AboutMartin 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. I'm also the Information Officer for California District 49, as well as an umpire consultant for the district.
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)
Question Our league rules are in accordance with National Baseball Congress for 13 year olds. Our league states that the bat can only be a -8.5 or less, tonight a player on the other team used a -9 bat during his time up. During his at bat there were runners on 2nd and 3rd base with 2 outs. He proceeded to get a base hit to drive in the two runs. We the coaches noticed the illegal bat and told the umpire who in turn called the batter out and nullified the 2 runs scored. Was this correct and why or why not?
Answer Denis,
I am not familiar with NBC rules, however, I can tell you that every level of baseball I've been associated with (NFHS, Little League, and this includes MLB rules too) have a stipulation that any illegal equipment that is found during the game is removed, but any action with such illegal equipment stands.
Please check with your associations playing rules for the correct ruling.
I hope this has helped. Should you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask!
