Mustang Rules 2013

2. Mustang play will be governed by the following set of rules in order of precedence:

a. These Mustang rules.

b. Pony Baseball Inc. Mustang league rules.

C. Official Baseball Rules, the Sporting News Edition.

3. Games must start promptly as scheduled. If a team has only eight players, they may borrow the ninth player from the opposing team. This player will play the outfield and bat ninth. If an injury occurs, you may finish the game with eight players.

4. Each game will consist of six innings. If the score is tied after six innings, one additional inning will be played to break the tie even if past the time limit. If game is still tied, the tie will be broken the next time the two teams play each other. (We will start the tie game earlier and then go into the next game.)

5. Games will have a two hour time limit.

6. Games called due to weather or darkness are considered a complete game:

a. If three and one half (3 ½) innings are complete and the home team has scored more runs than the visiting team.

b. If the visiting team has scored more runs than the home team after four (4) complete innings.

7. Each player will play three (3) innings in the field for nine (9) outs. Players who arrive late may play less than three innings.

8. A continuous batting order will be used and will include all players. Late arriving players are to bat in their original position.

9. All batters, "on deck" batter, base runners & catchers must wear protective head gear.

10. Three (3) outs or six (6) runs per inning, per team which ever occurs first. The inning will be over when:

a. The third out is made.

b. The sixth (6^th) run is scored. (Unlimited runs last inning.)

11. The ten run rule does apply to games after four (4) innings and will be an official game.

12. Lead offs and stealing is allowed.

a. Lead offs at any base.

b. Stealing of any base except home base. Straight or delayed stealing of home plate on a pitch delivered by a pitcher is strictly prohibited, and the runner will be called out.

c. To score from 3^rd base, a ball must be put into play (ie. A play on the runner, a passed ball, or a batted ball).

13. No drop third strike.

14. SLIDE RULE: Players are often injured sliding when not necessary. The purpose of the home plate slide rule is to avoid unnecessary contact at home plate. However, no player can block any base including home plate without having possession of the ball. If in the umpires judgement any player blocks a runners path to any base including home plate, the umpire should call obstruction on the defensive player and the base runner should be awarded the base. If the catcher is holding the ball before the runner reaches home plate, the runner must slide or attempt to go around the catcher. If he runs into the catcher without sliding or attempting to go around, the umpire will call the runner out for unnecessary contact. If in the umpires judgement the contact was intent to cause injury, the player will be ejected from the game. If the ball and the runner arrive at the same time, the runner does not have to slide. The catcher must have possession of the ball before the runner reaches home plate. If there is contact between the catcher and the base runner and the catcher is blocking the plate without having the ball, obstruction should be called on the catcher and the base runner awarded home plate.

15. Mustang pitching rules will be governed by the following set of rules:

a. Three (3) innings per day. Eight (8) innings per week. A calendar week is Mon.-Sun.

b. One pitched ball constitutes an inning pitched.

c. Forty (40) hour rest rule after three (3) innings per day.

d. Any pitcher removed from the mound cannot return to pitch in that game.

e. Balks will be called after two (2) warnings to each pitcher.

f. A manager/coach will be allowed two (2) trips to the mound per inning. The pitcher must be replaced on the third trip.

16. Courtesy runners can be used for pitchers and catchers: (to speed up the game)

a. Must be two (2) outs in the inning.

b. Pitcher and/or catcher must have finished previous innings as a pitcher or catcher.

17. Rain outs need to be rescheduled within the same week.

18. The home team is responsible for putting the bases away after the last game of the day.

19. The winning manager is required to submit a score through the website at www.cresthillbaseball.com.  List player accomplishments with at least one player from opposing team.

20. Each team will clean out their dugout after every game.

21. Each manager/coach is responsible for the conduct of their team and fans. Players should be taught and encouraged to show good sportsmanship towards fellow players, coaches, fans and the umpires. Managers need to help an umpire’s attempt to control a troublesome fan(s).

22. Practices - 3-4 per week prior to the season & twice per week after the season starts.