MLB, USA Baseball promote youth game that picks up pace

NEW YORK (AP) MLB and USA Baseball are promoting a modified version of youth baseball with fewer innings, batters and pitches to pick up the pace.

Hit and Run Baseball is part of the MLB’s Play Ball initiative announced Tuesday. Hall of Famer and special adviser Cal Ripken is leading the cause.

MLB says Hit and Run Baseball is ”designed to encourage youth organizations to utilize alternative formats” for games, practices and tournaments. The recommended rules include:

– Six-inning games.

– Four batters per inning.

– Three swings per batter, with no balls or strikes called on taken pitches. If no contact is made in three swings, a tee is used or a coach can side toss to the batter.

– Six players rotating positions each inning, with no outfielders. The center fielder roams behind the infield.

– No catchers. Coaches catch pitches.