Rules for T-Ball Games

Playing T-ball is an excellent way for young children to learn sportsmanship, team building and rules. This sport is similar to baseball but does not keep score; it is mainly meant to be a learning experience as well as practice for sports later on in life. T-ball gives children exercise while spending time with friends. Although T-ball usually calls to young boys, there are many young girls that play.

  1. Players and Equipment

    • Players for T-ball must be between ages 4 and 8 of either gender. The team consists of 12 to 20 players, but no more than 15 on the field at one time. There are no pitchers in the game, since the ball is hit off a tee. Every player must wear a helmet when at bat, and use only T-ball approved bats. Gloves, shoes and uniforms are up to the player. The bats are usually around 24 to 26 inches in length and 20 oz. maximum in weight.

    Innings and Game Play

    • T-ball games consist of four innings or after one and a half hours of play, whichever comes first. Every person on the team must bat as well as play on the field. Each inning is over once every player has had a turn at bat. The ball must be hit and travel at least 10 feet or it is considered foul. The ball has to be hit in order for the player to take any bases. Since there is no pitching, there are no walks or strikeouts.

    Outs and Scoring

    • Outs are unlimited until every player has had a turn at bat. Once a player gets an out they have to sit the bench and not bat again until the next inning. There are no stealing bases; if the ball is being thrown back to the infield, the player must stay on their current base and not try to advance to the next base. The coach must yell "Play ball" before any player can bat. A player shouldn't throw the bat after hitting the ball -- any more than two times doing this the player will be called out. Score is typically not kept in T-ball games as the game is meant to be a learning and team building experience.

    Defense

    • The team that takes the field must rotate their position after each inning. They should move from inner circle to the middle circle and then finally to outfield. All of the outfielders cannot tag a player' the ball must be thrown back to the infield to get a player out. Until the ball is hit from the offensive team, all of the outfield players should remain in their spots.