Rule 2.00: Definition of Terms – The Pitcher FAQs

In Little League baseball (all divisions), whether pitching from the windup or set positions, the pitcher’s foot is required only to be touching any part of the pitcher’s plate.  The entire pivot foot is not required to be in contact with the pitcher’s plate.  In Little League softball (all divisions), the pitchers pivot foot must be on or partially on the top surface of the pitcher’s plate.

Provided the players in those defensive positions are legal, then an unannounced substitution (Rule 3.08) has occurred.  All subsequent action by the unannounced substitute is legal.  If the players in those defensive positions are not legal entries, then an illegal substitution has occurred.  The plate umpire and his partner need to be vigilant to make sure this does not happen.

A dead ball strike is a pitch that hits the batter when the batter attempted to hit the pitch, or the pitch was in the strike zone when it struck the batter.

If a batted ball in flight leaves the field in fair territory, strikes an object beyond the playing field and rebounds onto the field, it is a four-base award (a home run).  If a fair batted ball is bounding and strikes an object beyond the playing field and rebounds onto the field, it is a two-base award.  Umpires should inspect the playing field prior to the game is to be aware of potential trouble areas in or around the field.