There is both a maximum daily pitch limit, which is dependent on age, and a required rest period dependent on the number of pitches thrown. The Little League rules explain many scenarios, but the key takeaways are below.
Maximum Pitch Limit
- Ages 11-12: 85 pitches
- Ages 9-10: 75 pitches
- Ages 7-8: 50 pitches
If a player reaches their limit in the middle of the at bat, they may complete that at bat before being taken out.
Required Rest
- 66+ pitches thrown: 4 full days of rest
- 51-65 pitches thrown: 3 full days of rest
- 36-50 pitches thrown: 2 full days of rest
- 21-35 pitches thrown: 1 full day of rest
- 1-20 pitches thrown: No rest required
Regardless of pitches thrown, no player may pitch on three consecutive days.
If a player crosses one of these thresholds in the final at bat they pitch, their final recorded pitch count reverts to the crossed threshold. For example, if a pitcher enters an at bat having thrown 34 pitches and retires the batter on 5 pitches, their recorded pitch count is 35 pitches, requiring 1 full day of rest.
Pitching and Catching in the Same Game
Catchers can use their arms even more than pitchers, particularly at older ages when position specialization sets in. There are some rules governing a catcher's ability to pitch in the same day.
- Any player that catches 4 or more innings in a game is ineligible to pitch on that day.
- Any player that catches 3 innings, then throws 21 or more pitches on the same day may not return to catcher that day.