little league pinch runners. do they have to come off the bench?

Question

at a game last night the other team brought in a pinch runner in and it was the boy who just struck out.

Answer 1

It depends on whether they're using a pinch runner OR something called a courtesy runner. Pinch runners are actually players that will go in for the player they're running for in the lineup, i.e. a replacement.

Courtesy runners are typically for the pitcher and catcher, mainly to keep the pitcher from getting tired running the bases and the catcher to help speed up the game so he can get his gear on between innings. (Rules state the time between innings should be limited to ONE MINUTE or eight pitches, whichever comes first). When courtesy runners are used, to prevent the coach from simply picking his fastest runner, the player that can run should be the last batter who got out. This explains why the boy who just struck out was the runner.

Answer 2

In the Little Leagues I used to play in, yes, it always had to be a kid off the bench. You could sit kids out and then bring them back in, but it had to be someone on the bench that inning. Otherwise you could do the same thing with your batters- just let you best 5 hiiters keep subtituting in the whole way through the game.

Answer 3

I guess it all really depends on the rules of your league. In my league, it is the last batted out. In which case the team was entirely appropriate in their actions last night.

Answer 4

Yes, they have to be on the bench. I am 98% sure of this.

Answer 5

doesn't make sense