What counts as a pitch?
- Do not count warm up pitches.
- Only count "official pitches." If the umpire advises "no pitch" then that pitch does not count.
- If a batter is intentionally walked, then count that as 4 pitches for that pitcher.
- Check with the scorekeeper throughout the game to ensure your pitch totals are matching.
Before the game
1.) Make sure you have a Pitch Count Log and a pencil. You can find these in the score booth above the Snack Shack.
2.) Ask each team's Manager to give you their Pitch Count Data Sheet. The Pitch Count Data Sheet is each team's record of what date a player is eligible to pitch (based on their required days of rest).
3.) Check the lineup card to see who the Manager plans to have pitch in the game, and look on the Pitch Count Data Sheets to ensure each pitcher is OK to pitch that day.
During the game
1.) As each pitcher takes the mound, make sure their name, jersey number and league age are recorded on the Pitch Count Log. Be aware of the pitch limit for each pitcher based on their age. (If, during the game, you don't know who the pitcher is or what their age is, then have the plate umpire obtain the information you need from the Manager. If there is an issue, notify the plate umpire.)
2.) For each pitch, make a hash mark on the Pitch Count Log.
3.) Switch the direction of your hash marks for each batter. This is important so that you can calculate the final pitch count. ////// \\\\\\ ////// \\\\\\
4.) Notify the umpire when a pitcher will exceed their pitch count on the next pitch.
5.) To calculate the final pitch count for each pitcher, ALWAYS USE THE FIRST PITCH TO THE LAST BATTER AS YOUR FINAL PITCH COUNT. Circle this number on the pitch count log.
After the game
1.) Double check your numbers with the scorekeeper.
2.) Use the final pitch count that you circled on your pitch count log to calculate the days rest needed and to determine the next eligible day to pitch. No pitching in a game is allowed on a "calendar day of rest." For example, when 3 calendar days of rest are required, the player may not pitch in a game until the fourth calendar day. That fourth day is the date you would record.
3.) Record the final pitch count on the manager's Pitch Count Data Sheet. Initial the sheet, then meet with the Managers to have them initial the pitch count. Leave the data sheet form with the Manager. Note: If the Manager is not in agreement with the pitch count it is not up for argument. You can, however, review the number with the scorekeeper and double-check your Pitch Count Log.
4.) File your Pitch Count Log in the appropriate binder in the score booth above the Snack Shack.