Rule Book for Oakland Park Pick-Up Baseball

 

1.     Games and Scheduling

(1.0) Season Lengths and Dates

(1.01) “Spring Season”

(1.02) “Fall Season”

(1.03) “Game Limits”

(1.04) “Missed Games”

(1.1) Schedules

(1.11) “Scheduling Responsibility”

(1.12) “Double-Headers”

(1.2) Live Games

(1.21) “Live Game Limit”

(1.22) “Changing Game Style”

 

2.     Teams and Players

(2.0) Liability

(2.01) “Liability Waiver Required”

(2.02) “Risk of Injury / Damage”

(2.03) “Using Property Without Permission”

(2.04) “Using Property With Permission”

(2.05) “Damage to Third Parties and Property”

(2.1) Behavior

(2.11) “Avoiding Argument”

(2.12) “Acceptable Behavior”

(2.13) “Unsportsmanlike Conduct”

(2.14) “Maximum Effort”

(2.2) Arriving To Games

(2.21) “Start Time”

(2.22) “First Come, First Serve”

(2.23) “Position Preference”

(2.24) “Arriving Late”

(2.25) “No Reservations”

(2.3) Team Compositions

(2.31) “Uneven Rosters”

(2.32) “Teams With Six Players”

(2.33) “Teams With Seven Players”

(2.34) “Teams With Eight Players”

(2.35) “Teams With Nine Players”

(2.36) “Teams With Ten Players”

(2.37) “Advising Borrowed Fielders”

(2.38) “Additional Participants”

(2.4) Assigning Players To Teams

(2.41) “Picking Teams”

(2.42) “Replacement Players”

(2.5) Trades

(2.51) “Trade Limits”

(2.52) “Team Parity”

(2.53) “When to Trade”

(2.54) “Winning Percentage”

(2.6) Spread Rules

(2.61) “20-Run Spread”

(2.62) “11-Run Spread”

 

3.     Statistics and Record Keeping

(3.0) In-Game Statistics

(3.01) “Scoresheets”

(3.02) “Innings Sheets”

(3.03) “Choosing Scorekeeper”

(3.04) “Scorekeeper’s Responsibilities”

(3.05) “Disregarding Stats”

(3.06) “Absent Batters”

(3.07) “Intentional Absence”

(3.08) “Correcting Stats Mid-Game”

(3.09) “Retroactive Changes”

(3.1) Web Gems

(3.11) “What Is A Web Gem?”

(3.12) “Nominating Gems”

(3.13) “Attributing Gems”

(3.2) Career Records

(3.21) “Career Record Eligibility”

(3.3) Single Season Records

(3.31) “Season One Statistics”

(3.32) “Leaderboard Eligibility”

 

4.     Ground Rules

(4.0) General Rules

(4.01) “MLB as Default Rules”

(4.02) “Placement of Bases”

(4.03) “Dead Ball After Pitch”

(4.04) “Objects In Fair Territory”

(4.05) “Double Through Fence”

(4.06) “3’ Foul Line”

(4.07) “Returned Home Runs”

(4.08) “Outside Interference”

(4.09) “Spare Baseballs”

(4.1) DeFremery Park

(4.11) “Balls Hit Into Corner”

(4.12) “Balls Thrown From Corner”

(4.13) “Spare Baseballs”

(4.14) “Metal Bats at DeFremery”

(4.2) Curt Flood Park

(4.21) “Curt Flood Fences”

(4.22) “Ground Rule Triple”

(4.23) “Ground Rule Home Run”

(4.24) “Ground Rule Double”

(4.3) Nichol Park

(4.31) “Nichol Park Fences”

(4.32) “Ground Rule Home Run”

(4.33) “Ground Rule Double”

(4.34) “Illegal Positioning”

 

5.     Batting

(5.0) Pitch Selection

(5.01) “No Strike Zone”

(5.02) “Nine Take Limit”

(5.03) “Thirteen Take Limit”

(5.04) “Striking Out”

(5.1) Bunts

(5.11) “Allowing Bunts”

 

6.     Base Running

(6.0) Lead-Offs

(6.01) “Staying On The Base”

(6.02) “Leading Off First Base”

(6.03) “Running Early”

(6.04) “Groundballs With No Catcher”

(6.05) “Legal Contact At Home Plate”

 

7.     Pitching

(7.0) Offensive Pitchers

(7.01) “Batting Team Pitches”

(7.02) “Fielding The Position”

(7.03) “Waiting For Defense”

(7.04) “Plays At Home Plate”

(7.05) “Easily Fielded Balls”

(7.06) “Advancing When Pitcher Covers”

(7.07) “Mishandled Throws”

(7.08) “No Balks”

(7.1) Defensive Pitchers

(7.11) “Fielding Team Pitches”

(7.12) “The Avoided”

(7.13) “The Protected”

(7.14) “The Bullpen”

(7.15) “Deceiving The Batter”

(7.16) “No Balks”

(7.17) “Returning to Offensive Pitching”

 

8.     Awards

(8.0) Voting Rules

(8.01) “When To Vote”

(8.02) “Who Can Vote”

(8.03) “Ballots”

(8.04) “Counting the Votes”

(8.05) “Round Down for Eligibility”

(8.1) Most Valuable Player

(8.11) “MVP Eligibility”

(8.12) “Voting for MVP”

(8.13) “Selecting MVP”

(8.2) Gold Glove

(8.21) “Gold Glove Eligibility”

(8.22) “Selecting Gold Gloves”

(8.23) “Winning Multiple Gold Gloves”

(8.3) Most Improved Player

(8.31) “Selecting Most Improved

Player”

 

9.     Bylaws

(9.0) Changes To These Rules

(9.01) “Commissioner’s Rights”

(9.02) “Cooperating With The Rules”

(9.03) “Player Input and Involvement”

(9.04) “Retroactive Rule Changes”

(9.1) The Commissioner

(9.11) “Commissioner’s Authority”

(9.12) “Appointing Successor”

(9.2) Vantage Point Umpiring

(9.21) “Calling Foul Balls”

(9.22) “Calls on the Base Paths”

Rule Book for Oakland Park Pick-Up Baseball

 

1.     Games and Scheduling

 

(1.0) Season Lengths and Dates

(1.01) Games played in a given year between January 1 and June 30 will be considered within the “Spring” season.

(1.02) Games played in a given year between July 1 and December 31 will be considered within the “Fall” season.

(1.03) There shall be no minimum or maximum limits to games played within a season.

(1.04) Games that are missed due to weather, player turnout, or any other reason will not be made up.

 

(1.1) Schedules

(1.11) The Commissioner is sole and final arbiter of scheduling.

(1.12) Double-headers can be worked into a season’s calendar or be spontaneously played, as determined by group sentiment and turnout.

 

(1.2) Live Games

(1.21) “Live Games” (games played with normal baseball rules) may be scheduled, but may not amount to more than 25% of games played.

(1.22) The style of gameplay may be determined or changed at any time (even mid-game) at the discretion of The Commissioner or his designee.

 

2.     Teams and Players

 

(2.0) Liability

(2.01) Players must turn in a signed liability waiver approved by The Commissioner before they will be allowed to play.

(2.02) By participating in games, players agree that they are participating in an activity that has risks of injury and damage to personal property, and will not pursue any action—legal or otherwise—against the City of Oakland, the City of Richmond, The Commissioner, or his designee(s) for any damages incurred.

(2.03) Should any property receive damage without permission of usage by the property owner, the offender must replace the damaged property or compensate the property owner accordingly.

(2.04) Retribution regarding property that is used with permission yet damaged shall be solved between the various parties involved.

 

(2.05) Should any player’s action damage the property of an individual not involved in the game, the offending player must make all efforts possible to make amends with the owner of the damaged property. This includes approaching the property owner directly during or immediately after the game to discuss making amends for any property damage.

 

(2.1) Behavior

(2.11) Players are to abide by these rules and avoid arguing points within these rules during games as an expected aspect of their behaviors in exchange for the privilege of taking part in free baseball. In short, compliance with any and all rules is the cost to partake in Oakland Park Baseball.

(2.12) Players are expected to treat each other respectfully, and excessive negative behavior shall not be tolerated. The Commissioner holds the right to remove a player from the game should he fail to comply. After 2 verbal warnings, players who continue to violate this rule will be banned from playing.

(2.13) Unsportsmanlike physical aggression toward other players will not be tolerated, and could result in an immediate and permanent ban.

(2.14) Players are encouraged to give their maximum effort while playing.

 

(2.2) Arriving To Games

(2.21) Games are to start at 11:00 AM, with pre-game warm-ups starting at 10:15 AM, unless otherwise announced by The Commissioner or his designee.

(2.22) Rosters for each team will be capped at 10 players, on a first come-first serve basis. In rare circumstances, The Commissioner may expand rosters beyond 10.

(2.23) Players who arrive after 11:00 AM but who are placed on a team lose priority on defense and may, for example, be required to DH for the entire game.

(2.24) Players who arrive and are placed on a team after the first pitch will bat at the bottom of the order, unless they are replacing a departing player. (rule 2.43)

(2.25) While players may call another player or The Commissioner to check the availability of roster spots if they are late, it is still the responsibility of each individual player to arrive while spots are available.

 

(2.3) Team Compositions

(2.31) If an uneven number of players are present, both teams must follow the rules designated for the team with fewer players. The team with fewer players will also choose for the other team to either:

                                             a.        use a designated hitter, and rotate the DH role with all players on the team unless rule (2.23) “Position Preference” is enacted.

                                             b.        use all players on defense, in which case the team with fewer players would borrow a fielder. See rule (2.37).

(2.32) Teams with six players will borrow a fielder (“fill in player”) from the batting team. Rules (6.04) “Runner On Third” and (7.0) “Offensive Pitchers” are enacted. See rule (2.37).

(2.33) Teams with seven players shall field all positions, except pitcher and catcher. Rules (6.04) “Runner On Third” and (7.0) “Offensive Pitchers” are enacted.

(2.34) Teams with eight players shall field all positions except pitcher. This enacts rules (6.04) “Runner On Third” and (7.0) “Offensive Pitchers.”

(2.35) Teams with nine players shall field all positions. This enacts rules (7.1) “Defensive Pitchers” and (5.1) “Bunts,” and voids rules (6.04) “Runner On Third” (7.0) “Offensive Pitchers” and (5.02) “Nine Take Limit.”

(2.36) Teams with ten players shall field all positions, plus a designated hitter. This enacts rules (7.1) “Defensive Pitchers” and (5.1) “Bunts,” and voids rules (6.04) “Runner On Third”, (7.0) “Offensive Pitchers” and (5.02) “Nine Take Limit.”

(2.37) It is the duty of the defense to advise all fill-in players before the pitch where to direct any play. If advice is disregarded, the play is treated as having been completed successfully. If the player is not given advice, all events stand, regardless of choices made by the fill-in player.

(2.38) All additional participants are encouraged to coach bases, keep score, and umpire when applicable.

 

	6 x 6	6 x 7*	7 x 7	7 x 8*	8 x 8	8 x 9*	9 x 9	9 x 10*	10x10
Nine Take Limit (5.02)	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Runner on Third (6.04)	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Offensive Pitchers (7.0)	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
13 Takes (5.03)							✓	✓	✓
Bunts (5.1)							✓	✓	✓
Defensive Pitchers (7.1)							✓	✓	✓

* If an uneven number of players are present, both teams must follow the rules designated for the team with fewer players.

excerpt from Rule (2.31)

(2.4) Assigning Players To Teams

(2.41) Teams are picked by The Commissioner or his designee before the game. This person may request that others give their input before making the selections final.

(2.42) In the event of a player entering the game at the same time of another player departing (i.e. a replacement), the new player may bat in the spot in the batting order vacated by the departing player or may be placed at the bottom of the order.

 

(2.5) Trades

(2.51) Teams are allowed up to two trades per game, discounting injury or departing players. Trades must be approved by The Commissioner or his designee.

(2.52) Trades must not make the teams uneven by more than one player.

(2.53) Trades must occur between half innings, excepting rule (3.06)b(i) “Absent Batters.”

(2.54) Traded players may be placed on their new team’s roster at the end of the lineup, or in the spot vacated by the trade. If two players are traded for one, one of the two players may take the vacated spot and the other may take the bottom of the lineup, or both players may be placed at the bottom of the lineup. The single player traded will be placed in either vacated spots or the bottom of the order.

 

(2.6) Spread Rules

(2.61) A game can be called if either team is losing by 20 runs and it is assumed a new game will start. Rule (3.05) “Disregarding Stats” is void.

(2.62) If a team leads by 11 runs after the 2^nd inning, one of the following must occur:

                                             a.        The game will restart. Rule (3.05) is void.

                                             b.        A trade must occur to improve the losing team.

 

3.     Statistics and Record Keeping

 

(3.0) In-Game Statistics

(3.01) Games will be scored using the designated scoresheet. Inning numbers will indicate when specific actions occur, rather than using tally marks.

 

i. Example: A batter hits a three-run home run in the 4^th inning. The scorekeeper must mark a “4” in the AB, R, H, and HR columns for the batter. The scorekeeper must also mark a “4” in the RBI column for each run batted in (for a total of three) by the batter. The scorekeeper must also mark a “4” in the runs column for each player to score on the play (including the batter, for a total of three 4’s).

 

(3.02) An innings sheet will be available at each game to keep track of runs scored. If no innings sheet is present, the margins or back of a scoresheet may be used.

(3.03) The scorekeeper will often be the last person scheduled to bat in the lineup when each half-inning starts. Everyone is eligible to keep score, including spectators.

(3.04) The official scorekeeper at the time of any play in question holds the final authority to determine whether a batter reached base due to defensive error or due to a hit, and the number of bases awarded for each hit.

(3.05) Statistics will not count when one of the following occurs:

                                             a.        A game begins with less than 12 players.

                                             b.        A “Live” game is played.

                                             c.         A game is called before the losing team bats in the 5^th inning, excepting rule (2.6) “Spread Rules.” Tie games must be played through 5 innings for stats to count.

                                             d.        The scoresheet is illegible and cannot be convincingly reconstructed.

(3.06) If a player is absent for an at-bat, he has two options:

                                             a.        If he announced his intent not to return to the game, his spot in the batting order will be skipped, or he will be replaced as per rule (2.43) “Replacement Players.” If necessary, a trade may be considered. The player may return to the game to play for either team, rule (2.22) “First Come, First Serve” permitting, but he must bat at the bottom of the order, as per rule (2.24) “Arriving Late.” If necessary, a trade may occur to balance teams upon his return; or

                                             b.        If he announced his intent to return or did not announce any intent, the following will occur:

(i)              First missed AB: The team is charged with an out and the scorekeeper marks the AB. When the player is “on deck” for his next at-bat, a trade may be considered if one has not already occurred.

(ii)           Second missed AB: The scorekeeper marks the AB, but the team is not charged an out.

(iii)        Any further missed AB: No out charged and no AB recorded. Should that player re-enter the game, rule (2.22) permitting, he will be placed on a team, as per rule (2.24).

(3.07) No team or players shall purposefully coordinate an effort to skip a spot in the batting order to better a team’s situation. If suspected, players should notify the Commissioner or his designee, who may choose to charge an out to the offending team.

(3.08) If it is discovered during the game that a statistic has been scored incorrectly, the wronged player must ask The Commissioner or his designee to handle their concern before that player’s next at-bat. The Commissioner or his designee will verify if the intent of the scorekeeper is accurately represented on the scoresheet.

                                             a.        Scoring changes will only occur if there was a non-subjective scoring error such as a Sacrifice Fly not being scored, a run scored not having been marked, a double marked only as a hit, a HR not scored in the hits column, etc.

                                             b.        Scoring changes will not occur to any decision based on a judgment call (awarding hits and extra bases) by the scorekeeper as per rule (3.04).

(3.09) The Commissioner has final authority over any retroactive changes to the statistics and game information such as notes. In the case of a discrepancy in score between the scoresheet and the innings sheet, The Commissioner or his designee will determine the total runs scored by reconstructing events recorded on the scoresheet.

 

(3.1) Web Gems

(3.11) Web Gems are awarded in-game for defensive plays of extraordinary difficulty. Any player involved in the play may not take part in discussion over nominations.

(3.12) For a person’s play to become an official Web Gem, a player other than the player who made the play must first nominate it. After a play receives a nomination, three (3) other players must vocally support the nomination. Nominations must be made prior to that fielding team starting their turn to bat—none will be accepted after this point on a given play. When making a nomination, one should mention the person’s name, and also the specific play, ie whether throw, catch, tag, etc.

(3.13) Unlike other stats, qualified Web Gems may be attributed in any game context, including “Live Games”, unofficial games with less than 12 people, and plays on which the ball is ruled to be dead, but excluding practices and warm-ups. A description of every Web Gem awarded shall be listed on the margin of the designated scoresheet.

 

Examples:

i. WG 9^th Chris A. LF: Diving catch on LF line while running in to rob Will J. (Scott L, Dave L, Paul C, Nick W.)

ii. WG 4^th Dave L. 3B: Unassisted LIDP at 3^rd to rob James M. (Scott L, Michael P, Nick W, Will J.)

iii. WG 9^th Scott L. SS: Diving backhand sno-cone in short RC to rob Nick W. (Peter R, Frank K, Dan R, Mario H.)

 

(3.2) Career Records

(3.21) To be eligible for records in batting average, slugging percentage, and average plus slugging in the Career Record Book, a player needs 100 at-bats.

 

(3.3) Single Season Records

(3.31) Statistics from Season 1 (Spring Season 2005) are not eligible for any single-season records.

(3.32) To be eligible for records in batting average, slugging percentage, and average plus slugging in the Season Leader Boards during a season, a player needs to have 2.9 at-bats times the total games played by the league in the season up to that point.

 

Example: If the league has played 20 games, the minimum at-bats for the Season Leader Boards would be 2.9 times 20 = 58 at-bats.

 

4.     Ground Rules

 

(4.0) General Rules

(4.01) The rules of Major League Baseball apply to any situation not described within this rulebook.

(4.02) First Base will be placed approximately 90' from home plate, as accurately as the field allows. Other bases will correspond with the placement of first base.

(4.03) Any pitched ball is dead as soon as the pitcher releases the ball, unless put into play by the batter.

(4.04) Baseballs hit against any grounded object (i.e. trees, lampposts, foul poles, etc) in fair ground will remain in play. Baseballs hit against any object grounded in foul territory will be considered foul, even if the contact happens in fair territory (i.e. trees with branches extending into fair territory).

(4.05) Any hit baseball that rolls under any fence in fair territory will be a double.

(4.06) Baseballs that stop moving less than 3’ from home plate will be considered foul balls, unless both teams have a catcher.

(4.07) Any hit baseball that passes over the outfield fence, then caroms off of any object while in home run territory and returns to the field, remains a home run.

(4.08) Any time an individual not involved with the game obstructs a fielder from pursuing a base hit, the ball is dead and will be ruled a double. Base runners will advance two bases.

(4.09) If a batted baseball hits a spare baseball, the ball is dead and is ruled “no pitch.”

 

(4.1) DeFremery Park

(4.11) Any hit baseball that passes the vertical plane that extends from the fences at the back of the dugout remains in play and can be fielded as any other foul ball.

(4.12) A base runner originating from second base does not score if a throw intended for the runner must travel over the first base dugout or fence line.

(4.13) If the defensive team has a catcher, all baseballs that are not in use must be kept in foul territory—if a batted ball hits one of the spare baseballs in fair territory the batter will be called out.

(4.14) Metal bats are not allowed at DeFremery Park.

 

(4.2) Curt Flood Park

(4.21) Any hit baseball that lands on the fly behind any of the fences surrounding the softball field will be considered a home run.

(4.22) Any hit, untouched baseball that rolls behind the third base fence on the softball field will be considered a triple. If a fielder touches the ball before it rolls behind the fence, the ball is still in play.

(4.23) Any hit, untouched baseball that rolls past the first base fence on the softball field will be considered a home run. If a fielder touches the ball before it rolls past the fence, the ball is still in play.

(4.24) Any ball hit into the bushes in fair territory in Right Field will be a ground rule double provided the outfielder raises both hands. If the outfielder makes any attempt whatsoever to grab the ball, the ball is live and in play.

 

(4.3) Nichol Park

(4.31) Gaps in the fences parallel to each foul line must be played as if there was no gap at all; balls that roll though such gaps are out of play, and players may not travel though the gaps.

(4.32) Any ball hit on the fly beyond where the RF fence used to be is considered a home run.

(4.33) Any ball hit on the ground beyond where the RF fence used to be is considered a ground rule double. If the ball was touched by a fielder, it remains in play.

(4.34) Fielders may not position themselves beyond where the RF fence used to be, though they may track down hit balls past this point when appropriate.

 

5.     Batting

 

(5.0) Pitch Selection

(5.01) There is no strike zone, meaning there are no called balls and strikes.

(5.02) A batter may only take 9 pitches in an at-bat. Should the batter take a 10^th pitch, the batter’s team is charged with a take-out and the batter is retired. No at-bat is charged to the batter. This rule is void if rule (7.11) (“Defensive Pitchers”) is in effect.

(5.03) A batter facing a defensive pitcher may only take 13 pitches in an at-bat before another defensive pitcher must take the mound. The batter may face a maximum of four (4) defensive pitchers, as identified by rule (7.13) (“Eligible Pitchers”). If a batter takes a thirteenth pitch after exhausting all available defensive pitchers, the batter is out and the at-bat is scored. A batter may request to change defensive pitchers at any point in an at-bat, but once a defensive pitcher has been removed from the mound by the batter, he may not face the same batter for the remainder of the game. A batter may only request one substitution per at-bat.

(5.04) A batter can strike out one of two ways:

                                             a.        swinging and missing with two strikes.

                                             b.        fouling the ball into the catcher’s mitt with two strikes.

 

(5.1) Bunts

(5.11) Bunts are only allowed when each team has at least 9 players.

 

6.     Base Running

 

(6.0) Advancing on the Base Paths

(6.01) Runners must remain in contact with the base until the pitch reaches the plate or is swung at by the batter, thus allowing no stolen bases; rules (6.02) and (6.03) are exceptions to this rule.

(6.02) Runners may lead off of 1^st base only, and must maintain contact with a line drawn 5 feet from first base.

(6.03) With two outs and a full count of nine takes and two strikes, base runners may begin running once the pitcher’s front foot begins moving toward the plate to pitch the ball. The batter is out if the pitcher appears to deliberately slow or lengthen his stride. This rule is only applicable when rule (7.0) (“Offensive Pitchers”) is in effect. Under rule (7.1) (“Defensive Pitchers”) base runners may begin running early when there are two outs and two strikes on the batter.

(6.04) If the fielding team has no catcher, a runner on third base is out if he reaches home on a cleanly fielded ground ball that gets the batter out at first base. The run will not count, and the batter remains on first base and is credited with a fielder’s choice.

(6.05) If home plate is blocked, a base runner may only hit the catcher with one shoulder (but not elbows). Contacting the catcher with elbows raised results in the runner being called out. Do not contact the catcher in the head or chest—aim for one shoulder or the other.

 

7.     Pitching

 

(7.0) Offensive Pitchers

(7.01) A team will have their own team pitch to them if either team has less than 9 players. The batter may choose any available teammate to pitch.

(7.02) The offensive pitcher will field their position as though they were on defense. It is the responsibility of the defense to inform the pitcher prior to the pitch whether or not to cover a base and/or where to throw any fielded ball with runners on base. If the offensive pitcher disregards this advice, the play is treated as having been completed successfully if the appropriate members of the fielding team are in proper position. In the event the defense fails to advise an offensive pitcher at any point prior to the pitch, all events stand, regardless of choices made by the offensive pitcher. The offensive pitcher is always responsible for covering home plate—advice to cover home is assumed at all times.

(7.03) If a pitcher pitches without checking if the defense is ready, any batted ball that does not result in an out is ruled “no pitch.”

(7.04) On plays at home plate, the final runner to cross home plate will be considered out if the pitcher fails to cover home plate. The batter must return to the last base they touched prior to the non-play at home. No outs will be recorded and no runners will be sent back unless the defense attempts a play at home.

(7.05) A runner is out when the pitcher makes an errant throw on an easily fielded ball; this rule only applies in extreme circumstances.

(7.06) A runner may advance or score when the play requires the pitcher to cover a base or apply a tag.

(7.07) Runners may not advance on thrown balls mishandled by the offensive pitcher between plays.

(7.08) No balks will be called on any pitcher.

 

(7.1) Defensive Pitchers—See rule (5.03) prior to reading.

(7.11) A defensive team will pitch to the batting team if both teams have at least 9 players. Rules (4.09) “Spare Baseballs” and (5.02) “Nine Take Limit” are void, and rule (5.03) “Thirteen Take Limit” is enacted.

(7.12) Before each game, both teams may choose up to three opponents who will not be allowed to pitch (“the avoided”).

(7.13) Before each game, both teams may choose 2 players from their team who will not be allowed to pitch (3 if there are 10 player rosters) (“the protected”).

(7.14) All players not selected based on rules (7.12) and (7.13) are eligible to pitch and are considered part of the bullpen.

(7.15) The pitcher must maintain a consistently predictable delivery and velocity requested by the batter. If it is determined that a defensive pitcher deliberately pitches around a batter, tries to deceive the batter by changing velocity or arm angle, or adds movement to a pitch, the ball is dead and the count will be reset. The pitcher will be removed from the mound, and will not be able to pitch for the remainder of the game. In this instance, the offense will select one of the protected players from the defense, and that person will become part of the bullpen.

(7.16) No balks will be called on any pitcher.

(7.17) In the event of a change in the number of players, the pitching style will only change from one style to the other at the top of a new inning.

8.     Awards

 

(8.0) Voting Rules

(8.01) Voting may begin as early as two weeks before the end of the season and will continue for a five-week period.

(8.02) Any person who played a game in the eligible season may vote.

(8.03) Ballots shall include the statistics of all eligible players, with the rules for voting clearly listed. Ballots will be delivered to voters via e-mail, and may be available at games and on the website.

(8.04) Votes shall be counted by The Commissioner or his designee(s).

(8.05) In the event of an odd number of games being played in a season, eligibility requirements for awards will always be rounded down.

 

(8.1) Most Valuable Player Award

(8.11) The MVP is chosen based on offensive and defensive ability, attendance, and cumulative impact over the course of a season. To be eligible, a player must have met that season’s minimum at-bats requirement or must have a minimum 50% attendance record for the season. Attendance is counted regardless of any game taking place.

(8.12) Voters shall rank their top three choices for MVP. The highest ranked players shall receive five points, the second ranked player shall receive three points, and the third ranked player shall get one point.

(8.13) Only one winner for MVP shall be selected, and that shall be the player with the most total points. In the case of a tie, the person with the most first-place votes wins.

 

(8.2) Gold Glove Awards

(8.21) The Gold Glove Awards are for players that excel in the defensive aspects of play. Voters should use consistency, attendance, and total defensive ability as a guide. To be eligible, a player must have a minimum 50% attendance record for the season.

(8.22) The three infielders and two outfielders with the most votes shall receive Gold Glove Awards. In the case of a tie, all tied players win Gold Gloves.

(8.23) Winning a Gold Glove at one position does not disqualify a player from winning a Gold Glove at another position in the same season.

 

(8.3) Most Improved Player Award

(8.31) The Most Improved Player Award is for the one player that voters consider to have most improved. To be eligible, a player must have a minimum 35% attendance record for the season.

 

9.     Bylaws

 

(9.0) Changes to and Implementation of The Rules

(9.01) The Commissioner reserves the right to amend these rules at any time until 24 hours before a game.

(9.02) Players will respect and cooperate with The Commissioner in enforcing these rules. Also see rule (2.11) “Avoiding Argument.”

(9.03) Any player may propose a rule change to the Commissioner, and may be involved in the decision-making process. However, the Commissioner may choose not to seek such input and may act alone.

(9.04) No rule shall be enforced retroactively, unless that rule was included in the previous set of league rules found on the group website, or otherwise agreed upon by the sentiment of the group or the Commissioner.

 

(9.1) The Commissioner

(9.11) The Commissioner may delegate authority over any aspect of Oakland Park Baseball at any time, and for any length of time he sees fit; such a decision needs no formal confirmation, and will be assumed in good faith.

(9.12) The Commissioner shall appoint his successor upon retirement.

 

(9.2) Vantage Point Umpiring

(9.21) Whenever a team is fielding a catcher, that catcher makes all fair/foul calls. The catcher may delegate calls to base coaches if unsure. If there’s no catcher, the nearest base coach makes the call. When there is no catcher and the batting team does not provide a base coach, then it is up to the defense to call whether a batted ball is fair or foul. On-deck hitters are encouraged to get in position to make fair/foul calls when no catcher or base coaches are present. When this is the case, the defense may opt to use this person’s viewpoint, but is not required to.

(9.22) Plays on the base paths are decided on a basis of general agreement or who has the best viewpoint. Players are encouraged to get in position to make calls when possible. When a vantage point view exists, it will be given weight over non-vantage point consensus.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rev. 36