Summer Ball is a fun extension of play for kids who love the game. Though it is competitive—we all strive our best to win, as we should—managers and coaches serve primarily to provide the organizational oversight for good, fun baseball games. We are not fielding teams for the win. Our desire is to give field time equally to all players and encourage skill development and the love of the game in every player.
Playing Rules
Regular Majors/Minors, 89ers, Rookie and Tee Ball rules are followed, with some modifications to encourage the spirit of Summer Ball. Use the links below to view the PDF rules specific to each level for District 1.
Eligible Players
Players on Summer Ball teams (including fill-in or pool players) must be registered MLL or PLL Summer Ball players. In addition to paying for the season, such players will have a concussion document on file and will have signed the necessary medical release forms. No exceptions.
Lineup/Rosters: Managers do not need to exchange player rosters. All players bat in rotation. All play at least one inning in the infield and one inning in the outfield. Players may sit on the bench for a maximum of two innings per game. No player can sit two innings until all have sat one inning.
Umpires
All teams should be prepared to supply umpires for their own games. The home team supplies the plate umpire and the visiting team supplies the field umpire. If only one umpire is available, the home team will determine field placement. If an umpire is not available, the managers and coaches are responsible for officiating the game. Swapping assignments (plate vs. field) is permitted but must be mutually agreed upon by both managers. When questionable calls arise, please gather with the other manager in the field and quietly come to consensus. We are not keeping standings for Summer Ball so keep it fun for the kids!
Scorebooks
There is no need to keep official scorebooks for Summer Ball. We will leave this to coach discretion.
Pitching
The standard pitching rules of the regular season are followed, with a couple modifications to encourage the spirit of Summer Ball. We will not track pitch counts but instead limit each player to two innings per week in weeks with two games OR three innings per week in weeks with three games. League Age 9 players will only be allowed to pitch one inning per game. Coaches are strongly encouraged to give every player who wants a chance to pitch every opportunity to do so.
For minors/majors softball the coaches will meet before the game to determine pitching distance and ball size to be used. When pitching from 35’ feet the base runner may leave the base when the ball reaches the batter. When pitching from 40’ the base runner may leave the base when the ball leaves the pitchers hand.
Coach/Machine Pitch Base Running
For coach and machine pitch levels a base runner may not advance on an overthrown ball.
Player/Coach Pitch Division (PLL calls it 89ers, MLL calls it Farm)
There are no walks in this Division. If a player throws 4 balls the coach will come in and throw up to 3 pitches to the batter. However, an at bat cannot end on a foul ball.
Scoring
The first of either five (5) runs or three (3) outs ends a half inning. If the sixth inning is played and time remains, there is no run limit. However, all games end at the time limit and the score reverts to that of the last completed inning. Unlike the regular season, there is no ten-run rule to prematurely end the game.
Player Pool
A Summer Ball player pool will be established at the beginning of the season. If a team know in advance that they will not have 9 players for a game, contact the Summer Ball coordinator for possible guest player options.
Lending Players (at time of game)
If a team does not have nine defensive players to start or continue a game, the batting team may lend them the up to two players to make nine defensive players (typically the last batters from the previous inning). All players bat with their regular team, lent players may be swapped out so they can take their offensive at bat.
Field Maintenance
Both teams are responsible for field maintenance (pregame prep and postgame cleanup). After the last game of the night, finish securing the field with the opposing manager. If you are playing an interleague game, go the extra mile to be a good host and represent your league well. Give willing opponents a specific role to serve in field prep.
Time Limits
No new inning shall start after 1:45 minutes from the time the game was scheduled to start (5:00, 5:30, 7:00 or 7:30). All games must end at 1:55 hours (HARD STOP) regardless of where you are in the game when a subsequent game is scheduled for the same field.
Lynndale Park: the lights turned off via and automatic timer at 9:00pm. For player safety, all play at Lynndale must stop at 8:55PM.
Weather
Rainouts will usually not be rescheduled. Get your games in if you can do so safely. Communicate with your fellow managers when necessary. Fire smoke cancellations will be communicated by 3pm on game day.
Injuries
Follow the same player injury procedures as in the regular season. If a player injury occurs please email your league safety manager within 24 hours. The Summer Ball coordinator should be included on the email for continuity.
Lock Combos
- Mukilteo Gate and Green Gear Boxes: 0415
- Mukilteo Bathrooms: 22468
- Pacific Gear Boxes and Light Box: 2902
- PLL Shed (this is where chalk and more tools live): 2902
Sportsmanship
Managers and coaches are expected to exercise good sportsmanship, manage with the care and development of kids foremost in mind, and to comply with the above rules. Failure to do so will be documented and reported to your little league board. Incidents will affect your invitation to future team participation within your league.