Expert: Martin Hoover - 7/11/2008

Question
QUESTION: Martin,

This is similiar to the question and answer below, but a little different. We play in a league that requires players to make 8 games to be eligible for the playoffs. We had to continue a game called for darkness at a later date. I let the other team substitute a player because the original player is no longer on the team. The continuation game lasted 1 inning. Does the substitute get credit for a full game played, since he wasn't in the original game? I hope I wasn't too confusing.

         Thanks,

         Dave
Previous Question:
I coach in the (9-12) minors division, and we picked up an 11 yr old replacement player who took the place of an injured kid who had to quit.  We got him up before the midpoint, and he has played in all of the games.  My question is this:  We have to make up a game (innings 4,5,6) from a game that he was not on the roster for, but the injured kid was.  Can I use this replacement player in the make up game?

Thanks,

Bryant

Answer
Bryant,

I actually had to look in my Rule Book for this one.  I've never had this situation come up, but I believe I found the section of the rule that you can follow.

Rule 4.01(d) NOTE states that "rostered players who arrive at the game site after a game begins may be inserted in the lineup, if the manager so chooses.  This applies even when a suspended game is resumed at a later date."

I interpret this rule as saying:

If the replacement player is rostered, and arrives at the game site, it fulfills requirements set by rule 4.01(d) NOTE.

I hope this has helped.  You might want to talk to you League Player Agent to make sure that they interpret this rule the same as I do.  Should you have any other questions, please let me know.

-Martin Hoover  



ANSWER: Dave,

In Little League, this would constitute a game.  However, you might want to contact your local administration, or rule book to make sure, as I am not sure about different organizations.

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

-Martin Hoover

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

QUESTION: Martin,

Do you mean that in the continuation game it doesn't have to be the same players? If rostered players can be inserted after it starts, are they inserted at the end of the lineup? Can they replace anybody? I would think you'd have to follow the original lineup, unless a player can't make it or is no longer on the team. That's one thing I need clearing up but I'm still a little confused on my original question. So by that guy playing one inning, he gets credit for a full game even though he wasn't in the original game? I guess another thing to mention in our league is that a player who arrives late can't get in the game after the fourth inning. In the continued game I was doing the team a favor so they wouldn't have to play short handed. Thanks for your help!

Answer
With the rules I am familiar with, any player, who is present at a game that is being resumed, my play.  They should be able to replace anybody, as they would act like a substitute player who is on the bench.

Once again, as for what constitutes "playing a game", you will need to check with a league official, as this is not really coved in playing rules.

-Martin Hoover