Game length, pitch limits among American Legion baseball rule changes for 2018

Seven-inning games throughout tournament play and a pitch limit are the most significant changes to rules announced by American Legion baseball in a release posted on its website Thursday.

Beginning with state tournaments, Legion games had been nine innings. The change was made to bring Legion tournament play in line with traditional high school rules.

The seven-inning game should also help with pitch counts, which will take effect next summer as well. Pitchers are limited to 105 pitches in any one day, and rest will be based on the following scale:

1-30 pitches: 0 days

31-45 pitches: 1 day

46-60 pitches: 2 days

61-80 pitches: 3 days

81+ pitches: 4 days

Additionally, pitchers can make no more than two appearances in a three-day span, and pitchers who are removed from the game and later return to the mound in the same game will be charged with two appearances.

There are also rule changes regarding 19-year-old players, courtesy runners and regional tournament hosts.

New Orleans played host to the Mid-South Regional in August and will again host the event in 2018.