DOVER, DE – The state of Delaware has unveiled what baseball and softball will look like in America’s First State and some of the rules redefine the game. The main change is for catchers and umpires. Umpires will stand, socially distanced of course, behind the pitcher. These guys usually have a hard time seeing balls and strikes directly behind the catcher, so it will be interesting to see how it works from in front of second base.
The other rule is catchers being six feet from the batter…if that’s not possible, then there will be no catcher at all.
The following is a modification to the rules for these sports that would allow them to resume June 15th with social distancing and other safety procedures observed. All other rules of the sport not listed here are assumed to be in place, subject to the discretion of the individual administrative body. When not actively playing the sport, participants should continue to practice social distancing when not from the same household.
Here are some other rules for baseball and softball in Delaware:
- Home plate umpire will stand behind pitcher’s mound (socially distanced from pitcher) in order to call balls and strikes.
- A catcher should be kept at least six feet from the batter. if this is not possible, a catcher should not be used.
- No stealing of second base is permitted, so that first baseman can be socially distanced from holding the runner on first base. The first baseman should be six feet away from the runner.
- The ball should be rotated out as frequently as It can or should be disinfected between
- Equipment (bats, gloves, catchers gear, etc), should not be shared between
- Distancing In dugouts and In stands.
- Base coaches should distance from baserunners, players and umpires in field of
- No community water cooler
- No spitting, chewing gum, or sunflower seeds
- Individual teams should use their own set of baseballs or softballs
- Spectators are permitted under the gathering rules in place, which can be found here.
Photo by Keith Johnston on Unsplash