Minor A – Hybrid Coach/Player Pitch

Overview:
This division uses a hybrid format with a player pitcher for the first 2 innings (pitching from 46’) and a coach pitcher for innings 3 and on (pitching from 37–43’).

• Innings 1–2:

  • Player pitcher delivers pitches.

  • If the player pitcher delivers 4 balls before the ball is in play or 3 swinging strikes, the coach pitcher finishes the at-bat.

  • The batter retains their strike count when the coach takes over.

  • Coach pitcher delivers a maximum of 5 pitches, or until 3 swinging strikes, or the ball is in play.

  • A foul ball on the 5th pitch grants another pitch, but the batter must swing or will be called out.

  • No walks in this division. If the player pitcher hits a batter, the batter is awarded first base.

• Innings 3+:

  • Straight coach pitch.

  • Runners advance at their own risk while the ball is live.

  • No stealing; runners can only advance home on a batted ball.

Defense Rules

• Player pitcher pitches the first 2 innings from 46’.

• Coach pitches until 3 swinging strikes or 5 pitches.

• Players cannot take a base on a hit by pitch from the coach.

• Each player must play at least one infield position per game (catcher counts as infield).

• Teams field 9 players: 6 infielders, 3 outfielders. Outfielders start in the grass.

• Pitcher positioning:

  • 3–8 feet from pitching rubber

  • Even with or no more than 5 feet behind the line between 1st and 3rd base

  • Cannot move forward of the pitching coach until delivery

Offense Rules

• Runners cannot score on passed balls or wild pitches.

• Runners may score if batted in or walked in:

  • Batted in: ball put in play by batter; runners advance at their own risk.

  • Walked in: bases loaded and batter hit by pitch.

• Runners may advance until:

  • Defense hinders advancement

  • Umpire calls time

  • All baserunners score

  • Run limit reached

Season

• Spring: Early March – Early June

• Fall: Early September – Early November

Games

• 10–12 games per season (6–8 in Fall)

• Weekday games generally 6 PM

• Saturday games scheduled 9 AM – 5 PM

• Game length: “No new inning” after 1 hr 30 min

• Playoffs: Double elimination tournament at end of Spring season only

• Sunday afternoons/evenings used for make-up games

Practice

• One weekday and one weekend per week for 3–4 weeks before season

• Additional practices during season at manager’s discretion

Uniforms

• CLL provides jersey and hat

• Jerseys have names (Spring only) and numbers

• Rubber cleats recommended

Playing Equipment

• Parents must provide:

  • Ball glove

  • Batting helmet

  • USA Baseball-certified bat (Bat Rules)

• Catchers encouraged to have own equipment

• Boys must wear an athletic supporter/cup

Team

• 11–12 players

• 1 volunteer manager

• 2–3 volunteer coaches

• 1 volunteer team parent

Minor Baseball FAQs

Q: Can players play up to a higher division?
A: Yes, players can play any division for 8-year-olds (Minor A or AA). See Play Up rules in the Bylaws.

Q: Do you keep score and are there umpires?
A: Yes, Spring Season only. Every manager maintains a scorebook. Standings determine regular-season winner and playoff games. Home plate umpire provided.

Q: What size field do they play on?
A: Bases 60’, player pitcher 46’, coach pitcher no closer than 37’.

Q: Can my child play with friends?
A: Only if drafted onto the same team. Players’ skills are assessed first; draft occurs after evaluation. Skills may move a player to a different division.

Q: Can I manage or coach a team?
A: Yes, if positions available. Complete online application. Coaches noted on registration. Approval required by CLL Board.

Q: Will my child play all the time?
A: Not all the time. No player sits twice until all have sat once (except pitcher and catcher).

Q: What are the volunteer requirements?
A: Many ways to volunteer, including registration, team parenting, opening night, tournaments, concessions, and more.