Attention Little Leaguers

[MoFo]

Dropped third strikes are in play, outs and ejections for illegal bats

6.05 - A batter is out when -
(b) Little League (Majors)/Junior/Senior/Big League –
(1) a third strike is legally caught by the catcher;
(2) a third strike is not caught by the catcher when first base is occupied before two are out. Minor League and Tee Ball: A third strike is caught or not caught by the catcher. Option: A local league may elect to apply the Minor League and Tee Ball rule for the Little League (Major Division) for the regular season.
Summary and Implementation: During the 2012 season, for the Major Baseball Division, players may advance on a third strike that is not caught in flight by the catcher. However, local leagues may opt to use the Minor League and Tee Ball rule noted above, for the Major Baseball Division, instead.
This option applies only for the regular season. In Tournament play, the rule will be implemented as noted above for the Majors Division. The rule for tournament play in 10-11 is noted below.

Rule 6.06(d) in the Baseball Rule Book has been amended to read:
A batter is out for illegal action when -
(d) The batter enters the batter’s box with one or both feet entirely on the ground with an illegal bat (see bat specifications rule 1.10) or is discovered having used an illegal bat prior to the next player entering the batter’s box.
Note: If the infraction is discovered before the next player enters the batter’s box
following the turn at bat of the player who used an illegal bat:
1) The manager of the defense may advise the plate umpire of a decision to decline the penalty and accept the play. Such election shall be made immediately at the end of the play.
2) For the first violation, the offensive team will lose one eligible adult base coach for the duration of the game.
3) For the second violation, the manager of the team will be ejected from the game. Any subsequent violation will result in the newly designated manager being ejected.
Summary and Implementation: For the 2012 season, this imposes penalties for the use of an illegal bat in a game.