Closed bases is a term used in organized youth baseball leagues, generally for 9-year-olds and under, that describes a built-in restriction of movement on the base paths. The rules of closed bases are intended to maintain a competitive balance in the game for pitchers not yet old or skilled enough to master the complicated tasks of preventing stolen bases and avoiding balks, while still learning the elemental skills of delivering pitches.
Age Groups
According to the Amateur Athletic Union, AAU, which governs much of youth sports in the United States, closed bases are generally used for leagues designated 9-under and 8-under, meaning for players at or under the age of 9 or 8. In most states, Little League begins at age 10 and games are played with open bases.
Taking a Lead
The primary function of closed bases is not allowing base runners to take a lead off their occupying base until the thrown pitch reaches home plate. This is done to discourage base stealing and place the focus of the game on pitching, hitting and fielding. Runners who leave the base before the pitch is delivered to home can be ruled out by the umpire.
No Balks
Another function of closed bases is the non-enforcement of the balk rule, which states that a pitcher must throw home after reaching the set position in his windup by coming to a complete stop with the ball in the glove in front of the body before making the final move homeward. Base runners often distract a pitcher into committing a balk, which rewards the runner with an advancement of one base.
Other Definitions
In baseball at higher levels, a closed base can simply refer to a base occupied by a runner. For instance, in a bases-loaded situation, the bases are considered closed because all three are occupied by runners.
Member Comments