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2025 Babe Ruth / Cal Ripken Rulebook

Key notes:

Rookies: 

• Each batter receives a maximum of four pitches. If the batter strikes out (on or before the fourth pitch), or if the ball has not been hit into play after four pitches, the batter is out.
• The pitching machine is placed at 46 feet from home base (the rear point of home plate) with a speed of 43 mph (established when ball crosses home plate).
• 10 batter rule in effect. This means each team will bat 10 players each inning. (If the 10th batter brings in runs 8 and 9, they count but the inning switches when the ball is dead on the 10th batter’s play). 
•  Players on defense MUST stop the lead runner before throwing the ball to the “pitcher”.  (Player with the ball be located in "front" of the baserunner or the pitcher has the ball).

Minors:  

• Pg. 31 outlines that Cal Ripken Minor teams are eligible for 10 and under tournaments and they must follow Cal Ripken Major/60 rules with the exception of 11.01-1a, 5.09(h),6.09(b) dropped 3rd strike, 7.04(a),7.07, and 8.05 a-m (balk rules).
• Pg. 14 describes Cal Ripken Major/60 base running rules. Once the catcher has secured the ball and the baserunner stops forward motion, the baserunner must immediately return to their base. 
• 10 batter rule in effect. This means each team will bat 10 players each inning. (If the 10th batter brings in runs 8 and 9, they count but the inning switches when the ball is dead on the 10th batter’s play). 

Majors

 Umpire SHALL let the team know if the time limit will determine the last inning.

• Plays by the book 
• Slaughter rule is in effect. The slaughter will be:
•  15 after 2 1/2 innings if home team is ahead or 3 complete innings.
•  10 after 3 1/2 innings if home team is ahead or 4 complete innings.