Pioneer League Announces New Rules
PIONEER LEAGUE INSTALLS NEW RULES Designated Pinch Hitter and Pinch Runner; Extra Innings “Knock Out” Added Spokane, WA – April 27, 2021 The Pioneer Baseball League today announced exciting new rules changes in effect for the 2021 season, as follows: • To avoid the excessive strain on our pitching staffs,
PIONEER LEAGUE INSTALLS NEW RULES
Designated Pinch Hitter and Pinch Runner; Extra Innings “Knock Out” Added
Spokane, WA – April 27, 2021
The Pioneer Baseball League today announced exciting new rules changes in effect for the
2021 season, as follows:
• To avoid the excessive strain on our pitching staffs, the Pioneer Baseball League will not
have extra innings, but rather will employ a first-of-its-kind “Knock Out” rule that resolves
tied games with a head-to-head, “sudden death” home run duel. Under the rule, each
team designates a hitter who receives 5 pitches, with the game determined by the most
home runs hit. If still tied after the first “Knock Out” round, another hitter is selected for a
sudden-death home run face-off until a winner is declared
• The Designated Pinch Hitter rule permits a player not having previously entered into the
game to pinch hit for an eligible roster player who may then return to his defensive position
for the remainder of the game, until otherwise substituted for. The Designated Pinch
Hitter is thereafter ineligible to return to the game. The Designated Pinch Hitter can only
be employed once a game by each team
• The Designated Pinch Runner rule permits a player not having previously entered into the
game to pinch run for an eligible roster player who may then return to his defensive
position for the remainder of the game, until otherwise substituted for. The Designated
Pinch Runner is thereafter ineligible to return to the game. The Designated Pinch Runner
can only be employed once a game by each team
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 27, 2021
• Revised “Check Swing” rule allows a hitter to appeal to the base umpire on a check swing
strike decision from the home plate umpire. Previously, only the pitcher or catcher could ask
for an appeal
• For better coverage of fly balls, check swings, double plays and other game situations, PBL
games will now feature three-man umpiring crews rather than the past use of two-man
crews
• “I’m thrilled to see these exciting rules changes implemented for this season,” said Pioneer
League President Michael Shapiro. “The Pioneer Baseball League is committed to
developing ideas that enhance the strategy of the game, protect the safety of our players
and add to the fun and engagement of our fans. We believe this focus will help assure the
future of the game among a broader and more diverse audience.”
About the Pioneer League: Since 1939, the Pioneer League has operated in the Mountain West
region as an MLB affiliated league. Beginning in 2021, the PBL will be an independent league with
teams in Montana (Billings, Missoula and Great Falls), Idaho (Boise and Idaho Falls), Utah (Ogden)
and Colorado (Grand Junction and Colorado Springs). The Northern Colorado Owlz, formerly Orem
Owlz, join the League for the 2022 season.
Contact: Heather Luna
Pioneer Baseball League