New lineup rules ratified

Teams voted unanimously to approve a modified set of rules for constructing lineups in MABL regular and postseason games. Borrowed heavily from MSBL National Tournament Rules, these changes are meant to give managers more flexibility in how they set their lineups and as well as how they choose to get players involved throughout the game. The new lineup rules, covered by Section 15 of the Maui Adult Baseball League rules and listed below, go into effect starting with games played Sunday, April 18.

---

Section 15 – Lineups

1. Starting lineup must include at least 10 lineup spots
   1. If a team only has 9 players present, they may hit a 9 player lineup with no penalty and the opposing team will also have the option to bat 9 players
   2. If a team has more than 9 players present and still only bats 9, there will be an automatic out each time the 10th spot comes up
   3. Any spot in the starting lineup may be an individual slot or an A/B slot
2. Players can be added to the bottom of the lineup at any time
   1. Players can be added in an individual spot or in an A/B slot
   2. Any player added to the bottom of the lineup must notify the opposing manager. If no notification is made, an automatic out will be assessed to the manager upon proper protest
   3. Batting slots may not be deleted or skipped over, regardless of position or when they were added to the game (if a team increases their lineup to 15 slots, they must always have 15 slots). Exceptions are described below by rule 15.4.1.
3. Pinch hitters (or runners) may be used in any lineup slot
   1. A pinch hitter or runner must come from the bench
   2. If a player is pinch hit/run for, he may not re-enter the game as a hitter
   3. A pinch hitter may be used in an A/B slot or an individual slot
   4. Pinch hitters must notify the opposing manager. If no notification is made, an automatic out will be assessed to the manager upon proper protest
4. If a player is forced to leave a game due to injury, ejection, work, etc. a reserve player, not previously in the lineup, must hit in the replaced batter’s spot.
   1. If there are no reserves available the spot is skipped.
      1. An explanation must provided to the opposing manager prior to skipping the lineup slot and to the Commissioner at the conclusion of the game.
      2. If a substantial case can be made that a team skipped a spot with the intent to gain a competitive advantage, a protest by the opposing team may retroactively be ruled as a forfeit.
5. All eligible substitutes must be listed on the original lineup card provided to the opposing manager at the beginning of the game
   1. If a team bats a player not designated on the lineup card given to the opposing manager, upon proper protest, that player will be found illegal and declared out after one pitch is thrown (penalties are not retroactive)
6. Defensive player need not be in your batting order
   1. Defensively, all players may be substituted for at any time except for the pitcher.
   2. If the pitcher is removed from the mound during an inning, he may only re-enter as a pitcher once in a game, and must wait until the start of the next inning.
7. In order to receive credit for game participation (for the sake of playoff eligibility) a player must record at least one plate appearance or have pitched for 3 outs.