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What is a Pitch Count?
A pitch count is the total number of pitches a pitcher throws in a single game. In youth baseball, every major governing body limits how many pitches a player can throw per game based on their age, and requires mandatory rest days based on the number of pitches thrown. Pitch count rules exist to protect young arms from overuse injuries.
How Pitch Count Limits Work
Each league sets maximum pitches per day by age. For example, in Little League:
| League Age | Daily Max |
|---|---|
| 6-8 | 50 pitches |
| 9-10 | 75 pitches |
| 11-12 | 85 pitches |
| 13-16 | 95 pitches |
After reaching certain thresholds, pitchers must also rest before pitching again. The more pitches thrown, the more rest required. For Little League pitchers league age 14 and under, the required rest is (per littleleague.org, Regulation VI):
| Pitches Thrown | Rest Required |
|---|---|
| 1-20 | 0 calendar days |
| 21-35 | 1 calendar day |
| 36-50 | 2 calendar days |
| 51-65 | 3 calendar days |
| 66+ | 4 calendar days |
Why Pitch Counts Matter
Youth arms are still developing. Overuse, meaning too many pitches in one game or too many outings without rest, is one of the most preventable causes of arm injuries in youth baseball. It's the problem that MLB and USA Baseball's Pitch Smart guidelines were created to address, and pitch count rules are the primary mechanism for preventing it.
How to Track Pitch Counts
During a game, someone on your coaching staff should count every pitch. Rizzler's pitch counting feature runs on your phone. Tap once per pitch and the app tracks the count, calculates rest day impact in real time, and alerts you before your pitcher hits the limit. Rule compliance is checked automatically.
In tournaments, pitch counts cascade across games. A pitcher who throws 55 pitches on Saturday morning might be unavailable until Sunday afternoon. Rizzler's tournament planner tracks this across all games automatically (on the Pro and Club plans).
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if a pitcher exceeds the pitch count limit?
In most leagues, the opposing team can file a protest and the game may be forfeited. The pitcher may also face additional restrictions. Rizzler alerts you before the limit is reached to prevent this.
Do warm-up pitches count?
No. Only pitches delivered to batters during live play count toward the limit. Warm-up pitches between innings are not counted.
Do all leagues use pitch counts?
Most youth leagues use pitch counts. Some older or high school leagues use innings limits instead. Rizzler supports both. Full pitch count stat page →
Rizzler counts every pitch from your phone, calculates rest days in real time, and warns you before a pitcher hits the limit. Pitch counting, charting, and rule compliance are included on every plan, and the free plan covers one team.
Running a full league and need pitch count compliance across every team? We can help you set that up.
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