Danny Smith Baseball Rec League Divisions

Danny Smith offers recreation divisions for ages 3 to 13. All divisions are co-ed and follow a similar schedule running from mid-March to the end of June. Practices begin the season followed by games starting in mid-April. At the end of the season Incrediball, Pony, Mustang, and Bronco compete in a tournament style game series and a champion is named for each division. 

All players, coaches, and family members are invited to a league-wide Opening Day that kicks off the game season. The season closes with a league-wide Ice Cream Social where we will celebrate each team and close out the season with the championship games for the Pony, Mustang, and Bronco divisions.

Tee-ball (ages 3 and 4)

Co-ed for ages 3 and 4. Tee-ball is a great way to introduce young players to baseball. In this non-competitive division, players will begin to learn the basics of baseball. Practices give players time to meet their coach(es) and get to know the basics such as running the bases and how to hit off the tee. Games will provide each team a chance to field and bat through the entire line up. Parents are encouraged to help during practices and games. The season will consist of three weeks of practice once a week followed by once a week games the rest of the season. Each practice and game will last 45 minutes.

Division days: Monday or Wednesday

Required: Glove

Suggested: Helmet and bat

Provided: Team shirt and hat

2026 TEE-BALL LEAGUE GUIDELINES

Trash talking, abusive language, vulgarity, and unsportsmanlike conduct are unacceptable at Danny Smith Park. Players, coaches, parents, or fans engaging in this conduct may be removed from the Park or subject to other sanctions at the board's discretion.

These are guidelines rather than “rules,” because Tee-ball is a non-competitive introductory division. Coaches and parents are encouraged to adapt the games as necessary to provide the best experience for the players.

Coaches, should not be so rigid with the rules that you forget the purpose of the league.

a. The basic goal of Tee-ball is to introduce players to baseball and its most basic concepts, including:

i.  Offensively

1.  How to grip a bat;

2.  Where and how to stand in the batter’s box;

3.  How to swing and hit the ball off a tee;

4.  How to run to first base when the ball is hit;

5.  How to run to subsequent bases when other players hit the ball;

ii.  Defensively

1.  Wearing a glove and throwing overhand;

2.  Fielding grounders;

3.  The idea of playing a position in the field; (Placing bean bags in the field to show players where their positions are a useful trick)

4.  The idea that not every player should swarm to or fight for a hit ball;

5.  Making a play on a runner, either by tag or throw (this may be a bit advanced and could be saved for closer to the end of the season).

Equipment

Soft baseballs, supplied to the coaches prior to the season, will be used for play. Batters will hit off a tee and should wear helmets.

Batters will hit off a tee and should wear helmets.

The home team is responsible for preparing the field for play before each game. This includes lining the field and placing bases. If it is the last game of the day on that field, the home team shall be responsible for storing field equipment, turning off lights, and locking equipment buildings.

Both the visiting team and the home team will be responsible for cleaning up the dugout. This includes water bottles, trash, gum wrappers, etc. There is a large trash can located behind the backstop of each field.

Teams should attempt to vacate the field and dugouts promptly to allow teams in subsequent games to take the field and warm up.

Bases should be set to the distance of 50’.

No player may sit defensively for more than one inning (three outs in the field) unless every other player on the team has sat defensively for one inning, i.e. all players must sit one inning before any player may sit two innings. Exceptions shall be made for injury or illness.

~45 minutes

Games are allotted approximately an hour on the schedule. The length of games is subject to the Coaches. Weather or player enthusiasm may deem the need to shorten the allotted time frame.

Parents, Coaches, or other helpers of the team at bat may be stationed at each base.

Defensively, parents, coaches, or other helpers are encouraged to stand on the field with defensive players, help them find their position, etc.

Weather or player enthusiasm may deem the need to shorten the allotted time frame.

All players should be on the field defensively in the infield. They do not need to play traditional baseball positions. They should be lined up approximately as deep as the base paths, except for a pitcher player if a team chooses to use one.

Not applicable, as innings are not formally tracked in Tee-ball

Not applicable, as Tee-ball is non-competitive

Baserunners should advance one base on each hit.

The half-inning shall continue until each player on the offensive team has hit once. When the last batter on the

roster hits, his/her hit should be a “home run” and clear the bases. Teams then switch sides.

General

When a player hits the ball in fair territory, he/she will run to first base. The offensive coach assisting the batter should determine whether a ball is hit, or if the player hit primarily the tee. If the player hits the tee, he/she should get another chance. The at-bat shall continue until the batter hits the ball in fair territory.

Helmets

Batters will hit off a tee and should wear helmets.

Outs

In the unlikely event a batter or base runner is tagged out, he/she should be allowed to stay on base and continue to run.

Strikeout with Dropped Third Strike

Not applicable, as there are no s

Incrediball (ages 5 and 6)

Co-ed for ages 5 and 6. This division continues to focus on the fundamentals of baseball including hitting, throwing, catching, and fielding. The lighter, softer Incrediball allows players to strengthen their skills in a safe environment. Games will be scored and outs are recorded. Coaches will pitch to their players but tees are also available. The season will begin with three weeks of practices followed by a mix of games and practices for the rest of the season. Each practice and game will last one hour. 

Equipment

Required: Glove

Suggested: Helmet and bat

Provided: Team shirt, hat, and pants

2026 INCREDIBALL LEAGUE RULES

Trash-talking, abusive language, vulgarity, and unsportsmanlike conduct are unacceptable at Danny Smith Park. Players, coaches, parents, or fans engaging in this conduct may be removed from the Park or subject to other sanctions at the discretion of the Board.

Soft baseballs, supplied to the coaches prior to the season, will be used for league play. Each offensive coach may use his or her own soft baseballs in the game. If necessary, the league may supply additional balls.

Players must wear batting helmets when on-deck, at bat, and running the bases.

Metal cleats or spikes are not permitted.

Defensive players should wear hats on the field.

The home team is responsible for preparing the field for play before each game. This includes lining the field and placing bases. If it is the last game of the day, the home team shall be

responsible for storing field equipment, turning off lights, and locking equipment buildings.

Lining the field shall include a 12 (twelve) foot diameter circle around the pitcher’s mound.

Hash marks will be added between 1st and 2nd base, 2nd and 3rd base, and 3rd and home plate. Marks will be half-way between bases, or ~25 feet.

Both the visiting team and the home team will be responsible for cleaning up the dugout. This includes water bottles, trash, gum wrappers, etc. There is a large trash can located behind the backstop of each field.

Teams should attempt to vacate the field and dugouts promptly to allow teams in subsequent games to take the field and warm up.

The visiting team will be responsible for picking up the scoreboard from the concession stand, setting up the scoreboard, and running the scoreboard. A parent makes an ideal candidate for this task.

The visiting team is responsible for returning the scoreboard to the concession stand if their game is the last of the evening.

Bases shall be set 50’ apart.

No player may sit defensively for more than one inning (three outs in the field) unless every other player on the team has sat defensively for one inning, i.e. all players must sit one inning

before any player may sit two innings. Exceptions shall be made for injury or illness.

Games shall be a maximum of (3) innings in length, subject to the time limits set forth herein. (In previous seasons, most games have only been 2 innings in length). A regular Incrediball season game may end in a tie. We encourage coaches to be responsible in monitoring game time and to decide if there is time for a third inning to be played, even if under the time limit. (At this age, sometimes players just aren’t up for a third inning…).

Tournament games are not subject to time limits.

The head coach of the home team will declare the actual start time of the game prior to the first pitch being thrown.

In addition to the pitcher and base coaches, one offensive coach can be behind home plate to gather tee if player does not put the ball in play from coach pitched balls.

Up to two (2) defensive coaches are permitted to be on the field in fair territory during play.

These coaches must remain in the outfield during play, but may enter the infield during dead-ball periods to instruct players. If a defensive coach is hit by a batted ball in fair territory, the batter is awarded a ground-rule double and all runners on base at the time of the hit score.

Games will be declared complete if, after two (2) complete innings (1-½ if the home team is ahead) the game is stopped due to weather conditions.

Each player shall play one inning in the infield before any other player may play two innings in the infield. Exceptions may be made for sick, injured, or timid players.

Each player shall be given the opportunity to play at least one inning in the infield each game. No player will be made to play in the infield if that is their choice.

There is no “mercy” or “runs ahead” rule.

Each team is permitted to play five (5) infielders. Catchers are not used in this league. The remaining players on the team shall be positioned in the outfield. Outfielders must remain on the grass until the ball is hit.

Games shall be a maximum of (3) innings in length, subject to the time limits set forth herein.

No new inning shall be started more than forty-five (45) minutes after the actual start time of the game.

There shall be a cap of five (5) runs per team per inning.

No new inning shall be started more than forty-five (45) minutes after the actual start time of the game. All innings that are started shall be played to completion.

An Incrediball regular season game may end in a tie.

If fewer than 2 (or 1-½) innings have been completed, the game will be rescheduled (calendar permitting) and resumed at the point it was stopped, as opposed to being restarted.

Tournament games are not subject to time limits. If a tournament game remains tied after three innings, then the team that recorded the most defensive outs shall be deemed the winner.

Coaches for the defensive team shall umpire that half-inning.

Teams are not guaranteed infield warm-up prior to games. When time permits, infield warm-up time should be shared evenly between the teams.

A batted ball that hits the white section of the double base shall be declared fair. A batted ball that hits the orange section without first touching or bouncing over the white section shall be declared foul.

Whenever a play is being made on the batter-runner, the defense must use the white section of

the double first base.

NOTE 1: A play is being made on the batter-runner when he/she is attempting to reach first base while the defense is attempting to retire him/her at that base.

NOTE: 2: If there is a play on the batter-runner, and the batter-runner touches only the white portion and the defense appeals prior to the batter-runner returning to first base, it is treated the same as missing the base. Therefore, the batter-runner is declared out.

If the batter-runner collides with the fielder who is only on the white portion of the bag attempting to catch the ball, it is interference. The runner is ruled out.

If the batter-runner collides with the fielder who is only on the white portion of the bag attempting to catch the ball, it is interference. The runner is ruled out.

If the fielder is only standing on the orange portion of the bag and there is a collision prior to the fielder catching the ball, it is obstruction. The runner is ruled safe.

If both players are doing what they are supposed to do and there is a collision, it may be incidental contact, and no penalty is assessed.

All hits are single base advancement. A ball hit to the outfield is a two-base max advancement.

There is no infield fly rule.

Base stealing and lead-offs are not permitted. Runners may not leave the base until the pitch has been hit.

There is a limit of one base on an overthrow to a base. An overthrow is defined as an attempt to throw a ball to a base and the ball gets past the intended target.

We do not want to over-penalize players for attempting to make an out.

The player-pitcher shall play even with or behind the coach pitcher. The player-pitcher may stand on either side of the coach pitcher and must remain within six (6) feet of the coach pitcher.

All slides must be feet first. A player who slides head first will not be called out, but the coach should immediately instruct the player that headfirst slides are not permitted.

Play will be called dead when play has stopped or stalled (e.g. the lead runner is not attempting to advance and no play is being made on runners) OR when an infielder has possession of the ball and at least one foot in the pitcher’s circle.

When an infielder enters the circle with possession of the ball to stop play (i.e. not attempting to make a play on a runner), runners who have passed the halfway mark on the base paths shall advance to that next base UNLESS a runner ahead of them is required to return to that base because they did not pass the halfway point to the next base. Runners who have not passed the halfway mark shall return to their previous base unless forced to advance by the batter at first base. This “force” rule does not apply to a batter attempting to reach second or subsequent bases. The batter will be awarded first base regardless of where he or she is on the first base path when the infielder enters the circle.

Double bases were installed to prevent collisions between the batter-runner and the first basemen. Many players at this age are still learning where to stand when covering a specific base in the infield.

Each team shall bat its entire roster, in the batting order before returning to the top of its batting order, irrespective of whether a player played in the field that inning. Exceptions may be made for injury, illness, or timid players. Outs will not be assessed for batters who miss their at-bat in the order due to injury, illness, or reluctance. Sick, injured, or timid players shall be permitted to rejoin play.

Players must wear batting helmets when on-deck, at bat, and running the bases.

Each batter shall receive up to five (5) pitches. If the fifth pitch is hit foul or a foul tip, the coach shall continue to pitch to that player until the batter either swings and misses or hits the ball into fair territory. There are no walks or strikeouts.

If the batter does not hit one of his or her allotted pitches into fair territory, the ball shall be placed on the tee and the batter shall hit from the tee. The batter shall continue to bat from the tee until he or she hits the ball into fair territory. If a player batting from the tee hits the tee but not the ball, the play shall be called dead and the ball replaced on the tee. The offensive coach assisting the player in batting shall determine when the player hit the tee and not the ball.

Not applicable, as there are no strikeouts.

A player shall play no more than two innings per game at the pitcher position.

Pitching shall be done by a coach (or other person designated by the coach), overhand at a distance of approximately thirty (30) feet from the plate, or as far forward as the front of the circle as the pitching coach chooses (approximately 24 feet).

The pitching coach must quickly leave the field so as to avoid interfering with a hit ball or the play and remain off the field until the play is ruled dead.

The play is dead if the pitching coach is inadvertently hit with a ball. The pitch does not count, no runners advance and the batter returns to the plate.

If the pitching coach intentionally interferes with a hit ball or play, unless reasonably necessary for player safety, the batter shall be called out and all runners shall return to the bases they began the play on.

Approximately thirty (30) feet from the plate, or as far forward as the front of the circle as the pitching coach chooses.

Team Roster

Fill-in Player Positions

Free substitution is permitted at all positions, subject to participation requirements and limitations on innings played at pitcher.

Minimum Player Standards

Each team must field a minimum of six (6) players within fifteen (15) minutes of the scheduled start time of each game. Failure to do so results in a forfeit. If a team plays with fewer than 8 players, the coach may choose which positions to leave vacant. In the event of a forfeit, teams are permitted to play a “scrimmage” game.

Out For Missed At-Bats

Teams shall roster bat, meaning every player in attendance shall bat in the batting order. Exceptions shall be made for injury or illness or timid players. Outs will not be assessed for batters who miss their at-bat in the order due to injury, illness, or reluctance. Sick, injured, or timid

Pony (ages 7 and 8)

Co-ed for ages 7 and 8. Through strengthening fundamentals and promotion of teamwork and sportsmanship players will continue to expand their knowledge of the game and see what it means to be part of a team. This division is also the start of the competitive divisions. The score is kept and outs are tracked. This division is coach pitch from 38 feet. Players will have the opportunity to learn a variety of positions. The season will begin with three weeks of practices followed by a mix of games and practices for the rest of the season. Each practice will be for 1 hour and games will be 75 minutes. 

Equipment

Required: Glove, helmet, and bat
Bat Requirements: USSSA or USA bat with a maximum barrel size of two and five-eighths inches in diameter (2 5/8in)

Suggested: Baseball cleats

Provided: Team shirt, hat, and pants

2026 PONY LEAGUE RULES

Trash talking, abusive language, vulgarity and unsportsmanlike conduct are unacceptable at Danny Smith Park. Players, coaches, parents or fans engaging in this conduct may be removed from the Park or subject to other sanction at the discretion of the Board.

One umpire shall be used for each game. At its discretion, the Board may employ two umpires, in which event the home plate umpire shall be the head umpire. Umpires will make all calls. An umpire’s judgment calls are final and not subject to challenge. Challenges or protests concerning application or interpretation of the rules shall be made to the Board.

A hard baseball, supplied by the league, will be used for league play.

NO BIG BARREL BATS PERMITTED. Bats with barrels over 2-5/8” in diameter are not allowed.

Players must wear batting helmets when on-deck, at bat, and running the bases.

Metal cleats or spikes are not permitted.

Defensive players should wear hats in the field.

The home team is responsible for preparing the field for play before each game. This includes lining the field and placing bases. If it is the last game of the day, the home team shall be responsible for storing field equipment, turning off lights and locking equipment buildings.

Lining the field shall include a 12 (twelve) foot diameter circle around the pitcher’s mound.

Hash marks will be added between 1st and 2nd base, 2nd and 3rd base, and 3rd and home plate. Marks will be half-way between bases, or 30 feet.

The home team will keep the official scorebook. Scores will be compared at the end of each inning and any discrepancy in the score will be settled by the home plate umpire before the game resumes.

Both the visiting team and the home team will be responsible for cleaning up the dugout. This includes water bottles, trash, gum wrappers, etc. There is a large trash can located behind the backstop of each field.

Teams should attempt to vacate the field and dugouts promptly to allow teams in subsequent games to take the field and warm up.

The visiting team will be responsible for picking up the scoreboard from the concession stand, setting up the scoreboard, and running the scoreboard. A parent makes an ideal candidate for this task.

The visiting team is responsible for returning the scoreboard to the concession stand if their game is the last of the evening.

Bases shall be set 60’ apart.

Baserunners should not “dance” or attempt to bait fielders into throws.

No player may sit defensively for more than one inning (three outs in the field) unless every other player on the team has sat defensively for one inning, i.e. all players must sit one inning before any player may sit two

innings. Exceptions shall be made for injury or illness.

Games shall be five (5) innings in length (4-½ if the home team is leading), subject to the time limits set forth herein. In the event of a tie, extra innings may be played, also subject to time limitations. A regular season game may end in a tie due to time limits.

Tournament games are not subject to time limits.

All games should start at the scheduled start time. In the event of delay, the home plate umpire shall determine the actual start time. The home plate umpire is the official timekeeper.

First and Third base coach only. Additional helper may be permitted in the event of a coach shall be catching due to a shortened roster.

Up to two (2) defensive coaches are permitted on the field during play.

These coaches must remain in the outfield during play, but may enter the infield during dead-ball periods to instruct players. If a defensive coach is hit by a batted ball in fair territory, the batter is awarded a ground-rule double and all runners on base at the time of the hit score.

Games will be declared complete if, after three (3) or more complete innings (2-½ if the home team is ahead) the game is stopped due to weather conditions.

Each coach is encouraged to give each player the opportunity to play at least one inning in the infield each game. No player will be made to play in the infield if that is their choice.

We also encourage the coaches to use their primary infield players in the outfield to help the players develop the skills necessary to play the outfield.

There is no “mercy” or “runs ahead” rule (e.g. 10-run rule).

Each team is permitted to play six (6) infielders and up to four (4) outfielders. Outfielders must remain on the grass until the ball is hit. Outfielders may play approximately left field, left center, center, right-center, or right field positions.

Teams with 10 players will field a catcher, each other infield position, and four outfielders. Teams with nine or fewer players will have a coach fill in as catcher.

Games shall be five (5) innings in length (4-½ if the home team is leading), subject to the time limits set forth herein.

The umpire shall declare the open inning prior to either the 5th inning or what the umpire determines to be the final inning of the game based upon time limits. The open inning is not guaranteed. If extra-innings are played in the case of a tie, those innings shall be “capped” at five (5) runs per inning.

No new inning will begin after 65 minutes from the start of the game.

There shall be a cap of five (5) runs per team per inning, except in the final inning of the game which shall be an uncapped “open” inning.

No new inning shall begin after 65 minutes from the start of the game, as determined by the umpire. All innings that are started shall be played to completion.

A regular season game may end in a tie due to time limits.

If fewer than 3 (or 2- ½) innings have been completed, the game will be rescheduled (calendar permitting) and resumed at the point it was stopped, as opposed to being restarted.

If extra-innings are played in the case of a tie, those innings shall be “open” innings. Tournament games are not subject to time limits or results in ties.

If an umpire is not available, coaches for the offensive team shall umpire that half of the inning, maintain pitch counts, et cetera. The head coach of the home team will declare the actual start time of the game prior to the first pitch being thrown.

Teams are not guaranteed infield warm-up prior to games. When time permits, infield warm-up time should be shared evenly between the teams.

A batted ball that hits the white section of the double base shall be declared fair. A batted ball that hits the orange section without first touching or bouncing over the white section shall be declared foul.

Whenever a play is being made on the batter-runner, the defense must use the white section of the double first base.

NOTE 1: A play is being made on the batter-runner when he/she is attempting to reach first base while the defense is attempting to retire him/her at that base.

NOTE: 2: If there is a play on the batter-runner, and the batter-runner touches only the white portion and the defense appeals prior to the batter-runner returning to first base, it is treated the same as missing the base. Therefore, the batter-runner is declared out.

Whenever a play is being made on the batter-runner, the batter-runner must use the orange section on his/her first attempt to tag first base.

NOTE: On extra-base hits or other balls hit to the outfield when there is no chance for a play to be made at the double first base, the batter-runner may touch either the white or colored (orange or green) section of the base. Should, however, the batter-runner reach and go beyond first base, he/she may only return to the white section

of the base.

PENALTY: If there is a play on the batter-runner, and the batter-runner touches only the white portion and the defense appeals prior to the batter-runner returning to first base, it is treated the same as missing the base. If properly appealed, the batter-runner is out.

When tagging up on a fly ball, the white section of the base must be used by the runner. One foot is permitted to extend behind or on the base into foul territory, as long as the front foot is touching the white section of the base. PENALTY: If properly appealed, the runner is out

If the batter-runner collides with the fielder who is only on the white portion of the bag attempting to catch the ball, it is interference. The runner is ruled out.

If the fielder is only standing on the orange portion of the bag and there is a collision prior to the fielder catching the ball, it is obstruction. The runner is ruled safe

If both players are doing what they are supposed to do and there is a collision, it may be incidental contact and no penalty assessed.

There shall be no limit to the number of bases a runner can take when a ball is hit.

There is no infield fly rule.

Base stealing and lead-offs are not permitted. Runners may not leave base until the pitch has been hit. If, in the opinion of the umpire, a player left base early, the play may be called dead, the pitch will not count, and the runner(s) will be required to return to the base previously occupied. A player who is warned for leaving the base early on two occasions in the same inning shall be called out on the second occasion.

Runners will be awarded ONE base on overthrows regardless of how many overthrows take place in a given

individual situation during an inning. Runners shall be awarded the next base on a ball that is thrown passed its intended target. We do not want to over-penalize players for attempting to make an out.

The player-pitcher shall play even with or behind the coach pitcher. The player-pitcher may stand on either side of the coach pitcher and must remain within six (6) feet of the coach pitcher.

Base runners must slide feet first at all bases and home plate. A player sliding head-first shall be called out. Diving back to a base on an overrun is permitted.

Runners must slide into home any time there is a play at the plate. A fielder shall not obstruct home plate unless in the act of fielding or receiving the ball or making a tag on the runner. Runners shall attempt to avoid contact with the fielder at home and shall not attempt to “run over” a fielder to knock the ball loose in a play. If, in the umpire’s judgment, a runner could have avoided contact and failed to do so, or failed to slide with a play at the plate, the runner shall be called out.

Play will stop when the umpire declares time. This is determined when a player calls timeout, with the ball, within the pitcher’s circle. Time is acknowledged when a play is dead, which includes when a defensive player has the ball in their possession ahead of the lead runner, who is unable to advance. This is to prevent unsportsmanlike and game-delaying base-running tactics (e.g. baserunners “dancing” or attempting to bait fielders into making throws).

Hash marks will be added between 1st and 2nd base, 2nd and 3rd base, and 3rd and home plate. Marks will be half-way between bases, or 30 feet.

Umpires will watch the LEAD RUNNER, and determine if the runner is past, or behind the hash-mark at the point that time is called.

A defensive player, not necessarily an infielder, must be in possession of the ball WITHIN THE PITCHER’S CIRCLE. When time is called and recognized, play is stopped.

To call time, a player needs to yell "time", or "time-out" and also signal with hand, arms or hands for the umpire to recognize. A coach CANNOT call timeout.

If at the moment that time is called, and play is stopped, a runner is at, or past the hash-mark, they will be awarded the lead base, and if they are behind the mark, they must return to previous base, and all trail runners will be moved back accordingly.

Trail runners will also be subject to the same regulations, though this is not the immediate priority of the umpire.

The best judgment of the umpire will rule these calls, and the umpire's ruling is final.

Double bases were installed to prevent collisions between the batter-runner and the first basemen. Many players at this age are still learning where to stand when covering a specific base in the infield.

Teams shall roster bat, meaning every player in attendance shall bat in the batting order. Exceptions shall be made for injury or illness or timid players. Outs will not be assessed for batters that miss their at-bat in the order due to injury, illness or reluctance. Sick, injured or timid players shall be permitted to rejoin play.

Players must wear batting helmets when on-deck, at bat, and running the bases.

Each batter shall receive up to five (5) pitches. If the fifth pitch is hit foul or a foul tip, the coach shall continue to pitch to that player until the batter either swings and misses or hits the ball into fair territory. There are no walks.

Not explicitly stated, but implied with the rule: "If the 5th pitch or third strike is hit foul or a foul tip, the player continues to bat until they either swing and miss or hit the ball into fair territory."

There will be one team warning per game for any player that throws a bat. All players throwing the bat will be called out. When the out is called, it will be considered a dead ball. No runners may advance. No runners may score. This will be a judgment call made by the umpire(s).

Pitching shall be done by a coach (or other person designated by the coach), overhand within the pitching circle. The pitching coach must quickly leave the field so as to avoid interfering with a hit ball or the play and remain off the field until the play is ruled dead.

If the pitching coach fails to exit the field and, in the judgment of the umpire, interferes with the play, the umpire may stop the play, call the batter out and return any runners to the bases that they began the play on.

c. The play is dead if the pitching coach is inadvertently hit with a batted ball. The pitch does not count, no runners advance and the batter returns to the plate.

d. Each batter will have a maximum of (6) pitches or (3) strikes. Missed swings, foul balls and foul tips are counted as strikes. If the sixth pitch or third strike is hit foul or a foul tip, the player continues to bat until they either swing and miss or hit the ball into fair territory. There are no walks.

Not Mentioned, but pitching is done by a coach within the pitching circle.

The sub player must be someone currently playing at Danny Smith Park that is the same age or younger.

Free substitution is permitted at all positions.

Teams may also field an opposing team’s player(s) in an outfield position, with the approval of the opposing team to fill a space.

Any other substitution circumstance must receive approval from the Danny Smith Memorial Park Board of Directors prior to the start of the game. No exceptions.

Each team must field a minimum of six (6) players within five (5) minutes of the scheduled start time of each game. Failure to do so results in forfeit. If a team plays with fewer than 8 players, the coach may choose which positions to leave vacant. In the event of a forfeit, teams are permitted to play a “scrimmage” game

Minimum Player Standards & Forfeits

Substitution players are permitted to help get a team to seven players. If you are using a sub player from a team other than your opponent, they must play an outfield position. ALL sub players must bat at the end of the lineup.

Mustang (ages 9 and 10)

2026 MUSTANG LEAGUE RULES

Trash-talking, abusive language, vulgarity, and unsportsmanlike conduct are unacceptable at Danny Smith Park. Players, coaches, parents, or fans engaging in this conduct may be removed from the Park or subject to other sanctions at the discretion of the Board.

Two umpires shall be used for each game. Umpires will make all calls. An umpire’s judgment calls are final and not subject to challenge. Challenges or protests concerning application or interpretation of the rules shall be made to the Board.

A hard baseball, supplied by the league, will be used for league play.

Bats with barrels over 2-3/4” in diameter are not allowed.

Players must wear batting helmets when on-deck, at bat, and running the bases.

Catchers must wear appropriate protective equipment, either supplied by the league or their own (helmet, face mask, chest protector, and shin guards).

Metal cleats or spikes are not permitted.

Defensive players should wear hats in the field.

The home team is responsible for preparing the field for play before each game. This includes lining the field and placing bases. If it is the last game of the day, the home team shall be responsible for storing field equipment, turning off lights and locking equipment buildings.

The home team will keep the official scorebook. Scores will be compared at the end of each inning and any discrepancy in the score will be settled by the home plate umpire before the game resumes.

Both the visiting team and the home team will be responsible for cleaning up the dugout. This includes water bottles, trash, gum wrappers, etc. There is a large trash can located behind the backstop of each field.

Teams should attempt to vacate the field and dugouts promptly to allow teams in subsequent games to take the field and warm up.

Mound shall remain on field following the conclusion of the games.

The visiting team will be responsible for picking up the scoreboard from the concession stand, setting up the scoreboard, and running the scoreboard. A parent makes an ideal candidate for this task.

The visiting team is responsible for returning the scoreboard to the concession stand if their game is the last of the evening.

Bases shall be set 65’ apart.

Baserunners should not “dance” or attempt to bait fielders into throws.

No player may sit defensively for more than one inning (three outs in the field) unless every other player on the team has sat defensively for one inning, i.e. all players must sit one inning before any player may sit two innings. Exceptions shall be made for injury or illness.

Games shall be four innings in length, subject to the time limits set forth herein. Regular season games can end in a tie.

Tournament games are not subject to time limits.

All games should start at the scheduled start time. In the event of delay, the home plate umpire shall determine the actual start time. The home plate umpire is the official time keeper.

Only 1st and 3rd base coaches are permitted on the field area.

Not permitted.

Games will be declared complete if, after three (3) or more complete innings (2-½ if the home team is ahead) the game is stopped due to weather conditions. If fewer than 3 (or 2- ½)innings have been completed, the game will be rescheduled (calendar permitting) and resumed at the point it was stopped, as opposed to being restarted.

There is no “mercy” or “runs ahead” rule (e.g. 10-run rule).

Games shall be four innings in length, subject to the time limits set forth herein.

There shall be a cap of five (5) runs per team per inning, except in the final inning of the game which shall be an uncapped “open” inning. The umpire shall declare the open inning prior to either the 4hinning or what the umpire determines to be the final inning of the game based upon time limits. The open inning is not guaranteed. If extra-innings are played in the case of a tie (tournament games only), those innings shall be “open” innings.

No new inning shall be started more than eighty (80) minutes after the actual start time of the game.

No new inning shall be started more than eighty (80) minutes after the actual start time of the game, as determined by the umpire. All innings that are started shall be played to completion.

Regular season games can end in a tie.

If fewer than 3 (or 2- ½) innings have been completed, the game will be rescheduled (calendar permitting) and resumed at the point it was stopped, as opposed to being restarted.

Tournament games are not subject to time limits.

If an umpire is not available, coaches for the offensive team shall umpire that half of the inning, maintain pitch counts, et cetera. The head coach of the home team will declare the actual start time of the game prior to the first pitch being thrown.

Teams are not guaranteed infield warm-up prior to games. When time permits, infield warm-up time should be shared evenly between the teams.

A batted ball that hits the white section of the double base shall be declared fair. A batted ball that hits the orange section without first touching or bouncing over the white section shall be declared foul.

Whenever a play is being made on the batter-runner, the defense must use the white section of the double first base.

NOTE 1: A play is being made on the batter-runner when he/she is attempting to reach first base while the defense is attempting to retire him/her at that base.

NOTE: 2: If there is a play on the batter-runner, and the batter-runner touches only the white portion and the defense appeals prior to the batter-runner returning to first base, it is treated the same as missing the base. Therefore, the batter-runner is declared out.

Whenever a play is being made on the batter-runner, the batter-runner must use the orange section on his/her first attempt to tag first base.

NOTE: On extra-base hits or other balls hit to the outfield when there is no chance for a play to be made at the double first base, the batter-runner may touch either the white or colored (orange or green) section of the base. Should, however, the batter-runner reach and go beyond first base, he/she may only return to the white section of the base.

PENALTY: If there is a play on the batter-runner, and the batter-runner touches only the white portion and the defense appeals prior to the batter-runner returning to first base, it is treated the same as missing the base. If properly appealed, the batter-runner is out.

When tagging up on a fly ball, the white section of the base must be used by the runner. One foot is permitted to extend behind or on the base into foul territory, as long as the front foot is touching the white section of the base. PENALTY: If properly appealed, the runner is out

If the batter-runner collides with the fielder who is only on the white portion of the bag attempting to catch the ball, it is interference. The runner is ruled out.

If the fielder is only standing on the orange portion of the bag and there is a collision prior to the fielder catching the ball, it is obstruction. The runner is ruled safe

If both players are doing what they are supposed to do and there is a collision, it may be incidental contact and no penalty assessed.

There shall be no limit to the number of bases a runner can take when a ball is hit.

There is no infield fly rule.

There is no limit on runners advancing on an overthrow. Runners shall be awarded the next base on a thrown ball that goes out of play.

Base runners must slide feet first at all bases and home plate. A player sliding head-first shall be called out. Diving back to a base on an overrun is permitted.

Runners must slide into home any time there is a play at the plate. Catchers shall not obstruct home plate unless in the act of fielding or receiving the ball or making a tag on the runner. Runners shall attempt to avoid contact with the catcher at home and shall not attempt to “run over” a catcher to knock the ball loose in a play. If, in the umpire’s judgment, a runner could have avoided contact and failed to do so, or failed to slide with a play at the plate, the runner shall be called out.

The umpire, and only the umpire, may call time-out if, in the umpire’s opinion, play has stopped or stalled. This is to prevent unsportsmanlike and game-delaying base-running tactics (e.g. dancing or attempting to bait fielders into making throws).

Double bases were installed to prevent collisions between the batter-runner and the first basemen. Many players at this age are still learning where to stand when covering a specific base in the infield.

Teams shall roster bat, meaning every player in attendance shall bat in the batting order. Exceptions shall be made for injury or illness.

Players must wear batting helmets when on-deck, at bat, and running the bases.

Coaches should be transparent in encouraging batters to swing at pitches in the strike zone.

Maximum pitch count for an individual player shall be 60 pitches per game.

A batter is out on the third strike and may not advance under any circumstances, including if the ball is dropped by the catcher (i.e. no “dropped third strike” rule). This is a dead ball situation.

There will be one team warning per game for any player that throws a bat. All players throwing the bat will be called out. When the out is called, it will be considered a dead ball. No runners may advance. No runners may score. This will be a judgment call made by the umpire(s).

Balks should be pointed out by the umpire for educational purposes only. The umpire shall not stop play to

point out a balk. The runners do not advance and the pitch and any subsequent hit or play are live.

The Board encourages the development and utilization of younger pitchers

Players may pitch no more than 2 innings per day.

One “live” pitch thrown in an inning shall count as a full inning pitched.

Innings pitched must be consecutive. Once a pitcher is removed from a game, he cannot return to pitch in later innings.

A pitcher returning from the previous inning is allowed a max of 5 warm up pitches to begin their second inning. A new pitcher is allowed a max of 7 warm up pitches. Umpires are responsible for monitoring to make sure play continues

The final inning of the first game of a double-header and the first inning of the subsequent game shall be deemed “consecutive” for purposes of this rule.

Kid pitching shall be done overhand from the pitching rubber.

The coach must remain as close to the front of the mound as possible while pitching to a batter.

-  When the coach is pitching, the pitcher must remain within 6 feet of the mound when playing defense.

-  The umpire will continue to call the at-bat with the coach pitching. The coach pitcher cannot walk a batter. The batter will have the remaining number of strikes to put the ball in play or will be deemed out.

-  The batter will not advance to first in the event the batter is hit by a coach-pitched ball. In the event a batter is hit by a coach-pitched ball that pitch does not count as one of the pitches remaining in the at-bat.

Pitching rubber shall be set 46’ from home plate (measured from rear point (apex) of plate to front of rubber). A portable mound will be used.

There are NO WALKS. A pitcher that throws four balls to a batter will be replaced during that at bat by a coach from either team (in the event one team needs help with pitching). The coach pitcher shall inherit the count of balls and strikes from the kid pitcher (for example: if the count is 3-2, the coach inherits that count).

Team Roster

Fill-In Player Criteria

Substitution players are permitted to help get a team to nine players. The sub player must be someone currently playing for Danny Smith Park. A sub player comes from a team in the Pony division or Minor League Softball division. Teams may also field an opposing team’s player, with the approval of the opposing team to fill a space. ALL sub players must player an outfield position and bat at the end of the lineup. Any other substitution circumstance must receive approval from the Danny Smith Memorial Park Board of Directors before the start of the game. No exceptions.

Fill-in Player Positions

Free substitution is allowed at all positions other than pitcher. Pitchers are subject to the rules set forth above.

Minimum Player Standards

Each team is permitted to play six infielders and four outfielders defensively. Outfielders must remain on the grass until the ball is hit. Outfielders may play approximately left field, left center, center, right center, or right field positions.

Bronco (ages 11-13)

Equipment

Required: Glove, helmet, baseball cleats, and bat
Bat Requirements: USSSA or USA bat with a maximum barrel size of two and three-quarter inches in diameter (2 3/4in)

Provided: Team shirt, hat, and pants