Expert: Martin Hoover - 5/19/2008

Question
QUESTION: It states under tournament rules that a if a player exceeds 40 pitches in one game, then he must sit out 2 days AND one game. So if a player throws 41 pitches in a regular season game and the next game is 5 days away, he still must sit a game??

ANSWER: Richard,

I would interpret this by looking at regular season and tournament play as two separate issues.  Seeing as you are entering into a new level of play, I would look at the pitcher with having a clean slate starting with all stars.  However, please keep in mind that the pitcher cannot pitch in tournament play and regular season games at the same time.

I would not think that a player would need to rest the first game of the tournament.

I hope this has answered your question.  Should you have anymore, please don't hesitate to ask.

-Martin Hoover

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Martin,

Does the "game" of rest apply to regular season. We are just starting the season and Tournament is a long time away.


ANSWER: I'm sorry, I misread your question.

Yes, starting in 2008, regular season rules started the requirement that all pitchers pitching 41 or more pitches rest one game, regardless of when that game is.  So, for example, Able pitches 41 pitches on Monday.  He would have to rest 2 days and one game.  Next game is Friday.  He would still not be eligible to pitch this game, but could pitch in any game following Fridays.

This was to help further protect the pitchers arm, and to help transition to tournament rules when tournament play comes around.

I hope this has made it a little more clear.  Sorry for the confusion.

-Martin Hoover

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Understood. Perhaps the Directory Board has not considered the effect. More coaches will keep pichers in longer (maybe all game) due to the limited availability of pitching talent. I wonder why this new rule was implemented. Just thinking outload, so to speak.

Answer
Little League has done years of research in regards to overuse and burnout on pitchers.  Pitcher are still limited to pitches thrown during a day as well.  My personal opinion, the pitch count is good, but it will take a while for correct rule wording and enforcement to take place.

-Martin Hoover