffs a batted or thrown ball, throws the ball widely or drops the ball, the error must be charged. Being able to recognize the difference between a hit and error is often the toughest job for a scorekeeper — and the most controversial.

• The key is to determine the value of ordinary effort by a fielder. If the fielder should have made the play, with ordinary effort, and failed to, an error may be charged. However, in the case of a fielder, for example, who has to range far from his/her usual position to make a play, and fails to make the play (even if he/she touches the batted ball), no error should be charged.



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• Remember that Little Leaguers are not professionals. The benefit of the doubt should always go to the batter. If a field’s play on a batted ball is affected by some outside force, such as bright sunlight, a collision with a fence or another fielder, or a “bad hop,” it should be scored a hit if the fielder fails to make the play.

• Errors of omission, such as indecision to throw the ball, etc., cannot be charged. But in the case of a baseman, for example, who neglects to have his/her foot on the base when he/she receives a throw has committed a chargeable error.

• Some misplays by the catcher or pitcher — passed balls or wild pitches — are recorded in the scorebook as such and no error is charged.



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Rule 10.1• The league president shall appoint an Official Scorer for each league. The scorer shall

have sole authority to make all decisions involving judgment, such as whether a batter’s advance to first base is the result of a hit or an error. The scorer shall communicate such decisions to the press by hand signals or over the loudspeaker system and shall advise the announcer of such decisions if requested. In the event of a question of eligibility of a pitcher, the record of the Official Scorer shall be deemed official.

If the teams change sides before three are put out, the scorer shall immediately inform the umpire of the mistake.

If the game is protested or play suspended, the scorer shall make note of the exact situation at the time of the protest or suspension, including the score, the number of outs, the position of any runners, and the ball and strike count on the batter.

The scorer shall not make any decision conflicting with the Official Playing rules, or with an umpire’s decision.

The scorer shall not call attention to the umpire or of any member of either team to the fact that a player is batting out of turn.

• The scorer is an official representative of the league, and is entitled to the respect and dignity of the office.



and Pitch Counting

PITCH COUNT (BASEBALL ONLY)• Each pitch delivered to a batter shall be counted. (Exception: A pitch declared

“no pitch” will not be charged to that pitcher.)• The official scorekeeper’s record of the pitch count shall be the official record. In the

absence of an official scorekeeper, the record of the person designated by the local league (or tournament director) to count pitches will be the official record.

• The pitches may be counted by a person other than the scorekeeper, but the total pitches for each pitcher must be entered in the scorebook, or in a locally-produced register for this purpose. The scorebook or register will be used to determine the pitching eligibility in a subsequent game or games.

• When requested by the manager, the scorekeeper and any other official(s) involved in tallying the pitch count must provide current information on the pitch count for a pitcher currently in the game.

• The scorekeeper and any other official(s) involved in tallying the pitch count must inform the umpire-in-chief and manager when the maximum number of pitches has been delivered by a particular pitcher, pursuant to the pitcher’s league age. (See Regulation VI.) However, the failure by such officials to notify the umpire-in-chief and manager does not relieve the manager of the responsibility to remove a pitcher when the limit is reached as required in Regulation VI.



and Pitch Countingand Pitch Counting

Preliminaries If you are assigned to be the scorekeeper, the idea lead time for your arrival would be

approximately 30 minutes before game time. At a minimum, arrive at the field 15 minutes before game time. If the league provides the official scorebooks, obtain the book and proceed to the

field. As soon as you arrive at the field, it is recommended that you remind the manager of

each team to get you a line-up as soon as possible. The manager is usually very busy preparing for the game and this friendly reminder serves both of your interests.

Needed/Suggested Tools Pencils. Obviously the most important tool is a pencil. We suggest making sure you

have a minimum of two. Pencil sharpener Rule Book Copy of the local rules Pitch count affidavit, if used by your league



and Pitch Counting

7

2

8

9

5

6 4

31

Positions by theNumbers



and Pitch CountingScorekeeping

California District 8Little League Baseball

and Pitch Counting

HR – Home Run3B – Triple2B – Double1B – SingleBB – Base on BallsHBP – Hit By PitchE – ErrorFC – Fielder’s ChoiceSAC – SacrificeSB – Stolen Base

PB – Passed BallWP – Wild PitchOBS - ObstructionK – Strike Out - Swinging

F – Fly OutL – Line OutFo – Foul OutINT – Interference

– Strike Out - Called

Scorekeeping Abbreviation



and Pitch Counting

Preliminaries

Complete All Header Information on Both Scorecards(Visitor & Home)If you arrived on time, complete the header information called for on the scorecard. It may be as simple as recording the team names, date, time, etc., but some scorecards may have you fill in several more items. How much you complete is up to you, but at a minimum you should record the date, game time and team names.



and Pitch Counting

Preliminaries

Completing the Player Line-up SectionPrior to entering the line-ups onto the scorecard: Be sure that the manager has listed full names or at a minimum, the first

initial and last name. This will help the league prove that a player played in the minimum amount of games if challenged during the international all star tournament. Do not use nicknames.

Be sure the manager has listed each players’ uniform number and position number.

If the manager sends a line-up card without the above, send it back to him/her to be corrected. Get the manager use to doing it the right way.

Transfer the information from the line-up cards to the scorecard. Just in case you don’t have enough time to do this before the game starts,

you should always enter the line-up for the visitors first, because they will be the first team to bat.



and Pitch Counting

One of the responsibilities of the scorekeeper could also be the tracking of the number of pitches thrown by each pitcher.If that is the case, use the pitch counter provided on the scorecard or a separate form as provided by the league.If the pitcher has reached his/her maximum allowed pitches, the scorekeeper/pitch counter is required to notify the umpire before the next pitch.



and Pitch Counting

/HR /

1

3B2B1BBB E HP FCHR3B2B1BBB

KE HP FC

HR3B2B1BBB E HP FC

HR3B2B1BBB E HP FCHR3B2B1BBB E HP FCHR3B2B1BBB E HP FC




What’s it all mean?

//

6-4

1

2

//

/

SB //

///

E-7



and Pitch Counting

HR

3B

2B

1B

BB E HP FC

Recording the Game

RBI’s OutsRBI’s

Common Results of At-Bat

Balls

Strikes

OutsRBI’s Outs

Play ProgressionArea



and Pitch Counting

Recording the Game

HR

2 2

3B

2B

1B

BB E HP FC

FC6 - 5

What happened here?



and Pitch Counting



and Pitch Counting

3



and Pitch Counting

Recorded Game Practice

scorekeeping california district 8 little league baseball and pitch counting hr 2 3b 2b 1b bbehpfc 6...

Documents

little league baseball

b players

scheduled game

local league

regulation iv

players instructor comments

big league divisions

regulation vi pitchers