Youth baseball gives many youngsters a chance to learn and play the game that they see professionals excel at when they watch games at big-league stadiums or on television. One of the goals of youth baseball is to give all players a chance to play and compete, regardless of overall talent. Little League rules, including rules on subbing, ensure that all players get a chance to play in every game.
Playing Requirements
Most Little League teams have rosters that include between 11 and 14 players. Nine players are in the field and 10 players get to bat in most leagues. Little League rules require coaches to give all players a chance to play two innings in the field and get at least one plate appearance in each game. Players may start off at one position in the field and switch to another position. Players may start off in the game, move to the bench for an inning or two and then go back in the game without impediment. Players do not change positions within the batting lineup. If they start the game batting first in the lineup, go out of the game for an inning or two and then return, they must remain in the leadoff position throughout the game.
Fielding Positions
No player should be relegated to one particular position throughout a season. For example, some coaches may want to play a struggling player in the outfield throughout the season because they are not confident that that particular player can make plays. However, if the player is in the outfield one game, he must be given a chance to play in the infield the next game. Coaches are not required to give players a chance to play pitcher, catcher or first base if they don't believe that player can protect himself at the position. However, that player must get a chance to play one of the other infield positions.
Pitching Substitutions
Pitcher is the only position on the field that a player may not return to in a given game. If a pitcher throws two innings and the manager wants to take the pitcher out, he cannot put the pitcher on the bench for an inning and then return the pitcher to the mound for the fourth inning. In most Little Leagues, pitchers are limited to a certain number of innings or pitches in a particular week.
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