Apr 19 2026

2026 Season Rules for +38,+50, and +60 Divisions

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+38 Montgomery Division Rules

Boston Amateur Baseball League

Rules for the 2025-26 Season

We play by Official Baseball League rules, with the following exceptions:

  1. Rule Intent Enforcement

    • When written rules conflict with their intent, the intent will be enforced.

  2. Official League Baseballs

    • Home team provides the first six balls.

    • Additional balls shared equally by both teams.

  3. Team Uniforms

    • All teams must wear reasonable uniforms with unique numbers.

    • Uniforms must meet Official Baseball Rules standards.

    • Team names must be approved by the league and not duplicated within the same division.

  4. Mandatory Helmets

    • All batters, on-deck batters, base runners, and base coaches must wear helmets.

  5. Cleats

    • Metal cleats are permitted.

  6. Bats

    • Only wood bats, including composites, are allowed (no metal bats).  See below for more info if needed. 

    • NOTE: BABL Wood bat league rule [Wood or Wood Composite Bats only are alowed]
       
          *Allowed wood bat types: Only wooden bats are permitted in BABL games.
              1. Maple
              2. Ash
              3. Birch
              4. Bamboo
              5. Hickory 

          * NOT allowed bat types:

      1. Metal Bats  

      2. Laminated or Experimental Bats:

      3. Bats made from laminated wood or experimental designs are prohibited unless they have received approval from the BABL Advisors

      4. Bats with Excessive Pine Tar: [ Pine tar can only be applied up to 18 inches from the bottom of the handle. If it extends beyond this limit, the bat is not allowed in the game]

      5. Bats Exceeding Size Limits: [Bats must be no more than 2.61 inches in diameter at the thickest part and no more than 42 inches in length]

  7. Game Player Requirements

    • Teams need a minimum of eight players to start a game.

    • A 15-minute grace period is allowed if a team has fewer than eight players.

    • If the eighth player does not arrive in 15 minutes, the game is a forfeit.

  8. Batting Order Flexibility

    • Managers can bat as many players as they want, with a minimum of nine.

    • Batters can be added at any time but cannot be skipped or removed from the lineup.

  9. A/B Alternating Line-up Option

    • Managers may use an alternating A/B lineup.

    • Players 70+ cannot be thrown out at first on a batted ball reaching the outfield grass.

9A. A/B Runners Rules - Runners can steal, advance on passed balls/wild pitches, and play like any other base occupant.

9B. Courtesy Runners - Teams are allowed two courtesy runners identified before the game. - Courtesy runners must be the last batted out and cannot steal or advance on passed balls/wild pitches.

  1. Player Substitution for Injury/Commitment

    • Reserve players not previously hitting must substitute injured or committed players.

    • If no reserve is available, the vacated spot is skipped without penalty.

    • If a player is ejected, and no eligible replacement is available, an out is recorded each time their spot is up in the batting order.

  2. Pitcher Re-entry Rules

    • A pitcher who changes defensive positions can pitch again but not in the same inning.

  3. Collision Avoidance

    • Base runners must avoid collisions with fielders.

    • Umpires can rule runners out and may eject players for deliberate collisions.

  4. Fake Bunting

    • No fake bunting allowed. Batters must either bunt or take the pitch.

  5. Decoy Throws/Catches

    • Decoying throws/catches is prohibited.

    • Runners advance one base for each decoy. Repeat offenders will be ejected.

  6. Pitcher Hit-By-Pitch Limit

    • Pitchers must be removed after hitting four batters in a game.

  7. No Hidden Ball Trick

    • Hidden ball trick is not allowed.

  8. Game Duration

    • Games are 7 innings with a three-hour limit.

    • An official game is called after 4 innings (or 3 1/2 if the home team is leading).

  9. Game Rescheduling

    • Games can only be rescheduled with league president’s permission.

    • Managers must notify the league 72 hours before if rescheduling is needed.

  10. Forfeit Rules

    • Three forfeits can lead to expulsion from the league.

    • Forfeiting teams must pay umpires before their next game.

  11. League Standings

    • Determined by a point system: 2 points for a win, 1 point for a tie, 0 points for a loss.

  12. Roster Deadlines

    • Preliminary rosters due at the April manager's meeting.

    • Final rosters due by July 15, 2025.

  13. Updated Rule Statements for +38 Leagues Rules (2026)

    1. Playoff Eligibility Requirement (Updated for 2026)

    Players must participate in at least half of the regular‑season games to qualify for playoff eligibility (e.g., 10 games in a 20‑game season). If the total number of scheduled games changes, the eligibility threshold will adjust proportionally. League officials and coaches are responsible for maintaining clear, accurate participation records to prevent disputes over player eligibility.

    2. Attendance Tracking Policy (Updated for 2026)

    Attendance credit will be granted only to players who are present at the game in uniform and available to play. Players in street clothes or otherwise unavailable are not to be marked as attending. Coaches must accurately record attendance for their teams; tracking opposing team attendance is not required.

    3. Exceptions and Eligibility Disputes (Updated for 2026)

    Medical or personal exceptions to playoff eligibility requirements are not permitted, per rule changes approved at the in‑person league meeting. Any disputes regarding playoff eligibility will be resolved by a panel of division advisors, whose decision will be final.

  14. Post-Season Eligibility

    • Players must be registered by August 1, 2025, and have played in 8 games.

  15. Age Eligibility

    • Players must be 38 or older by December 31, 2025.

    • Two underage players (37+) allowed per team, but they cannot pitch.

  16. Post-Game Lineup Posting

    • Managers must post lineups immediately after games to the website.

    • Roster updates must happen within a week of the final game result.

  17. Designated Hitter (DH) Rules

    • One DH allowed, used only for a pitcher.

    • Pitchers do not have to bat regardless of when they enter the game.

  18. Alcohol Prohibition

    • No beer or alcoholic beverages allowed at the field.

  19. Player Transfers

    • Players cannot switch teams without consent from both managers and league approval.

  20. Previous Year’s Debts

    • Players must pay previous year's debts before joining a new team.

  21. Dugout and Field Upkeep

    • Home team chooses dugout. Visiting team starts infield practice 35 minutes before game time.

    • Teams are responsible for field upkeep and must leave the field cleaner than they found it.

  22. Fighting

    • Fighting before, during, or after a game results in a six-game suspension.

  23. Umpire Striking

    • Striking an umpire results in a one-year suspension or expulsion from the league.

  24. League Officers

    • Officers responsible for protests, rules interpretations, or grievances are Greg Davis, Paul Harrington, Moe Gomez.

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+50 Colford Division Rules

Boston Amateur Baseball League

Rules for the 2025-26 Season

The Colford Division plays according to the same rules governing the Rivera Division, with the following exceptions:

NOTE: BABL Wood bat league rule [Wood or Wood Composite Bats only are alowed]
 
    *Allowed wood bat types: Only wooden bats are permitted in BABL games.
        1. Maple
        2. Ash
        3. Birch
        4. Bamboo
        5. Hickory 

    * NOT allowed bat types:

1. Metal Bats  

2. Laminated or Experimental Bats:

3. Bats made from laminated wood or experimental designs are prohibited unless they have received approval from the BABL Advisors

4. Bats with Excessive Pine Tar: [ Pine tar can only be applied up to 18 inches from the bottom of the handle. If it extends beyond this limit, the bat is not allowed in the game]

5. Bats Exceeding Size Limits: [Bats must be no more than 2.61 inches in diameter at the thickest part and no more than 42 inches in length]

  1. Rule Intent Enforcement

    • When written rules conflict with their intent, the intent will be enforced.

  2. Game Player Requirements

    • Teams need a minimum of eight players to start a game.

    • If a ninth player arrives, they must be inserted into the game immediately and added to the batting order in the ninth spot.

    • A 15-minute grace period is allowed if a team has fewer than eight players. If the eighth player does not arrive within 15 minutes, the game is a forfeit.

  3. Batting Order Flexibility

    • Managers can bat as many players as they want, with a minimum of nine.

    • Batters can be added at any time but cannot be skipped or removed from the lineup.

    • If a player is removed from the lineup, they may re-enter only after one rotation through the lineup and one defensive half inning.

    • Managers have the option to use an A/B alternating lineup.

  4. A/B Alternating Line-up Option

    • Batters must alternate at-bats during the game, but either batter may run for the AB slot.

    • Players 70+ cannot be thrown out at first on a batted ball reaching the outfield grass but can be thrown out as part of a double/triple play.

4A. A/B Runners Rules - Runners can steal, advance on passed balls/wild pitches, and play like any other base occupant.

4B. 

Courtesy Runner Rule Clarification for 2026

The meeting focused on clarifying rules regarding courtesy runners. Gary explained that courtesy runners cannot be called out until they reach second base, and if they do, they are automatically out. The group agreed to amend the rules to reflect this, and Michael offered to scan and distribute the updated rules to ensure umpires and coaches are informed. John suggested making the rules easily accessible on the league's website to address ongoing issues with rule knowledge among umpires.

Courtesy Runners - Teams are allowed two courtesy runners identified before the game. - Courtesy runners must be the last batted out and cannot steal or advance on passed balls/wild pitches.

  1. Pitcher Rules

    • Pitchers do not have to bat regardless of when they enter the game.

    • Relief pitchers can be removed before pitching to three batters.

    • A pitcher who changes defensive positions can pitch again but not in the same inning.

  2. Game Duration

    • Games are 7 innings with a 2-hour 45-minute limit.

    • An official game is called after 4 innings (or 3 1/2 if the home team is leading).

    • Umpire fees: $95.00 per team per game per umpire.

  3. Post-Season Eligibility

    • Players must be registered by August 1, 2025, and have played in 8 games.

    • Appearance is defined as one full half inning played at a defensive position, one at-bat, or one batter pitched to until the completion of the at-bat.

    • Players with extended illness or injury may seek a waiver for post-season eligibility.

  4. Playoff Format:

  5. New Playoff Format Agreement for 2026

    The group discussed and agreed on a new playoff format that would keep the current system of first place earning an automatic first-round bye, while teams finishing2nd through 4th would compete in a separate tournament. Dave and John initially debated the fairness of the current format, with Dave advocating for a tournament-style approach among lower-seeded teams, which Gary's suggestion addressed by proposing a compromise where teams 5-8 would compete in a separate tournament while the top four teams maintain their current playoff structure. Michael agreed to lead the implementation of this new format as the advisor·  Decision to have a one-game elimination for the first round.

    Playoff Waiver and Uniform Rules for 2026

    The group discussed playoff eligibility rules, particularly regarding medical waivers and uniform appearances. They agreed to vote via email on allowing waivers for players with extended injuries or illnesses, while strongly opposing a rule that would give credit for games to players who show up in uniform but do not play. The conversation ended with an agreement to use email voting for the waiver rule, as several members were absent from the meeting.

     -----------------OLD @025 is below.

    o    1st place plays 8th place

    o    2nd place plays 7th place

    o    3rd place plays 6th place

    o    4th place plays 5th place

    ·         Followed by best-of-three series for the semifinals and finals.

     Playoff Eligibility:

    ·         Players must participate in at least 50% of the regular season games (7 out of 14) to be eligible for playoffs.

    ·         No exceptions for injuries or other reasons.

  6. Roster Deadlines

    • Initial rosters due by May 1.

    • Final rosters due by July 15.

  7. Post-Game Lineup Posting

    • Managers must post the final score and lineup immediately after games to the website.

    • Managers must provide opponents with a lineup including players' last names.

    • Managers are responsible for maintaining accurate records of player appearances.

  8. Age Eligibility

    • Players must be 52 or older by December 31, 2025.

    • Proof of age is required through a government-issued photo ID.

    • Each team is allowed three underage players who must turn 50 by December 31, 2025, and they are not allowed to pitch.

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 +60 Senior Division Rules

Boston Amateur Baseball League

Rules for the 2025-26 Season

The 60+ Senior Division plays according to the same rules governing the Colford Division, with the following exceptions:

NOTE: BABL Wood bat league rule [Wood or Wood Composite Bats only are alowed]
    *Allowed wood bat types: Only wooden bats are permitted in BABL games.
        1. Maple
        2. Ash
        3. Birch
        4. Bamboo
        5. Hickory 

    * NOT allowed bat types:

1. Metal Bats  

2. Laminated or Experimental Bats:

3. Bats made from laminated wood or experimental designs are prohibited unless they have received approval from the BABL Advisors

4. Bats with Excessive Pine Tar: [ Pine tar can only be applied up to 18 inches from the bottom of the handle. If it extends beyond this limit, the bat is not allowed in the game]

5. Bats Exceeding Size Limits: [Bats must be no more than 2.61 inches in diameter at the thickest part and no more than 42 inches in length]

  1. Rule Intent Enforcement

    • When written rules conflict with their intent, the intent will be enforced.

  2. Run Limit Per Inning

    Baseball Run Scoring Rule Change for 2026

    The group discussed and agreed on a rule clarification regarding run scoring in baseball, specifically that when runners are already on base and additional runs score after the fifth run, the play should continue until all possible runs are scored, even if that results in 6 or 7 runs in an inning. They agreed to amend the rule to state that teams cannot score more than 5 runs per inning through the first 6 innings, unless additional runs follow the fifth run.  er inning

    • Teams cannot score more than five runs per inning through the first six innings.

    • This rule is suspended for the playoffs.

  3. Steal Limit

    Rule Modifications and Exception Clarifications for 2026

    The group discussed rule modifications, focusing on injury/health exceptions and steal limits. They agreed to clarify that injury or health exceptions would be directed to League President Paul Harrington and league advisors, and decided to rephrase the steal rule to specify that runners must stop after a successful steal attempt, rather than being able to continue running even after being thrown out.  Each team is allowed only one successful steal per inning or one attempted double steal.

  4. Batted Balls to Outfield Grass

    • All batters, regardless of age, cannot be thrown out at first base on any batted ball that reaches the outfield grass.

  5. Outfield Positioning

    • Outfielders must remain on the outfield grass until a pitched ball is put in play.

  6. A/B Batting Order Option

    • The A/B option in the batting order is in effect.

  7. Courtesy Runners

    • Teams are allowed two courtesy runners identified before the game.

    • Courtesy runners must be the last batted out and cannot steal or advance on passed balls/wild pitches.

  8. Dropped Third Strikes

    • All dropped third strikes are an out.

  9. Age Eligibility

    • Players must turn 60 by December 31, 2025, to be eligible.

    • Each team may have two underage players who must turn 58 by December 31, 2025, and they are not allowed to pitch.

  10. Playoff Eligibility 
  • First Round: All players must of played in 8 of the 16 regular seson games with no injury or health exceptions allowed.
    • Playoff Format:
      • Confirmation of the playoff format, which includes a play-in game for the bottom two teams, followed by single elimination in the semifinals and a best-of-three final series.
      • Championship Game: The winners of the two semifinal matchups play in the 2 out of 3 series to determine the champion.

  • Uniform Appearance Player Eligibility Rule for 2026

    The meeting focused on discussing player eligibility rules, particularly regarding players who show up to games in uniform but do not play.  The group agreed that players who appear in uniform, even if not playing, should receive credit.

     

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