Babe Ruth Baseball
Regional Tournaments

Click here to view Babe Ruth Baseball Tournament Schedules & Results

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https://www.baberuthleague.org/league-resources/baseball-age-chart.aspx

Click Here to read about the USABat Standard to be used beginning on January 1, 2018.

Click Here to read about the USABat T-Ball Sticker Program beginning on January 1, 2018.

Click Here for the list of USA Bat Standard approved bats.

NON-COMPLIANT BATS FOR - BABE RUTH BASEBALL

The NCAA recently conducted additional testing of the previously-certified 33 in./30 oz. Louisville Slugger 2020 Meta (-3) BBCOR baseball bat. The conclusion of this additional testing resulted in the NCAA and the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) removing this specific model from their approved-for-play bat list. At this time, no other sizes of this bat model, or any previous model years of the bat model, have been decertified.

PENALTY

• If the illegal bat is discovered prior to a batter completing his "at bat" the bat is simply removed from play and the "at bat" continues.
• A player who uses an illegal bat or non-conforming barrel dimension and hits a fair ball will be ruled out.  No advancement on the bases will be allowed, and any outs during the play shall stand.  This is an appeal play.  The "at bat" will be considered legal once a pitch is thrown to the next batter.
• Any bat discovered prior to the game that does not conform to the above rule shall be directed to be removed immediately and not be allowed for use during the game. 

If you have any questions on approved or non-compliant bats, do not hesitate to contact Babe Ruth Headquarters.

Rule Changes Beginning with the 2026 Season (Please note Division or Level of Play)

1. Rule 0.05 Team Composition (Paragraph 1) - Babe Ruth Baseball and Cal Ripken Baseball

   Cal Ripken – Each Cal Ripken team can have a maximum of fifteen (15) players, a manager, and three (3) coaches.

   13-16 – Each 13-16-year-old team can have a maximum of fifteen (15) players, a manager, and three (3) coaches.

   16-18 – Each 16-18-year-old team can have a maximum of eighteen (18) players, a manager, and three (3) coaches.

2. Rule 11.02 Team Composition (Paragraph 1) - Babe Ruth Baseball and Cal Ripken Baseball

   1. Each Cal Ripken tournament team may have a maximum of fifteen (15) players, one (1) manager, and three (3) coaches.

   2. Each 13–16 and 16–18 tournament team may have a maximum of eighteen (18) players, one (1) manager, and three (3) coaches.

3. Rule 11.05 and 4.10b Tie-Breaker (Extra Innings Procedure) - Babe Ruth Baseball and Cal Ripken Baseball

   At the start of each extra inning, a runner is placed on second base- the runner will be the last recorded batter of the previous inning. Any eligible player may be substituted for this runner and is subject to the substitution rule (3.04). This format play shall continue until (1) the visiting team has scored more total runs than the home team at the end of a completed inning, or (2) the home team scores the winning run in an uncompleted inning.

4. Rule 0.04, Number 3 Note – Tournament Eligibility Communication - Babe Ruth Baseball and Cal Ripken Baseball

   To be eligible to participate in tournament play, a player, manager or coach must be listed

   on the local league regular season roster and on tournament rosters before competing in the first level of tournament play.

    

5. 6.10 Designated Hitter – Babe Ruth 13-16 and 16-18

   Any Babe Ruth 13-16 and 16-18 League may elect to use the Designated Hitter Rule. The rule provides as follows:

    

   A hitter may be designated for any one starting player and all substitutes for that player. The Designated Hitter must be named before the game, with both the DH and the player being hit for listed on the lineup card. It is not mandatory that a team use a DH, but failure to do so prior to the game precludes the use of a DH for that game. A team may use both the Extra Player (EP) and the Designated Hitter (DH) in a game. If one or both start the game, the team must finish the game in accordance with the Extra Player (EP) and Designated Hitter (DH) rules.

    

   If a pinch hitter or runner replaces the DH, that substitute becomes the new DH. The original DH may re-enter under the re-entry rule. The DH and the player being hit for are locked into the batting order. No multiple substitutions may be made that will alter the batting rotation of the DH.

    

   A DH may be used in one of two ways:

    

   1. Tenth Starter: The DH bats for one defensive player. The DH role ends when:

      1. The defensive player (or any substitute) bats, pinch-hits, or pinch-runs for the DH; or

      2. The DH (or any substitute) plays defense.

          

   2. Player/DH: A starting defensive player also serves as the DH. The DH role ends when:

      1. A substitute enters that defensive position and later bats, pinch-hits, or pinch-runs; or

      2. The starting defensive Player/DH is substituted for as a hitter or runner.

          

         Note: The type of DH must be declared before the game. Coaches cannot change the DH option once the game has started.

          

         Example 1: If you list a DH to bat for your left fielder, the left fielder cannot bat, pinch-hit, or pinch-run later in the game. If he does, the DH is lost for the remainder of the game.

          

         Example 2: If your lineup lists a LF/DH, that player both plays left field and bats for himself. If you later replace him on defense and that new left fielder comes to bat, the DH is lost for the remainder of the game.

6. 1.17 Non-Traditional Playing Equipment Communication - Babe Ruth Baseball and Cal Ripken Baseball

   Non-traditional playing equipment must be reviewed by the Babe Ruth League, Inc Baseball Rules Committee before it will be permitted for use.

   • Hard and unyielding items (guards, casts, braces, splints, etc.) must be padded with closed-cell, slow-recovery foam no less than ½″ thick.

   • Knee and ankle braces unaltered from the manufacturer’s original

     design do not require padding.

   • Exceptions may be granted for participants with disabilities or extenuating circumstances, provided the equipment does not create risk or unfair advantage.

7. Shoulder Emblems – Babe Ruth Baseball and Cal Ripken Baseball

   All teams participating in Babe Ruth local league and tournament competition are required to wear the Official Cal Ripken Baseball (4-12 year olds) or Babe Ruth Baseball (13-18 year olds) shoulder emblem on their left outer uniform sleeve, or if vest type,

   sleeveless jersey, on the upper left chest of the jersey. Players’ and coaches’ uniform jerseys shall not display emblems of other youth organizations other than Cal Ripken Baseball or Babe Ruth Baseball.

8. Cal Ripken 8YO Coach Pitch Rules – See Appendix.

9. CLARIFICATION - Rule 4.15 – Forfeit

   1. Current:

      i. A game shall be forfeited to the opposing team when a team is unable or refuses to place nine players on the field.

   2. Proposed:

i. A game shall be forfeited to the opposing team when a team is unable or refuses to place nine players on the field, or ten players if using EP or DH.

APPENDIX

8-YEAR-OLD COACH PITCH RULES

(Used in Cal Ripken Invitational World Series)

TIME LIMIT - One hour, and 30 minutes (1:30), or six (6) innings, whichever comes first. In the event of a tie, the games will continue until there is a winner. In the Championship Games, there is No Time Limit.

BUNTING - Bunting is allowed in “Coach Pitch.” However, NO FAKE BUNTING IS ALLOWED. If the batter offers to bunt, then the batter must bunt the ball or pull the bat back to take the pitch. If the batter offers to bunt, pulls the bat back, and then swings at the pitch, the batter will automatically be declared out by the umpire.

BASE STEALING - Base stealing is not permitted in Rookie Coach Pitch.

OUTFIELDERS - There will be four (4) outfielders. All outfielders must remain in the grass area of the outfield. They cannot be positioned in the infield at any time. This means there will be ten

(10) batters in the line-up.

EXTRA PLAYER (EP) - An Extra Player (EP) can be used as the 11th batter. If a team elects this option, it must start and finish the game with the EP or the game is a forfeit. Both teams in a game are not required to use the EP.

15-RUN RULE - Any Cal Ripken Division tournament game must be terminated immediately if one team is ahead by fifteen (15) or more runs after two and one half (2 ¹⁄₂) or three (3) innings and has had equal times at bat.

10-RUN RULE - Any Cal Ripken Division tournament game must be terminated immediately once becoming regulation (3¹⁄₂ or 4 innings) if one team is ahead by ten (10) or more runs and has had equal times at bat. Or the home team is leading.

PITCHING LINE

a. There shall be a line drawn forty (40) feet from the apex of home plate to establish the minimum forward point for the pitcher (Coach).

PITCHING CIRCLE

1. The pitcher’s mound shall serve as the Pitching Circle. The defensive player listed as the pitcher shall not leave the pitching circle (the pitcher’s mound) until the ball is hit, unless the batter squares around to bunt. Penalty: The play continues. After the play has ended, the offensive team has the option of taking the result of the play or no-pitch.

COACH PITCH MECHANICS

1. The pitching coach shall keep one foot on or straddle the pitcher’s line.

2. The pitching coach may pitch anywhere along the pitching line from 40 feet to 42 feet pitching circle.

3. The pitching coach, either standing or from the knee, shall deliver the pitch overhand and at a velocity that creates a flat-pitch to the batter (no lobbing or underhand pitches).

4. The pitching coach shall not verbally or physically coach while in the pitching position. The pitching coach may instruct the batter while in the box, but may not after the ball is put in play.

5. The pitching coach shall position himself as not to be an obstruction to the defensive team on any possible play one the ball has been hit. If a coach violates this rule before the ball is pitched, first offense is a warning; second offense is removal of the coach as the pitcher for the remainder of the game.

6. The catcher takes a normal position in full gear and returns the ball to the coach-pitcher after each pitch (live-ball situations excepted).

The player that assumes the pitcher’s position must remain within the 5 foot radius circle, behind the Coach, and on one side or the other, until the ball is hit. If a pitcher violates these requirements, then (1) the play will stand, even if the pitcher is involved in the play, and (2) the umpire(s) will warn the violating pitcher’s manager that if the same pitcher violates one of both requirements again, the player will be removed from the pitcher’s position. The player can assume another position, but cannot re-enter as a pitcher in that game.

If a batted fair ball hits any part of the pitching Coach without touching any defensive player, the ball is immediately dead. The batter will be awarded first base. All other runners return to the base they last occupied before the ball was hit, unless forced to advance as a result of the batter being awarded first base. If a batted fair ball is first touched by a defensive player and then hits any part of the pitching Coach, it is a live ball. If a thrown ball hits any part of the pitching Coach, it is a live ball.

Each batter receives a maximum of four (4) pitches. If the batter strikes out, or if the ball has not been hit into play after four pitches, the batter is out

NO INTENTIONAL WALKS.

If the batter fouls the fourth (4th) pitch, the batter will receive pitches if the batter continues to foul pitches. (Note: Any foul bunt after two strikes is an out.) The batter is out if a batter swings on a third strike and misses the ball.

HIT BY PITCH - If the batter is hit by a pitch from the Pitching Coach, the batter will not be awarded first base.

INFIELD FLY RULE - There is NO infield fly rule.

The International Board of Directors has approved the following rule changes, effective for the 2025 and 2026 seasons:

2025 Season – Cal Ripken Baseball, Babe Ruth Baseball (13-16 and 16-18 Divisions)

1. Rule 11.03 Note - Clarification on Player Eligibility - Amendment: Delete "manager or coach.” At no time is it permissible for a player to appear on more than one

   “active/participating” tournament team roster in the same year.

    

   2025 Season – Babe Ruth Baseball (13-16 and 16-18 Divisions)

2. Rule 6.10(h) – Clarification - The Designated Hitter may be used on defense while continuing to bat in the same position in the batting order. However, the pitcher must bat in place of the substituted defensive player unless additional substitutions are made, in which case the manager must designate their spots in the batting order.

Babe Ruth League, Inc.

Latest Rule Changes for 2024

The International Board of Directors has approved the following rule changes beginning with the 2024 season. These changes will be reflected in the 2024 Babe Ruth League, Inc. Rules and Regulations.

Rule Changes Beginning with the 2024 Season (Please note Division or Level of Play)

The Babe Ruth Baseball 13-15 Division will become the Babe Ruth Baseball 13-16 Division.  The official tournament trail for the Babe Ruth Baseball 13-16 Division and the Babe Ruth Baseball 16-18 Division will be as follows:

• 13-Year-Old tournaments (District, State, Regional, and World Series)
• 14-Year-Old tournaments (District, State, Regional, and World Series)
• 13–16 Year-Old tournaments (District, State, Regional, and World Series)
• 16-18 Year-Old tournaments (District, State, Regional, and World Series)

Babe Ruth Baseball Rule 0.02

Babe Ruth Baseball 16-18 – Age Determination Date – Clarification – Any player born on or after January 1, 2005 will be eligible for Babe Ruth Baseball 16-18 Division competition – Season of 2024. 

Babe Ruth Baseball Division - 15-Year-Old Swing Player – This rule has been eliminated.

Babe Ruth Baseball Division - 13-Year-Old Prep and 16-Year-Old Prep – For chartering purposes, these divisions have been eliminated.

Babe Ruth Baseball Division – Rule 6.10 – Any Babe Ruth 13-16 and 16-18 league may elect to use the Designated Hitter Rule.

Babe Ruth Baseball Division – Rule 11.05, #12 – The Designated Hitter (DH) Rule 6.10 and Courtesy Runner Rule 3.04(a) are allowed in the 13-16 and 16-18 Division.

Babe Ruth Baseball Division – Rule 11.02, #1 – Team Composition – Each Babe Ruth 13-16 and 16-18 Division tournament team shall consist of no less than twelve (12) players and no more than eighteen (18) players, one (1) manager, and three (3) coaches.

a.  Each Babe Ruth 13-16 and 16-18 tournament team may consist of any eighteen (18) players from the league or division regardless of age or position played during the local league regular season.

Cal Ripken Baseball Division, Babe Ruth Baseball Division, and Babe Ruth Softball Division – Determination of Pool Play Standings – Addition of Criterion #5 – Coin Flip

All coin flips are governed by tournament jurisdiction as determined in Rule 11.06.  If the results of the run differential with a maximum of 10 per game of the teams involved cannot break the tie, the tie is broken using a coin flip. In the event of 3 or more teams tied, a coin shall be assigned to each team. The coin landing on the opposite side as the others advances. If all coins land on the same side, teams must re-flip. The remaining teams’ tie is broken by reverting to criterion #2.

Cal Ripken Baseball Division, Babe Ruth Baseball Division, and Babe Ruth Softball Division – World Series – Important:  All members of the official roster must report at their designated team report time (local time of the series) on the scheduled day of travel.  Players and coaches on the official roster not arriving at the designated team report time will not be permitted to participate in the World Series without a written approved waiver from Babe Ruth League Headquarters prior to traveling to the site.

PENALTY:  Any player, or replacement player, manager or coach who violates this rule shall be ineligible in the current level of tournament competition.

Babe Ruth Softball Division – Rule 11.07(h) – 8U COACH PITCH OR PITCHING MACHINE SECTION - Each batter will have three (3) swinging strikes or a maximum of four (4) pitches.

Babe Ruth Softball Division - POWERS OF DISTRICT, STATE, AND REGIONAL COMMISSIONERS – Annual State fees may be established.  State fees, as well as any other league or team assessments, must be submitted and approved in writing by the Regional Commissioner and Babe Ruth League, Inc.

https://www.baberuthleague.org/

https://new-england-babe-ruth-region.sportngin.com/home

https://new-england-babe-ruth-region.sportngin.com/state-websites-ri-home

If you want to check out the website you can click on any of these links below: 

RIbaseball.org

RIBabeRuth.org

RICalRipken.org

RHODE ISLAND STATE COMMISSIONER MIKE WALKER
EMAIL: mikew1129@cox.net
CELL: 401-450-9412

RI ASSISTANT STATE COMMISSIONER RALPH SIMONELLI
EMAIL: rsimonelli1@verizon.net
CELL: 401-641-6318

RI ASSISTANT STATE COMMISSIONER JIM HICKS
EMAIL: j.j.hicks@cox.net
CELL: 401-598-6742

CENTRAL FALLS BABE RUTH

BABE RUTH CONTACT: GINA M. SILVA 401-588-4990 or youthbaseballcf@gmail.com

CLCF / CRANSTON BABE RUTH

BABE RUTH CONTACT: DANIEL NEIMEYER 508-446-2857

COVENTRY BABE RUTH

PRESIDENT: STEVE NORTHUP 401-406-0503 or  snorthup01@gmail.com

MIDDLETOWN BABE RUTH

PRESIDENT: MIKE CONDRY 401-855-0628 or condry19@gmail.com 

NEWPORT BABE RUTH

PRESIDENT: JIM HICKS 401-598-6742 or newportbaberuth@gmail.com or j.j.hicks@cox.net

NORTH PROVIDENCE - SMITHFIELD BABE RUTH

PRESIDENT: LOU ZAMMARELLI 401-572-6347 or lou@zamlawri.com

ADDITIONAL CONTACT PERSON: JERRY DANDENEAU at gdandeneau@cox.net

PORTSMOUTH BABE RUTH

PRESIDENT: DAVID MACDONALD  401-862-6617 or djmacdon@aol.com                                                    

WARWICK PAL BABE RUTH

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: RUSS BROWN 737-1800 / 573-3800 or wpd.pal@warwickri.com

WASHINGTON PARK - SOUTH PROVIDENCE BABE RUTH

PRESIDENT: JOHN PIMENTEL 401-714-8355 or johnsirispimentel@gmail.com

TIVERTON BABE RUTH

PRESIDENT: CHAD MERCER 401-297-8134 or tivertonbaseball@gmail.com

STATE COMMISSIONER EVERETT DOWNING

NEW RI Cal Ripken / Babe Ruth Sports Engine WEBSITE

https://babe-ruth-rhode-island.sportngin.com/