American Legion baseball began in 1925 as a way to give young players -- mainly teenagers and children -- the opportunity to play baseball in an organized league. Since that time, the organization has expanded into all 50 states and now operates with its own set of rules and regulations. If you're looking to play or coach American Legion baseball, begin by familiarizing yourself with the rulebook.
Bat Rule
Baseball leagues have different rules regarding what bats can be used for official play. The American Legion allows players to use metal or wooden bats at their discretion. Bats cannot exceed the official length limit of 36 inches. At their largest diameter, the bat cannot exceed 2 5/8 inches in width. If teams use non-wood bats, such as graphite or metal, those bats must have a grip made of leader, rubber or tape. Non-wooden bats must also contain an NCAA seal of approval.
Collisions
The American Legion strives to protect its players during the normal course of the game. For this reason, it has established the collision rule, which is meant to protect players on both sides of the plate during close plays. If a collision is clearly avoidable, players are required to avoid running into other players to make a play, whether at the plate or on the base paths. Failure to avoid an avoidable collision will result in the umpire calling the player out, according to the umpire's discretion and interpretation of the play. If the umpire determines that the collision was not only unavoidable but also flagrant in its severity and circumstance, the player is called out and ejected from the game.
Obstruction at the Plate
In accordance with the spirit of the collision rule, the American Legion baseball rules prohibit catchers from blocking the plate without the ball. If a catcher sets up in front of the plate in a way that obstructs a runner from safely touching or reaching home plate, and the catcher does not have the ball, the umpire will call the catcher for obstruction and the player will be safe at the plate. However, if the runner makes flagrant contact with the catcher who is obstructing the plate, the runner is still called safe but is also ejected from the game.
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