Commissioner

American League Format

“THE FASTEST GAME IN TOWN” is a term being used to describe the American League play which in mainly comprised of 11 and 12 year old players (10 year old players do have the opportunity to evaluate to play in the American League). Starting this year the American League will make three (3) main changes:

1. (1) Increase the length of the base paths from 60 feet to 70 feet.
2. (2) Increase the distance from the pitching rubber to home plate from 46 feet to 50 feet.
3. (3) Allow base runners to take leads.

This format has been around for many years. Our Shady Grove field (surrounded by track) was originally built as a 50/70 and was only converted into a 46/60 in the year 2000. Historically this format had been the accepted style of play. It has only been since the expansion of Williamsport Little League that, in an attempt to sign up additional Little League franchises, rules were created to place 11 and 12 year old players onto 46/60 baseball fields so that the new organizations did not need to have more than one size field. Thus, costs could be held down and new organizations could be added at a lesser expense.

The 50/70 field prepares the 12 year old player for baseball when they turn 13 years old and are required to play on a 60.5/90 (major league) field. This format also allows the younger player to compete by allowing them to experience pitching that is less intimidating (the pitcher is further away from the batter and is distracted by base runners taking leads). Also with the longer base paths, fielders have more time to field a ball and make a play on the base runner. With these modifications to play, we expect to see much more action on the field and much more success for the players. We at the WRA are very excited about this up coming season. We invite you to stop by and watch what we believe will be “THE FASTEST GAME IN TOWN”.

2009 WRA American League All-Stars