Gateway Baseball League Rules & Regulations
Section 1: Gameplay
1.1) All rules will be agreed upon prior to game time by both captains, and approved by a GBL official. Any rules, measurements, or any other game-specific agreements must be made at this time. Should an unforeseen situation arise during play, a resolution may be reached between captains, with the approval of a GBL Official.
1.2) A minimum of six (6) players (three on each side) must be present for any GBL game to be scored.
1.3) The field-of-play will be determined during the ground rules, prior to the start of each game. Balls that exit the field-of-play in fair territory will be called "home runs." Balls that exit the field-of-play in foul territory will be called a dead-ball.
1.4) "Ghost runners" and "ghost fielders" will be used if a game does not consist of at least six (6) players on each side. If there are six (6) or more players on each side, the decision to use live base running will be determined during the ground rules before the game begins.
1.5) Each player that is present must be in a regular position on the field. Any vacant positions will be manned by "ghost fielders." A ball hit to one of these vacant positions will be called "out" if a human fielder could have made a play on the ball with reasonable effort. If the ball could not have been fielded for an out, then the number of bases will be determined based on how many bases could have been reached with reasonable effort by both human runners and fielders. The depth and shift of the defense will be based on those of present human fielders, unless stated otherwise prior to the play. Foul balls cannot be played for an out by "ghost fielders," however, if a human fielder makes a play on a foul ball, the batter will be called "out."
1.6) If a ball is hit to a player and fielded in such a way that could clearly result in an "out" with reasonable effort, then the batter will be called "out." If the fielder bobbles or misplays a ball, but recovers in such a way that a play could still be made with reasonable effort, the batter will be called "out." If the fielder bobbles or misplays a ball and is unable to recover quickly, or in such a way that a play could still be made with reasonable effort, it will be considered an error, and the batter will be "safe." If a human fielder interferes with a ball that would have otherwise been called an "out" by a "ghost fielder" and makes an error, the batter will be ruled "safe." However, if a ball is hit to a human fielder and could be fielded cleanly with reasonable effort, they are responsible for making the play. Discretion is to be used when the ball is hit towards the pitcher.
This rule does not apply when live base running is in effect.
1.7) All "ghost runners" will advance an equal number of bases to those awarded to the batter. For example, if "Batter A" hits a single, and then “Batter B” hits a double, “Batter A” will then advance two (2) bases, to third. However, if “Batter A” hits a double, and then “Batter B” hits a double, “Batter A” will advance two (2) bases, scoring.
This rule does not apply when live base running is in effect.
1.8) “Ghost runners” may not advance to any base when an out is recorded. There will be no sacrifice plays when “ghost runners” are in use. Instances in which a force out would apply, it is assumed that the lead runner is the one that is called "out." Double plays cannot occur when "ghost runners" are being used.
This rule does not apply when live base running is in effect.
1.9) When live base running is in effect, runners will be allowed to steal second base only, with the exception of a passed ball or wild pitch, during which a runner may advance to any base, including home. There is no base stealing allowed when ghost runners are being used.
1.10) When live base running is in effect, a batter may advance to first on a dropped third strike.
This will not apply when "ghost runners" are being used.
1.11) When an "all-time" catcher is being used, "ghost fielder" rules will apply.
1.2) A minimum of six (6) players (three on each side) must be present for any GBL game to be scored.
1.3) The field-of-play will be determined during the ground rules, prior to the start of each game. Balls that exit the field-of-play in fair territory will be called "home runs." Balls that exit the field-of-play in foul territory will be called a dead-ball.
1.4) "Ghost runners" and "ghost fielders" will be used if a game does not consist of at least six (6) players on each side. If there are six (6) or more players on each side, the decision to use live base running will be determined during the ground rules before the game begins.
1.5) Each player that is present must be in a regular position on the field. Any vacant positions will be manned by "ghost fielders." A ball hit to one of these vacant positions will be called "out" if a human fielder could have made a play on the ball with reasonable effort. If the ball could not have been fielded for an out, then the number of bases will be determined based on how many bases could have been reached with reasonable effort by both human runners and fielders. The depth and shift of the defense will be based on those of present human fielders, unless stated otherwise prior to the play. Foul balls cannot be played for an out by "ghost fielders," however, if a human fielder makes a play on a foul ball, the batter will be called "out."
1.6) If a ball is hit to a player and fielded in such a way that could clearly result in an "out" with reasonable effort, then the batter will be called "out." If the fielder bobbles or misplays a ball, but recovers in such a way that a play could still be made with reasonable effort, the batter will be called "out." If the fielder bobbles or misplays a ball and is unable to recover quickly, or in such a way that a play could still be made with reasonable effort, it will be considered an error, and the batter will be "safe." If a human fielder interferes with a ball that would have otherwise been called an "out" by a "ghost fielder" and makes an error, the batter will be ruled "safe." However, if a ball is hit to a human fielder and could be fielded cleanly with reasonable effort, they are responsible for making the play. Discretion is to be used when the ball is hit towards the pitcher.
This rule does not apply when live base running is in effect.
1.7) All "ghost runners" will advance an equal number of bases to those awarded to the batter. For example, if "Batter A" hits a single, and then “Batter B” hits a double, “Batter A” will then advance two (2) bases, to third. However, if “Batter A” hits a double, and then “Batter B” hits a double, “Batter A” will advance two (2) bases, scoring.
This rule does not apply when live base running is in effect.
1.8) “Ghost runners” may not advance to any base when an out is recorded. There will be no sacrifice plays when “ghost runners” are in use. Instances in which a force out would apply, it is assumed that the lead runner is the one that is called "out." Double plays cannot occur when "ghost runners" are being used.
This rule does not apply when live base running is in effect.
1.9) When live base running is in effect, runners will be allowed to steal second base only, with the exception of a passed ball or wild pitch, during which a runner may advance to any base, including home. There is no base stealing allowed when ghost runners are being used.
1.10) When live base running is in effect, a batter may advance to first on a dropped third strike.
This will not apply when "ghost runners" are being used.
1.11) When an "all-time" catcher is being used, "ghost fielder" rules will apply.
Section 2: Playing Conditions
2.1) Games will be played between two "Teams," one "Home," and one "Away." Each "Team" will be headed by a pre-selected "Captain," while all other players will be pooled and drafted by the "Captains," and then be placed with one of the two "Teams" prior to the start of each game. "Captains" will act as their team's manager for that game. "Captains" will be rotated randomly and fairly throughout the regular season. "Teams" will be agreed upon by captains and approved by a Gateway Baseball League official during ground rules prior to each game.
2.2) "Home Teams" will be responsible for setting up the field prior to each game. This will consist of placing home plate, measuring and placing each base, and configuring the outfield boundaries as determined by the ground rules. If a "Team" has not completed setting up the field within thirty (30) minutes after the specified game time, the opposing team will be awarded a baserunner every fifteen (15) minutes until the field is set up and playable. For example, if a game is scheduled for 1:30PM but the field is not set up by 2:00 PM, then the "Away Team" will begin the top of the first inning with their leadoff hitter awarded first base. If the field is still not completed by 2:15 PM, then the "Away Team" will begin the top of the first inning with their first two hitters awarded first and second base. This will continue until one (1) hour after the scheduled start time, at which point a determination will be made by a GBL Official.
2.3) Outfield distances must be determined prior to the start of game, and consist of at least three (3) points: Left, Center, and Right. These points must be a minimum distance of two hundred and twenty five (225) feet from the rear point of home plate, unless restricted by immovable structures, objects, or land features. A straight line between these points will be used to determine the distance between the points if no outfield wall or boundary exists.
2.4) Games will typically consist of seven (7) innings, wherein each team is given three (3) outs. A minimum of three (3) innings must be completed for a game to be scored. Should a game be interrupted, or otherwise unable to be finished, the score will be reverted back to the last completed inning, but no less than half of the scheduled innings must have been completed for the game to be scored.
2.5) The decision to cancel or delay a game due to weather will be made by Gateway officials. Regular season games will not be played if lightening is present, apparent temperatures reach below twenty five (25) degrees Fahrenheit or above one hundred and ten (110) degrees Fahrenheit, or if play is for any other reason deemed unsafe for players. Cancelled games will be made up at a later date, if possible.
2.6) Play is not to be conducted on any field or location where damage will likely be done under normal circumstances, or on fields with an increased likelihood of bodily injuries to players or spectators.
2.7) Play may be conducted on grass, dirt, artificial turf, or any other surface, but surface-specific exceptions to standard rules must be agreed to during the ground rules.
2.8) Players and spectators must maintain a family-friendly environment on any field, at any location, at all times. Profanity, inappropriate actions or gestures, or any other unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated, and violators may be disciplined at the discretion of Gateway officials.
2.2) "Home Teams" will be responsible for setting up the field prior to each game. This will consist of placing home plate, measuring and placing each base, and configuring the outfield boundaries as determined by the ground rules. If a "Team" has not completed setting up the field within thirty (30) minutes after the specified game time, the opposing team will be awarded a baserunner every fifteen (15) minutes until the field is set up and playable. For example, if a game is scheduled for 1:30PM but the field is not set up by 2:00 PM, then the "Away Team" will begin the top of the first inning with their leadoff hitter awarded first base. If the field is still not completed by 2:15 PM, then the "Away Team" will begin the top of the first inning with their first two hitters awarded first and second base. This will continue until one (1) hour after the scheduled start time, at which point a determination will be made by a GBL Official.
2.3) Outfield distances must be determined prior to the start of game, and consist of at least three (3) points: Left, Center, and Right. These points must be a minimum distance of two hundred and twenty five (225) feet from the rear point of home plate, unless restricted by immovable structures, objects, or land features. A straight line between these points will be used to determine the distance between the points if no outfield wall or boundary exists.
2.4) Games will typically consist of seven (7) innings, wherein each team is given three (3) outs. A minimum of three (3) innings must be completed for a game to be scored. Should a game be interrupted, or otherwise unable to be finished, the score will be reverted back to the last completed inning, but no less than half of the scheduled innings must have been completed for the game to be scored.
2.5) The decision to cancel or delay a game due to weather will be made by Gateway officials. Regular season games will not be played if lightening is present, apparent temperatures reach below twenty five (25) degrees Fahrenheit or above one hundred and ten (110) degrees Fahrenheit, or if play is for any other reason deemed unsafe for players. Cancelled games will be made up at a later date, if possible.
2.6) Play is not to be conducted on any field or location where damage will likely be done under normal circumstances, or on fields with an increased likelihood of bodily injuries to players or spectators.
2.7) Play may be conducted on grass, dirt, artificial turf, or any other surface, but surface-specific exceptions to standard rules must be agreed to during the ground rules.
2.8) Players and spectators must maintain a family-friendly environment on any field, at any location, at all times. Profanity, inappropriate actions or gestures, or any other unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated, and violators may be disciplined at the discretion of Gateway officials.
Section 3: Player Eligibility and Scoring
3.1) Incoming players to the Gateway Baseball League must be three (3) years separated from any baseball organization beyond high school that requires tryouts (i.e. college teams, select teams, professional teams, etc.). Teams that hold tryouts that begin prior to the player's graduation from high school are allowed. Recreational groups, church teams, and softball entities do not fall under this rule. A player that has reached one (1) full year of service with the Gateway Baseball League may try out and play for any team without being barred from continuing play with the Gateway Baseball League. A full year of service is defined as a season during which a player maintained fifty percent (50%) attendance during the regular season.
3.2) Season standings will be based on a combination of wins, losses, and attendance (scoring systems may vary year-to-year). Individual standings will be updated weekly on the Gateway Baseball website. In the event of a tie, then individual attendance will serve as a tie-breaker. If a tie remains, a single game tie-breaker will be played. Playoff rules will be determined and explained to captains no later than September 1 of each season.
3.3) In the event that a player is injured, efforts will be made for the player to earn compensatory points while they are unable to play.
3.2) Season standings will be based on a combination of wins, losses, and attendance (scoring systems may vary year-to-year). Individual standings will be updated weekly on the Gateway Baseball website. In the event of a tie, then individual attendance will serve as a tie-breaker. If a tie remains, a single game tie-breaker will be played. Playoff rules will be determined and explained to captains no later than September 1 of each season.
3.3) In the event that a player is injured, efforts will be made for the player to earn compensatory points while they are unable to play.
Section 4: Equipment
4.1) Each "Captain" is responsible for supplying two (2) game balls per game. Home plate, a pitching rubber, bases, outfield markers, and any other necessary equipment will be provided by Gateway Baseball. If a "Team" is short baseball, the opposing team will be awarded a baserunner for each game ball that a team is short. For example, if the "Away Team" provides only one (1) game ball, then the "Home Team" will begin the bottom of the first inning with their leadoff hitter awarded first base. If the "Away Team" provides provides no (0) game balls, then the "Home Team" will begin the bottom of the first inning with their first two hitters awarded first and second base.
4.2) Each "Team" must wear similar uniforms that consist of team colors or neutral colors. Special uniforms may be worn to commemorate holidays, special events, to promote causes, or honor military, first responders, or other groups/individuals. All uniforms must be approved by the Gateway Baseball League.
4.3) All bats must be a solid piece of wood, free from any foreign objects such as cork, rubber, or metal, and may not be hollowed out or tampered with in any way. The bat handle may be covered or treated with any material or substance to improve the grip, but must not extend beyond 18 inches from the end of the handle. Any bat that does not meet this criteria will be removed from the game.
4.4) All players shall use some type of protective helmet while at bat. It is the player's option to wear a single or double ear-flap helmet, but an ear-flap must be present on the side of the helmet facing the pitcher.
4.5) All catchers shall wear a catcher's protective equipment while fielding their position. Gateway Baseball requires the use of a catcher's mask/helmet, chest protector, and leg guards. Additional protective equipment such as protective cups, throat protectors, and thumb guards are encouraged, but are not required.
4.6) Any bat/ball boys/girls shall wear a protective helmet while performing their duties. On-field helpers must remain off the field at all times that the ball is in play, and are permitted on the field of play only during a dead ball.
4.7) Each fielder may use or wear a leather glove. The measurements covering size of glove shall be made by measuring front side or ball receiving side of glove. The tool or measuring tape shall be placed to contact the surface or feature of item being measured and follow all contours in the process. The glove shall not measure more than 12 inches from the tip of any one of the four fingers, through the ball pocket to the bottom edge or heel of glove. The glove shall not measure more than 7.75 inches wide, measured from the inside seam at base of first finger, along base of other fingers, to the outside edge of little finger edge of glove. The space or area between the thumb and first finger, called crotch, may be filled with leather webbing or back stop. The webbing may be constructed of two plies of standard leather to close the crotch area entirely, or it may be constructed of a series of tunnels made of leather, or a series of panels of leather, or of lacing leather thongs. The webbing may not be constructed of wound or wrapped lacing to make a net type of trap. When webbing is made to cover entire crotch area, the webbing can be constructed so as to be flexible. When constructed of a series of sections, they must be joined together. These sections may not be so constructed to allow depression to be developed by curvatures in the section sides. The webbing shall be made to control the size of the crotch opening. The crotch opening shall measure not more than 4.5 inches at the top, not more than 5.75 inches deep, and shall be 3.5 inches wide at its bottom. The opening of crotch shall not be more than 4.5 inches at any point below its top. The webbing shall be secured at each side, and at top and bottom of crotch. The attachment is to be made with leather lacing, these connections to be secured. If they stretch or become loose, they shall be adjusted to their proper condition. The glove can be of any weight. Exceptions to this rule apply for first baseman and catchers.
4.2) Each "Team" must wear similar uniforms that consist of team colors or neutral colors. Special uniforms may be worn to commemorate holidays, special events, to promote causes, or honor military, first responders, or other groups/individuals. All uniforms must be approved by the Gateway Baseball League.
4.3) All bats must be a solid piece of wood, free from any foreign objects such as cork, rubber, or metal, and may not be hollowed out or tampered with in any way. The bat handle may be covered or treated with any material or substance to improve the grip, but must not extend beyond 18 inches from the end of the handle. Any bat that does not meet this criteria will be removed from the game.
4.4) All players shall use some type of protective helmet while at bat. It is the player's option to wear a single or double ear-flap helmet, but an ear-flap must be present on the side of the helmet facing the pitcher.
4.5) All catchers shall wear a catcher's protective equipment while fielding their position. Gateway Baseball requires the use of a catcher's mask/helmet, chest protector, and leg guards. Additional protective equipment such as protective cups, throat protectors, and thumb guards are encouraged, but are not required.
4.6) Any bat/ball boys/girls shall wear a protective helmet while performing their duties. On-field helpers must remain off the field at all times that the ball is in play, and are permitted on the field of play only during a dead ball.
4.7) Each fielder may use or wear a leather glove. The measurements covering size of glove shall be made by measuring front side or ball receiving side of glove. The tool or measuring tape shall be placed to contact the surface or feature of item being measured and follow all contours in the process. The glove shall not measure more than 12 inches from the tip of any one of the four fingers, through the ball pocket to the bottom edge or heel of glove. The glove shall not measure more than 7.75 inches wide, measured from the inside seam at base of first finger, along base of other fingers, to the outside edge of little finger edge of glove. The space or area between the thumb and first finger, called crotch, may be filled with leather webbing or back stop. The webbing may be constructed of two plies of standard leather to close the crotch area entirely, or it may be constructed of a series of tunnels made of leather, or a series of panels of leather, or of lacing leather thongs. The webbing may not be constructed of wound or wrapped lacing to make a net type of trap. When webbing is made to cover entire crotch area, the webbing can be constructed so as to be flexible. When constructed of a series of sections, they must be joined together. These sections may not be so constructed to allow depression to be developed by curvatures in the section sides. The webbing shall be made to control the size of the crotch opening. The crotch opening shall measure not more than 4.5 inches at the top, not more than 5.75 inches deep, and shall be 3.5 inches wide at its bottom. The opening of crotch shall not be more than 4.5 inches at any point below its top. The webbing shall be secured at each side, and at top and bottom of crotch. The attachment is to be made with leather lacing, these connections to be secured. If they stretch or become loose, they shall be adjusted to their proper condition. The glove can be of any weight. Exceptions to this rule apply for first baseman and catchers.
Section 5: General Participation Rules
5.1) Gateway Baseball retains the right to deny entry into or to remove members and/or players from the GBC, the Gateway Baseball League, or any other entity of Kryptik, LLC for any reason. Illegal activities, unsportsmanlike conduct, and inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated by any entity of Gateway Baseball, and violators may face suspension or ban from Gateway Baseball.
5.2) No person with any known preexisting medical conditions shall participate in any event that is not cleared by their medical professional.
5.3) After a player has reported an injury, they shall not return to athletic activities without providing a doctor's note allowing such activity to a GBL official.
5.4) Players with outstanding criminal charges may face suspension from Gateway Baseball for the duration of the investigation.
5.2) No person with any known preexisting medical conditions shall participate in any event that is not cleared by their medical professional.
5.3) After a player has reported an injury, they shall not return to athletic activities without providing a doctor's note allowing such activity to a GBL official.
5.4) Players with outstanding criminal charges may face suspension from Gateway Baseball for the duration of the investigation.
The rules outlined on this page apply to the Gateway Baseball League Championship Season. Separate rules may apply to any youth, softball, or otherwise separate entities of Kryptik, LLC.
The Gateway Baseball Commissioner reserves the right to supplement, waive, change, or interpret these rules at their discretion at any time and for any reason.
GBL Officials may make certain changes, additions, exemptions, and exceptions to these rules at their discretion.
In any instance that is not mentioned on this page, the Gateway Baseball League will follow the rules set by Major League Baseball.
In any instance that is not mentioned on this page, the Gateway Baseball League will follow the rules set by Major League Baseball.
All players and participants of any activities hosted by Gateway Baseball or any entity of Kryptik, LLC agree and acknowledge that they participate at their own risk. By participating in athletic events, individuals are not in violation of any of the rules within this document. Activities and events hosted by Gateway Baseball are heavily photographed, and participants acknowledge that their photos may be used by Gateway Baseball or any of its members, partners, or fans on social media, promotional materials, or otherwise. Participants acknowledge that the risk of injury during the activities involved with this organization is significant, including the potential for permanent disability and death, and while particular rules and equipment may reduce this risk, the risk of serious injury does exist. By participating in any event or activity hosted by Gateway Baseball, Kryptik, LLC or any of it's entities, participants agree that they forfeit the right to hold liable or bring suit against Gateway Baseball or any entity of Kryptik, LLC or it's members.
