League rules overview
Our backyard baseball league embraces fun, inclusive rules that keep the game exciting and accessible for players of all ages and skill levels. Custom field setups and simple guidelines make each game memorable and fair.
📜 Official BYBBL Rules
- 4 balls = walk, 3 strikes = out
- Strike zone: Rectangle behind home plate.
- No bunts allowed — must pass the 8-foot bunt line.
- Pitcher’s mound is in front of second base.
- Bases 25 feet apart, foul lines meet at a 90° angle at home.
- Up to 4 fielders per team — positions are flexible.
- Home plate outs allowed via tag, peg, or hitting one of two targets behind home.
- Fair/foul balls follow standard baseball rules.
- Overthrows out of play = 1 base advancement.
- Pegging runners is allowed if they’re off base.
- Infield fly rule applies when there’s a force at 3rd and fewer than 2 outs.
- Home Run = over the fence. Special Home Run Target Rule (bonus run or erased out).
- No stealing or leading off. No balks.
- No challenges or reviews — umpire’s call stands.
- Ground Rule Doubles at umpire’s discretion for tricky plays (e.g., stuck ball or bounce over fence).
- 6-run inning cap (except 7th inning — unlimited).
🧮 Scoring System
- 7 Innings Per Game
- 6 Run Limit Per Inning (except the 7th – no limit)
- Home Run: Any ball hit over the outfield fence
- Bonus Target in Outfield: Hitting this target during a home run gives the batter two choices:
- – Add +1 run to the total score (e.g., a solo shot becomes 2 runs)
– Erase one out from the team’s count (e.g., 2 outs becomes 1)
🏃 Base Running Rules
No leading off
No stealing
3 Ways to Get a Runner Out:
- Tag the runner
- Throw the ball to a player covering the base
- Peg the runner (must hit below the neck)
Special Rule: Outs at Home Plate
Since there’s no catcher, a runner can be out at home if:
- Tagged by a fielder
- Pegged by the ball
- A fielder hits one of two designated targets behind home plate with the ball before the force play is completed
⚠️ If the throw misses the target, the ball is dead and runners may advance one base
⚾ Batting Rules
At-Bat Format: 4 balls = walk, 3 strikes = out
Strike Types:
- Swing and miss
- Ball hits the strike zone
- Foul ball (including on 3rd strike — results in an out)
Foul Ball Catches: Always an out
Batting Order Note: If a player is on base when their turn comes up, the last out replaces them on base so they can hit
Our Unique Rules
The Backyard Baseball League (BYBBL) features custom rules that make each game fun and accessible for players of all ages. Our rules encourage creativity, backyard fun, and a relaxed approach to baseball, setting us apart from traditional leagues.
Flexible gameplay
In BYBBL, we adapt standard baseball rules to fit backyard settings. This includes shorter innings, creative field layouts, and homemade equipment, making the game more inclusive and easygoing for everyone involved.
Inclusive play
Our rules prioritize fun and accessibility, allowing players of different ages and skill levels to join in. This relaxed approach helps foster teamwork and ensures everyone has a good time, regardless of experience.
Creative rules
Many of our rules are homemade and flexible, such as using household items as bases or adjusting bat and ball sizes. These modifications keep the game engaging and tailored to backyard environments.
Backyard Baseball League 