The Mustang division is the first level of live player pitching. Games are played at a competitive level and standings are kept for the division. Mustang players are drafted on to teams after tryouts. Players will complete basic skills during tryouts so the coaches can evaluate the level of play amongst all of the players. The coaches draft players onto teams with oversight by the Player Agent.

Mustang players receive a Major League Baseball TM replica cap, shirt and socks as part of the registration fee. The season will typically consist of 3 - 4 weeks of practice and then playing at least two games per week. Games will be played during the week and on the weekend depending on the number of players registered and the number of teams formed.

Mustang Baseball Rules

The "local rules" have been identified for the League based on our local field and playing conditions. These rules will take precedent throughout the season. For rules not identified as "local rules" please see the current edition of "2005 PONY Baseball, Rules & Regulations".

• PLAYING FIELDS
  • Pitching Distance: 44 feet.
  • Base path distance: 60 feet.

  EQUIPMENT
  • No metal cleats. Players with metal cleats will not be allowed to play.
  • Bat diameter is 2 ¼” maximum.
  • All male players must wear protective cups during practices and games.

  PLAYING RULES
  • Bat entire lineup.
  • Free defensive substitutions. Play 4 outfielders unless there are only 9 players available that day.
  • All players are required to play at least 3 defensive innings in a game lasting more than 5 innings.
  • Players are required to play at least 2 defensive innings per game in a game lasting 5 innings or less. This is still a requirement during a 10 run rule game.
  • No leading off, Runners may steal after ball crosses plate.
  • Runners may steal second and third but can not steal home or advance on a passed ball
  • Batter is out on strike three, no advancement to first on a dropped strike three
  • No on deck batter.

  PITCHING RULES
  • A calendar week is Monday through Sunday.
  • No player shall pitch more than 3 innings on the same calendar day. 40 hours rest is required if a player pitches 3 or more innings during a spring season game.
  • No player shall pitch more than 6 innings per calendar week.
  • No player shall pitch more than 6 innings in a 2 or 3 game set between the same two teams.
  • One pitch to a batter is considered to be an inning.
  • Nine warm-up pitches to a new pitcher. No more than six warm-up pitches for the same pitcher between innings. A 3-minute maximum time period is allowed.
  • Coaches are allowed to warm up pitchers.
  • Pitchers will be warned of balk movements by the umpire. Balk movement must be eliminated. Runners will not be penalized.
  • Two visits to the mound per inning, a total of three per game. The pitcher must be removed on the second visit in an inning or the third visit during the game. Once removed from pitching, a pitcher can not re-enter the game as a pitcher.
  • The umpire will report all pitching changes to the official scorekeeper.

  LENGTH OF GAMES
  • League game - 6 innings.
  • No new inning after 1 hour & 30 minutes.
  • An inning will consist of 3 outs or one time through the lineup. If the teams are not equal in number of players, the team with the fewer players will bat the needed number of additional players to make up the difference.
  • Game over at the 1 hour & 45 minute mark. If the game is tied at this point, a tie-game is recorded. If the game is not tied at the 1 hour & 45 minute mark, the score shall revert back to the score at the beginning of the inning.
  • 10 run rule after 5 or more complete innings (4 1/2 if home team ahead).
  • Complete game if 4 innings (3 1/2 if home team 10 run rule).

  COACHES
  • 2 coaches are allowed on the field as base coaches.
  • 3 coaches maximum with one remaining in dugout.

  OFFICIAL SCOREBOOK
  • The home team must keep the official scorebook for games. After the game, the home plate umpire will sign the scorebook thus verifying the score and innings pitched by each pitcher. The umpire returns the scorebook to the concession stand after the last game of the night.

  RESCHEDULED GAMES
  • A game that is rescheduled will carry forward all pitching conditions, rules and limitations from the week or the 2 or 3 game set that the game was originally scheduled.

  SAFETY ISSUES
  • The umpire may remove a player from a field position due to safety concerns.