2024 Rule Changes

The Americanism Commission has approved the following rule changes for the 2024 American Legion Baseball season:

Please refer to the rule within this rule book for official language.

Rule 1.V. Uniform – Clarification added that no other basebal.1 organizations.’ emblems. or insignia may appear 011 the uniform.

Rule 2.C.4. Clarification – Allows for any player who signs a Professional Contract to be replaced on National Form #1 by an eligible player.

Rule 6.D. Dual Participation- Clarification of dual participation regarding department and national post-season tournaments.

Rule 6.E.1. Dual Roster- Allows for players on an affiliated junior team to dual roster on the senior team without utilizing a roster spot on the senior team Form #1.

Rule 6.E.5. Team and Player Certification- Allows for any player who signs a professional contract to be replaced on National Form #1 by an eligible player.

Rule 9.A. National Tournament Registration- Establishes the 2024 department deadline date for the department championship team to be certified by Aug. 1, 2024.

Rule 9.D. National Tournament Player Eligibility Protest- Adds clarification for players who miss any part of a department post-season tournament due to a non-baseball-related matter.

Rule 9.E. ALB Risk Management Policy. Per NEC Resolution No. 17 October 2023, All adult participants (coaches, managers, volunteers, and players, 18 years of age or older) are required by Public Law 115-126 to have adult abuse awareness training and background checks to be eligible to participate in national tournaments hosted by The American Legion.

2024 MLB/ALB rule Changes Memorandum

The following is a list of MLB rules that have NOT been adopted by The American Legion Baseball Committee for use during the 2024 season:

Larger Bases
Ohtani Rule (DH for pitcher only is still in effect)
One-Way Communication.
- Not an official MLB Rule
- ALB Rule: The use of one-way electronic equipment in the dugout is prohibited. A tablet computer used for scorekeeping purposes only is permissible.
Extra Inning Rule (Runner at 2B)
Pitch Timer
- MLB Rule 5.07.c (Pitcher Delays) will be observed but not timed.
- When the bases are unoccupied, the pitcher shall deliver the ball to the batter within 12 seconds after he receives the ball. Each time the pitcher delays the game by violating this rule, the umpire shall call “Ball.
Mound Visits Per Game
- MLB recognizes 5 visits per 9 innings.
- ALB will continue to follow the 2 visits per inning requires a change of pitcher rule.

It is important to note that MLB rule changes are not automatically adopted by ALB when introduced. A transition period will be observed to analyze, discuss, and vote to adopt or deny all such changes. New rules are voted on in odd-numbered years.

2024 Age Eligibility Chart

2024 Junior Rule Book

2024 Senior Rule Book

Class A, AA, & Junior Legion Pitching Rules

Pitching Rule- No Player may pitch more than a total of 105 pitches per day.

2. Any pitcher may be removed from the pitching position and remain in the game at another position. However, a pitcher will be automatically removed from the position when a coach makes a second trip to the mound in the same inning, and that player cannot return as a pitcher in that game. PENALTY – Forfeiture of the game if a protest is filed with the umpire-in-chief before the last out of the game.

3. If a player returns as a pitcher in the game, he will be charged with another appearance.

4. If a team has multiple games scheduled on the same day, a pitcher who pitches more than 45 pitches in game one, may not pitch in a subsequent game that day and will be required to follow the rest protocol listed.

5. A day is defined as 8 a.m. to 8 a.m.

6. No Player may make more than two (2) appearances as a pitcher during any consecutive three (3) day period.

7. No Player may enter the game as a pitcher unless having fulfilled the required rest days as mandated in the chart below.

8. American Legion Baseball does not follow Official Baseball Rule 5.10(m) – Limitation on the Number of Mound Visits per Game.

9. The pitch count rule will be observed throughout all levels of tournament play (Department Championship, Regional, and World Series). The winning team traveling to the next level of play must comply with the required rest days.

Senior Program Pitching Rule Table

Daily Max	0 Days	1 Days	2 Days	3 Days	4 Days
105	1-30	31-45	46-60	61-80	81+

2024 Rule Changes