AMERICAN LEGION SPECIAL PLAYING RULES

The following are some special playing rules that are used in American Legion. Please also see the American Legion Rules and Major League Baseball Rules.

1. The DH may only hit for the pitcher. The pitcher has no batting position in the lineup and is listed below the starting lineup. You do not have to use the DH as you may have the pitcher bat for himself. (Major League Rule 6.10)

2. If the DH goes in to play in the field, the pitcher now must bat in the batting order in the batting position of the player who was taken out of the game. The DH can not go in the field and then have a new DH hit for the pitcher.

3. Re-entry (special rule – not a major league rule, administered just like school ball). Any of the starting players may withdraw and re-enter once, provided the player re-enters the game in his same position in the batting order. A substitute may not re-enter. (State rule)

4. Injured Player Re-entry Rule (special rule). An injured player may be replaced by a player who has been removed from the game when NO other substitutes are available. The opposing coach shall choose the reentering player and this player may not pitch if he had pitched prior to re-entering. (State rule)

5. The 10-run "mercy" rule (after 5 innings) is NOT in effect unless both coaches agree to use it before the game at the pre-game conference. (This is different from high school where it is automatic unless the coaches agree not to use it) A team trailing by 10 runs may request to stop the game and the leading team must honor their request.

6. A pitcher may not pitch more than a total of 10 innings during any consecutive three-day period. No player may make more than three appearances as a pitcher during any three-day period. (National American Legion Rule)

7. Intentional Walk. Pitcher must pitch 4 balls.

8. The major league appeal rule is in effect.

9. One free trip to the mound per inning per pitcher. On the second trip in one inning, the player must be removed as pitcher and that player may not return to pitch. However, he may change to another position, and will take the batting position of the fielder he replaces. The new pitcher, if not already in the game, is now being DH’d for, if a DH is being used. If a position player is the new pitcher, the DH is lost.

10. Pitcher’s fingers to the mouth (rule change this year). The pitcher may go to his mouth while on the dirt part of the mound area, provided he is not on the rubber, and he does rub his fingers off on his shirt or pants. (Major League Rule 8.02)