World Series — Special Rules

1 No Stealing

Base runners cannot advance until the batter hits the ball, receives a walk, or a wild pitch occurs. Runners must return to their base if a pickoff is attempted.

Leads

• 70+ and 73+ divisions: Runners may still take a lead
• 75+ and 80+ divisions: No leads permitted — runners must remain on base until the batter hits the ball, receives a walk, or a wild pitch occurs

Wild Pitches / Passed Balls 70+ Only

• On a wild pitch or passed ball that goes outside the home plate circle, runners may advance one base maximum without catcher pursuit
• If the ball stays within the home plate circle, runners return to their original base

Full Windup Exception 70+ Only

• If the pitcher uses a full windup (instead of the stretch) with runners on base, runners may attempt to steal

2 No Hit and Run Allowed

The hit-and-run play is not permitted in the 70+, 73+, 75+, and 80+ divisions.

3 Game Format

One 9-inning game per day, unless an uneven number of teams in the division necessitates a doubleheader.

4 Tournament Schedule

5 games in 5 days.

5 Outfield Hitting Rule

For any hit that is fielded by a player in an outfield position, the batter cannot be thrown out at first base.

6 Forced Runner Advancement

With a 3-2 count and 2 outs, forced runners may break on the pitcher's motion.

• This applies to the 70+ and 73+ divisions

7 Runner Advancement 73+ 75+ 80+

Runners can only advance on a hit ball, or on the delivery if "forced" with a 3-2 count and 2 outs.

8 Shared Batter/Runner Position

Two players may share each batting position. The manager has full substitution flexibility in deciding who bats and who runs during games.

See Rule 6 of the MSBL Tournament Rules for complete Shared Batting Position details, which apply to all 55+ and older divisions.

9 Catcher Runner Substitution

All catchers must take a runner if they are on base with 2 outs.