Baseball
Softball
6U FoundationsGame Center — Scores & ScheduleStandings & Team PagesField StatusApplesmash TournamentCoaches' CornerUmpiresSponsorsVolunteerSponsorsFAQAboutHeritageRegister NowSign In
Parent / Coach / VolunteerAdmin⚾ Baseball
Kid pitching begins — building real baseball skills on 60-foot bases.
9U Baseball is the first full kid-pitch division in the LYB program. With 60-foot base paths and a 46-foot mound, the game starts to feel real — pitchers face live hitters, infielders make real throws, and base runners learn to read situations.
Stealing is introduced at 9U, but only after 2 outs are recorded and only when the ball crosses home plate. This teaches runners to read the game before they can run. Walk rules apply: after 3 walks in an inning, the hitting team's coach comes in to pitch when the batter reaches ball 4.
Bunting is allowed at 9U but slash bunting (fake bunt then swing) results in an out and ejection. The continuous batting order means every player bats every inning — development and playing time are the priority here.
| Base path | 60 feet (SRAA) |
| Pitching mound | 46 feet (SRAA) |
| Innings | 6 innings — 80-minute time limit |
| Run limit | 6 runs per inning maximum |
| Mercy rule | 10 runs after 4 innings; 15 runs after 3 innings |
| Pitch counts | 75 max/day — SRAA rest rules enforced |
| Walk limit | After 3 walks in an inning, coach pitches when batter reaches ball 4 |
| Stealing | Allowed after 2 outs — ball must cross home plate before runner can leave base |
| Leadoff | No leadoff — runner leaves base on pitch release |
| Bunting | Allowed — no slash bunting (out + ejection) |
| Hit-by-pitch | Pitcher who hits more than 2 batters must be replaced |
| Batting order | Continuous — everyone bats every inning |
| Metal spikes | Not permitted — rubber cleats only through 12U |
Pitch Count / Arm Protection
SRAA limit: 75 pitches per day. Rest rules: 1–25 pitches = 0 days rest; 26–50 pitches = 1 day rest; 51–75 pitches = 2 days rest. If a pitcher hits more than 2 batters, they must be replaced.
Coach's Note
"The jump from coach pitch to kid pitch is the biggest transition in youth baseball. Give pitchers extra practice reps and manage them carefully — 75 pitches is the SRAA daily max, and rest rules are strictly enforced. Track pitch counts in your scorebook every game. If a pitcher hits 2+ batters, they must be removed immediately."
Players born in 2017 or 2018 are eligible for 9U Baseball (must turn 9 by March 1, 2026). Players who turn 10 after March 1, 2026 may also play 9U.
Bat
27"–29" bat, drop -10 or lighter. USA Baseball certified stamp required. Barrel max 2¾".
Official USA Baseball approved bat list
Glove
10"–11.5" glove. Pitchers may use a closed-web glove.
What to Bring