Expert: John Priest - 7/18/2008

Question
This year our league has had alot of arguments over rules.  Tonight was no exception.  In the 2nd inning the pitcher hit 2 batters.  The coach moved her to catcher.  The coach said that the rules said she had to be removed as pitched because she hit 2 batters and that she wasn't allowed to pitch any more this game.  The assistant coach asked me the rule & I said that I thought he was.  The coach had me check the rulebook.  I could not find anything regarding her being forced to come out for the inning.  And I couldn't find anything saying that she couldn't go back in as pitcher the next inning.  The umpire refused to let her pitch the next inning.  They argued it?  The ump asked for the rule book & I gave it to him. He couldn't find it either but he refused to let her pitch.  She was the starting pitcher.  What are the rules regarding this and what page can I find it on?  Even though I said "she", I am talking about baseball not softball.

Answer
Laura,
    I am not sure if this is an official little league rule.  Many leagues put in rules themselves like when pitchers hit too many batters.  These rules are usually voted on and put in before the season starts.  They may not be in the official little league rule book.  If the league did make some of their own rules than they should have made a packet for all the coaches so you are aware of the new rules or changes.  I see a lot of little leagues use this rule when pitchers hit 2 or more hitters in one inning.  This rule is a good idea because you don't want anyone to get hurt and you don't want pitchers and hitters to lose confidence.  I have seen many hitters that get hit by a pitch and they become very timid for the rest of the season.   I have also seen many pitchers lose confidence in themselves because they hit and hurt a hitter.  
    I would ask the league president or the head umpire for the proper ruling of this situation.

Thank You,
John Priest