Reading Little League follows Little League rules for pitch counts. These
limits are intended to promote arm health by preventing overuse. These rules are
not to be skirted as it is irresponsible of coaches to do so and it can also
create an unfair competitive situation.
Pitches thrown for travel or club teams count towards these limits. It is a
coach's responsibility to understand if players have pitched for any other
teams. Coaches should not simply take a player's word for it. If you have
players that pitch for you and play on other teams, be sure to establish good
communication with their parents and share the pitch count rules with them.
There is both a maximum daily pitch limit, which is dependent on age, and a
required rest period dependent on the number of pitches thrown. The Little
League rules explain many scenarios, but the key takeaways are below.
Maximum Pitch Limit
- Ages 11-12: 85 pitches
- Ages 9-10: 75 pitches
- Ages 7-8: 50 pitches
If a player reaches their limit in the middle of the at bat, they may complete
that at bat before being taken out.
Required Rest
- 66+ pitches thrown: 4 full days of rest
- 51-65 pitches thrown: 3 full days of rest
- 36-50 pitches thrown: 2 full days of rest
- 21-35 pitches thrown: 1 full day of rest
- 1-20 pitches thrown: No rest required
Regardless of pitches thrown, no player may pitch on three consecutive days.
If a player crosses one of these thresholds in the final at bat they pitch,
their final recorded pitch count reverts to the crossed threshold. For example,
if a pitcher enters an at bat having thrown 34 pitches and retires the batter on
5 pitches, their recorded pitch count is 35 pitches, requiring 1 full day of
rest.
Pitching and Catching in the Same Game
Catchers can use their arms even more than pitchers, particularly at older ages
when position specialization sets in. There are some rules governing a catcher's
ability to pitch in the same day.
- Any player that catches 4 or more innings in a game is ineligible to pitch on
that day.
- Any player that catches 3 innings, then throws 21 or more pitches on the same
day may not return to catcher that day.