Pee wee baseball is a league for younger children, generally from 7 to 10 years old. The object of a Pee wee league is usually to give players the opportunity to get out on the field for competitive action while still helping them understand the rules of the game and general game play. For this reason, pee wee leagues often have modified rules to help players learn and understand the game of baseball before moving up to a more experienced league.
The Field
Many times, pee wee leagues use a smaller field and shorter path to bases to take into consideration the smaller age group. In some leagues, the distance between bases is reduced from 60 or 70 feet to 45 feet. The outfield fence is also often brought in to accommodate for the players' size and speed.
Pitching and Batting
Pee wee leagues often use modified batting rules since children of that age are still learning hand-eye coordination and may have trouble hitting the ball. Some leagues have the coach pitching and may modify the rules for balls and strikes.
Baserunning
Pee wee league rules often prohibit base stealing and leading off the base to take into account the age group involved. Players at this age level are trying to get a handle on the basic rules of baseball, so base stealing and leading off rules are often reserved for older leagues.
Other Rules
Players at the pee wee level often have trouble knowing where to throw the ball or even throw it accurately and might overthrow their teammate. For this reason, pee wee leagues might add rules modifications that only allow a baserunner to go one extra base after a ball is overthrown, while in regular baseball a runner can go as far as the defense will allow.
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