Cal Ripken Baseball for players ages 4 through 12 is the fastest growing youth sports program in the Country.   If your League is interested in a change, call the Cal Ripken Commissioner listed below for your State.

NEW BAT RULES FOR 2018

All Bats used prior to the 2018 Season will no longer be eligible.  Beginning in 2018, 2 5/8 Bat Barrels will be allowed but all Bats must be USABat Approved.  See new 2018 Bat Specifications listed for Cal Ripken Division on the Home  Page.

TOURNAMENT PITCHING RULES

These pitch count limitations will apply to all tournament games played in District, Area, State, Regional and World Series competition and will completely replace Tournament Regulation Rule 11.05, Paragraph 4 (innings pitched).  For the local league season, leagues are still permitted to use pitching limitations as defined in Rule 0.06 and under Local League Options – Pitch Count.

There are no limitations on the number of innings a pitcher may pitch in a tournament (bracket or pool play) game subject to the following pitch count limitations:

1. If the pitcher reaches the maximum pitch count limit while facing a batter, he may continue to pitch until the batter reaches base safely or is put out.
2. Intentional Walk Rule – An intentional base on balls may be given by the defensive team by having its catcher or coach request the umpire to award the batter first base. This may be done before pitching to the batter or on any ball and strike count. The ball shall be declared dead before making the award.
3. All pitchers must adhere to the pitch count rest requirements before pitching in another tournament game.
4. All players have full pitching eligibility beginning at each level of tournament competition. (District, State, Area, Regional, and World Series)
5. In a game suspended by darkness, weather, or other causes and resumed the following calendar day, the pitcher at the time the game was halted may continue to the extent of his/her eligibility.
6. Games in which an ineligible pitcher has been used, as specified above, shall be declared forfeited. The withdrawal of an ineligible pitcher after that pitcher is announced, or after a preparatory (warm-up) pitch is delivered, but before that player has pitched a ball to a batter, shall not be considered a violation.  Tournament Officials are urged to take precautions to prevent protests.
7. Whatever the age of the tournament will determine the pitch count regardless of the player's league age.
8. The official pitch count statistician shall record all pitches as defined in the rule book (Rule 2.00 – A pitch is a ball delivered to the batter by the pitcher), in addition to any pitches delivered to the batter ruled a “no pitch” by the umpire.

CHROME BATTING HELMETS; CHROME CATCHER’S MASK/HELMET - Chrome batting helmets; Chrome Catcher's Mask/Helmet are not permitted in Cal Ripken Baseball for local league and tournament play. The batting helmet; catcher's mask/helmet shall not have a chrome or mirror-like surface. The chrome or mirror-like surface is illegal due to its distracting nature which may be dangerous to other players.