Baseball Instruction/youth league pitching rules

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Expert: - 3/7/2008


Question
Pitching rules state that once a pitcher is removed he can not pitch again. But my question is if a pitcher pitches a complete inning can he return to pitch another inning later in the game?i.e. Johnny pitch the complete first inning , plays second base the complete second inning , can he pitch the third inning? I say he can. My issuse is REMOVED as opposed to starting or beginning and ending a inning.

Answer
Billy,

Please keep in mind that this is an interpretation of Little League Baseball rules.

Very Simple: Once a pitcher is removed from the mound they are not allowed to return to pitch in the remainder of the game.  So in your example, Johnny would not be allowed to enter again in the 3rd as the pitcher.

This is for Major Baseball and below.  Junior Baseball and above, a pitcher, removed from the mound, but remaining in the game, may return to the mound, once per game.

I think you might of mix up the two rules.  Just remember, if its Majors or below, once a pitcher is removed from the mound, he is done for the game.

I hope this has helped.  Should you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

-Martin Hoover

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Martin Hoover

Expertise

Questions regarding the Rules and Regulations of Little League Baseball and Softball. Questions regarding the history and organization of Little League Baseball at local, state, regional, and international levels. Advise regarding certain operational procedures and recommendations to Local League representatives.

Experience

Volunteer Little League Umpire since 2000; 2003 Little League, Junior League, Senior League and Big League Softball European Regional Umpire; 2005 Little League Softball Western Regional Umpire; Member- Hesperia National(Hesperia, CA) Little League Board of Directors(2003-2004); President- Hesperia National Little League Board of Directors(2005-Present); 2007 Junior Softball Western Regional Umpire

Organizations
Little League Baseball, Inc is the main operational center. I fall under Little League Western Region, and California District 49. I currently serve as President of the Hesperia National Little League Board of Directors.

Education/Credentials
Western Regional Junior Umpire School(2000)(Named Outstanding Junior Umpire of the Western Region Area); Instructor - Little League Baseball Western Regional Outreach Clinics

Awards and Honors
Outstanding Junior Umpire of the Western Regional Area(2000)

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