BASEBALL RULES OF INTEREST
All-Star Selection: The Midwest League All-Stars are selected by the league’s field manag-ers.
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They may not vote for their own players.
Batting Average: Divide the number of safe hits by the total number of at-bats (at bats do
not include walks, sacrifices, hit-by-pitch or times awarded first on obstruction or interfer-ence).
Consecutive Hitting Streak: A consecutive hitting streak shall not be terminated if the plate
appearance results in a base on balls, hit batsman, defensive interference, or a sacrifice
bunt. A sacrifice fly shall terminate the streak.
Consecutive Playing Streak: A consecutive game playing streak shall be extended if the
player plays one half-inning on defense, or if he completes a time at bat by reaching base
or being put out. A pinch-running appearance only shall not extend the streak. If a player
is ejected from a game by an umpire before complying with these requirements, his streak
shall continue.
Designated Hitter Rule: A hitter may be designated to bat for the pitcher in any spot in the
batting order in any game without affecting the status of the pitcher. The designated hitter
must be selected and be included in the lineup card presented to the umpire-in-chief prior
to the game. The designated hitter is locked into the batting order, but may be removed for
a pinch-hitter or pinch-runner who in turn becomes the designated hitter. The replacement
player may stay in the game defensively, but the pitcher must take the place in the batting
order of the replaced defensive player. This would terminate the role of the designated
hitter for that game.
Doctored Bat: If a filled or “doctored” bat is used, the player is to be called out, ejected
from the game and is subject to additional penalties. Any balls hit by an illegal bat do not
count. If the umpire sees the illegal bat before it is used, he issues a warning, but there is
no penalty.
Earned Run Average (ERA): Multiply the total number of earned runs by 9, then divide the
result by the number of innings pitched.
Earned Runs Rule: A run for which the pitcher is held accountable. In determining earned
runs, the inning should be reconstructed without errors and passed balls. The benefit of the
doubt is always given to the pitcher in determining which bases would have been reached
with errorless play.
Fielding Average: Divide the sum of putouts and assists by the total of putouts, assists, and
errors (total chances).
Magic Number: Compute the number of games remaining, add one, then subtract the
number of games ahead in the loss column of the closest opponent. This is the number of
wins a team must have to secure the pennant.
Night Game: Any game scheduled to start after 5:00 pm (i.e.5:01 pm) will be considered
a night game. If a game is scheduled to start before 5:00 pm and is delayed for any reason,
it shall be considered a day game.
On-Base Percentage: Add the total number of hits, walks, and hit-by-pitch and divide by the
total number of at-bats, walks, hit-by pitches, and sacrifice flies.