LIBERTY INSIDE PITCH LEAGUE
Official Master Rulebook | 1976 Season
updated 11/2026
1 — League Foundation and Conduct
1.1 — League Philosophy
The Liberty Inside Pitch League (LIPL) operates under a foundation of rules developed, tested, and refined over more than 30 years of league play. These rules have evolved through decades of practical experience and have been adapted to accommodate retro baseball competition using Inside Pitch. These rules provide consistency, competitive fairness, and stability while allowing managers to enjoy the game of baseball.
1.2 — Sportsmanship and Conduct
First and foremost, this league is an escape from reality. All managers are expected to treat one another with the same respect and courtesy they would expect to receive. The LIPL is not a forum for political discussions, theological debates, or other potentially divisive subjects. Regardless of individual beliefs or opinions, those discussions should remain outside league activities and communications.
Remember, this is an escape. Let’s keep it that way.
1.3 — Commissioner Authority and League Voting
The commissioner serves as the league’s chief administrator and is responsible for overseeing league operations and ensuring the consistent application of its rules. The assistant commissioner assists in league administration and serves as an additional point of contact for questions concerning league rules and gameplay. In any league-wide vote, including votes concerning rule changes or additions to the player pool, the commissioner will serve as the tie-breaker when necessary.
1.4 — League Rules and Official Game Rules
The LIPL operates under the Inside Pitch Baseball Version 3 rules and charts released by game creator Chris Davis in 2020, except where specifically modified by the LIPL. When an LIPL rule differs from the official Inside Pitch rules, the LIPL rule takes precedence. If neither the commissioner nor assistant commissioner can be reached for an unresolved in-game question, the participating managers should reach a mutual agreement and continue play rather than unnecessarily delaying the game.
1.5 — Official Card Corrections
If Chris Davis releases corrected or updated player card information during a season, the corrected card will automatically replace the previous version. All games completed before the correction will stand as played. No games will be replayed because of a card correction. The corrected card must be used for all games moving forward.
2 — League Structure and Player Pool
2.1 — League Structure
The Liberty Inside Pitch League (LIPL) is a 12-team retro baseball league utilizing historical Major League Baseball seasons and advancing chronologically from one season to the next. The LIPL is one league with two six-team divisions; each division produces a World Series representative.
2.2 — Player Pool
Only players belonging to the designated MLB franchises are eligible for the league’s auction and minor league drafts, except where specifically permitted under the league’s existing contractual provisions.
The current player pool consists of the following 15 MLB franchises:
American League: Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, California Angels, Chicago White Sox, Kansas City Royals, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics National League: Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Dodgers, Montreal Expos, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals These designated franchises form the league’s established player pool and will remain unchanged unless additional MLB franchises are approved as part of future league growth.
2.3 — Additions to the Player Pool
Additional MLB franchises may be added to the designated player pool when necessary to accommodate future league growth or maintain an adequate supply of eligible players. Any proposed additions to the player pool must be approved by a league-wide vote, with the commissioner serving as the tie-breaker if necessary.
2.4 — Player Eligibility and MLB Team Changes
A player’s eligibility is determined by the MLB franchise with which he finished the historical season being played, regardless of the team represented on his Inside Pitch player card. For example, Dave Kingman played for four MLB teams during the 1977 season, finishing with the New York Yankees. Because the Yankees are part of the LIPL player pool, Kingman is eligible for the 1977 LIPL season regardless of which MLB team is represented on his player card.
The same principle applies when a player finishes the historical season with a franchise outside the designated player pool. Such a player is not eligible for the auction or minor league drafts unless an existing contractual provision specifically permits his retention.
2.5 — Existing Player Pool Exceptions
Players from Atlanta, Houston, Minnesota, New York (NL), and Texas who were under contract when those franchises were removed from the LIPL player pool may remain with their respective teams until their contracts expire or are bought out. No additional players from these franchises are eligible for the auction or minor league drafts unless their franchises are subsequently added to the designated player pool through an approved league expansion.
3 — Season Structure and Playoffs
3.1 — Regular Season
Each team plays a 54-game regular season using players from the historical Major League Baseball season being represented. The regular-season schedule is established by the commissioner and includes games against both divisional and non-divisional opponents.
3.2 — Playoff Qualification
The first-place team in each division is declared the Division Champion and receives a first-round bye, advancing directly to the Division Championship Series. The second-place and third-place teams in each division qualify as Wild Card teams and compete in the opening round of the playoffs.
3.3 — Wild Card Series
The second-place and third-place teams in each division compete in a best-of-five Wild Card Series. The series follows a 2-2-1 format, with the second-place team receiving home-field advantage.
3.4 — Division Championship Series
The winner of the Wild Card Series faces the Division Champion in a best-of-seven Division Championship Series. The series follows a 2-3-2 format, with the Division Champion receiving home-field advantage.
3.5 — LIPL World Series
The two Division Championship Series winners meet in the LIPL World Series. The World Series is a best-of-seven series utilizing a 2-3-2 format. The team with the better regular-season record receives home-field advantage. If both teams have identical records, the tiebreaking procedures outlined in Section 3.7 will determine home-field advantage.
3.6 — Travel Days
Scheduled off days will be incorporated into postseason series to accommodate travel between home stadiums.
3.7 — Tiebreakers and Home-Field Advantage
All ties affecting regular-season standings, playoff qualification, postseason seeding, or home-field advantage will be resolved in this order: Head-to-Head Record — winning percentage against the tied opponent; Divisional Record — winning percentage within the team’s division; League Record — winning percentage against all LIPL opponents.
Second-Half League Record — winning percentage during the final half of league games; Additional League Games — work backward by adding the immediately preceding eligible league game, one game at a time, until the tie breaks. For three or more tied teams, use applicable MLB multi-team tiebreaking procedures.
4 — Salary Cap and Contracts
4.1 — Salary Cap
Auction Day Salary Cap — $300
Each team must complete the annual auction with a 25-man roster whose combined player salaries and applicable salary cap obligations do not exceed $300. The $300 salary cap remains in effect until the auction has concluded and all General Managers have approved their respective rosters.
In-Season Salary Cap — $330
Immediately following completion of the auction and approval of all rosters, the salary cap increases to $330. The $330 salary cap remains in effect throughout the season.
Preparing for the Next Auction
Before the following season’s auction, each franchise must return to the $300 salary cap and maintain sufficient available funds to complete its required 25-man roster, allowing a minimum salary of $1 for each additional player needed. All applicable player salaries, contractual obligations, and salary cap penalties count toward these limits unless otherwise specified in league rules.
4.2 — Standard Player Contracts
Players acquired during the auction receive a three-year contract at the salary established by the winning bid. Each standard contract includes a single option year, allowing the franchise to retain the player for a fourth season at the same salary.
4.3 — Contract Option Years
At the conclusion of the third season of a standard contract, the General Manager must decide whether to exercise the player’s fourth-year option. If the option is declined, the player must be released into the available player pool following the third season. A General Manager may make the option decision before the conclusion of the third season. However, once the decision has been made, it is final and cannot be reversed.
4.4 — Franchise Tag
Beginning with the 1976 season, each franchise may designate one eligible fourth-year player (4-4 contract) with a Franchise Tag (FT). The Franchise Tag extends the player’s contract for a fifth and final season at his existing salary plus $7. Each franchise is limited to one Franchise Tag designation per season. Once a player has been designated, that franchise’s Franchise Tag has been used for that season, regardless of whether the player is subsequently traded, released, or bought out.
Franchise Tagged players may be traded under the league’s normal trading rules. A team may acquire additional Franchise Tagged players through trades, and there is no limit on the number of Franchise Tagged players a franchise may possess.
Franchise Tag Designation Period
Following the conclusion of the LIPL World Series, each franchise must declare whether it will use its Franchise Tag and, if so, identify the eligible player receiving the designation. All Franchise Tag decisions must be completed and announced to the entire league before the general offseason roster decision period begins. Once announced, Franchise Tag designations are final. At the conclusion of a Franchise Tagged player’s fifth season, he must be released into the available player pool.
4.5 — The Bonilla Effect
If a player under contract leaves the designated LIPL player pool, his contract is terminated. The franchise remains responsible for 50% of the player’s original contracted salary, rounded up to the next whole dollar, for each remaining season of his contract. The player no longer occupies a position on the franchise’s 25-man roster and cannot be retained under his previous contract, even if he subsequently returns to an MLB franchise within the designated player pool.
If the player later becomes eligible for the LIPL player pool, he must reenter through the normal acquisition process.
4.6 — Contractual Caveat: Temporarily Uncarded Players
If a player becomes uncarded during the second season of his contract but remains continuously with an MLB franchise in the designated LIPL player pool, the General Manager may retain him under his existing contract.
UNC Designation
A player listed as UNC (Uncarded) on the official LIPL roster has been verified by the commissioner as remaining within the organization of an MLB franchise included in the designated player pool, despite not having an Inside Pitch card for that season. The player’s salary is reduced to 50% of his original salary, rounded up to the next whole dollar. The reduced salary counts against the franchise’s salary cap.
The player continues to occupy a position on the franchise’s 25-man roster. If the player returns with a card for the third season of his contract, his salary returns to 100% of its original amount, and he remains with his contracted franchise. Alternatively, the General Manager may buy out the player’s contract according to Section 4.7. If the player is bought out and subsequently becomes carded again, he returns to the available auction player pool, subject to normal player eligibility rules.
4.7 — Contract Buyouts
A General Manager may elect to buy out the contract of a player who remains under contract with the franchise. Contract buyouts are handled during the offseason roster decision period, prior to the annual auction. When a contract is bought out, the player is released, but the franchise remains responsible for 50% of his contracted salary, rounded up to the next whole dollar, for each remaining season of the original three-year contract.
The fourth-year option is not included in the buyout obligation unless the option had already been exercised.
4.8 — Trading Bought-Out Contracts
A franchise may trade the remaining financial obligation associated with a previously bought-out player. Such transactions will be closely scrutinized to ensure appropriate value is received. The salary cap space being obtained must reasonably correspond to the contractual obligation being transferred and any additional compensation included in the transaction.
4.9 — Offseason Roster and Contract Decisions
Following the conclusion and league-wide announcement of all Franchise Tag designations, each General Manager will review his franchise’s remaining contractual obligations and make all applicable offseason roster decisions. All roster decisions must be submitted privately to the commissioner and finalized no later than 24 hours before the annual Winter Meetings. The commissioner will review each franchise’s decisions individually. Once every franchise has completed the process, an updated league-wide roster will be released.
4.10 — Annual Winter Meetings and Auction
Winter Meetings: second Saturday in January. The annual Winter Meetings will be held on the second Saturday of January. The Winter Meetings provide an opportunity for league members to discuss proposed rule changes, review league business, and prepare for the upcoming season. Annual Auction: fourth Saturday in February. The annual LIPL Auction will be held on the fourth Saturday of February.
5 — Auction and Minor League Drafts
5.1 — Annual Auction
Auction Day proceeds in this order: (1) Major League Auction Bidding Phase, completing the 25-man rosters; (2) Supplemental Team Pitcher’s Batting Card Draft, selecting one eligible National League team card per franchise; (3) ten-round Minor League Draft, filling the ten minor league positions.
5.2 — Auction Bidding Phase
Managers take turns nominating available players for bidding. A General Manager who nominates a player automatically places an opening bid of $1 and may not nominate a player without making that bid. All bids must be made in whole-dollar increments. The highest bidder acquires the player at the final bid amount.
5.3 — Auction Salary Cap and Roster Requirements
Each franchise must complete the Auction Bidding Phase with exactly 25 players while remaining within the $300 Auction Day Salary Cap. Managers must maintain sufficient available salary cap space to fill all remaining roster positions at a minimum of $1 per player. Once a franchise has filled its 25-man roster, it may no longer participate in bidding.
5.4 — Minor League Draft
After the Major League Auction and Supplemental Team Pitcher’s Batting Card Draft, the LIPL conducts its annual ten-round Minor League Draft. Each franchise has ten minor league positions, including any players retained from the previous season. Once a franchise fills its ten positions, its remaining untraded selections are skipped; previously traded selections remain valid in their original rounds (Section 5.10).
5.5 — Minor League Draft Order
The Minor League Draft follows a paired snake format based on the previous season’s regular-season win-loss records. Draft order runs from worst to first in odd-numbered rounds, with the previous season’s World Series Champion selecting last. The order reverses in even-numbered rounds. Selections are paired (1 and 24, 2 and 23, 3 and 22, etc.) throughout the ten-round draft, subject to previously traded selections.
5.6 — Minor League Contracts (M1)
Minor League Draft selections receive an M1 contract: one year at $0, with a possible second $0 minor league season (M2). A position player is eligible for M2 only if he played fewer than 12 games. A pitcher is eligible only if he made fewer than 12 total appearances AND no more than 2 starts. Meeting those limits permits, but does not require, the manager to retain the player as M2.
5.7 — Minor League Contract Conversion
An M1 position player with 12 or more games, or a pitcher with 12 or more total appearances OR 3 or more starts, cannot receive M2. The manager must either sign him to a one-year $10 major league contract (1-1, no option) or release him into the player pool. An M2 player cannot be extended again: at the end of M2 he must be signed to the same one-year $10 major league contract or released.
5.8 — Minor League Players and Postseason Rosters
Any minor league player placed on a postseason roster loses his eligibility to remain in the minors for the following season, regardless of playing time or contract designation. The General Manager must either sign the player to a one-year major league contract at $10 (1-1, no option) or release him into the available player pool.
5.9 — Retaining Minor League Players
Eligible M1 players retained as M2 occupy minor league roster positions. A franchise retaining two players ordinarily has eight draft openings and skips its own selections after Round 8. A selection already traded away is not forfeited when the original franchise fills its roster; see Section 5.10.
5.10 — Trading Minor League Draft Picks
Minor League Draft picks may be traded only for the next upcoming draft; a franchise trading away a minor league pick must receive a corresponding pick in return. Traded picks retain their original draft round and position, even if the team that traded the pick has filled its own ten-player minor league roster. Only that team’s untraded selections are skipped. Example: if Team B retains five minor leaguers, its own remaining picks are skipped after Round 5; if it already traded its Round 7 selection to Team A, Team A still makes that selection in Round 7. Each acquiring franchise remains responsible for having a legal ten-player minor league roster.
5.11 — Minor League Roster Management
A player’s promotion does not automatically eliminate his M1 or M2 eligibility. Eligibility is determined by the applicable usage limits and postseason roster restrictions.
6 — Roster Management and Trades
6.1 — General Roster Management
Franchises begin each season with a 25-man major league roster and ten minor league roster positions.
6.2 — Trading Periods and Roster Freezes
Regular-Season Trading
Trading opens immediately after the annual auction and approval of all rosters; the $330 cap then applies. A team may trade only until it begins Game Day 45. After that, it may not trade again until the final out of the World Series. Managers may negotiate during the closure, but trades cannot become official.
Offseason Trading
Trading resumes at the final out of the World Series and continues until the roster freeze 24 hours before the Winter Meetings.
Post-Winter Meetings Trading
Trading stays closed until the commissioner verifies and approves ALL franchise rosters and announces that trading may resume.
Pre-Auction Roster Freeze
Trading closes again 48 hours before the auction, remains closed throughout the auction, and reopens only after the auction is complete and all managers approve their rosters.
6.3 — Trade Requirements
Every trade must be complete when made. No future considerations, players to be named later, draft picks beyond the next draft, or side agreements contingent on future action are permitted. The commissioner may impose penalties for violations. All trades must meet applicable cap, roster, contract, and minor league draft-pick requirements (Section 5.10).
6.4 — Trade Deadline
Game Day 45 is the LIPL trade cutoff. A franchise may trade up to, but not after, the start of its Game Day 45. A trade is permitted only when neither participating franchise has begun Game Day 45. A franchise that has begun Game Day 45 cannot trade again until the final out of the World Series.
6.5 — Minor League Call-Ups and Demotions
Non-injury-related minor league call-ups and demotions may occur only between scheduled series or at the midway point of a series. Call-ups and demotions involving the Disabled List or a trade may occur at any time during a series.
6.6 — Pitcher Demotion Restrictions
A pitcher may not be sent to the minor leagues unless he is sufficiently rested to be eligible to appear in a game. A pitcher rated exclusively as a starter who has exhausted his allowed starts may be demoted without waiting for the required rest period.
6.7 — Late-Season Roster Expansion
Beginning on Game Day 51, franchises may expand their active rosters by calling up eligible minor league players. Roster expansion is not automatic. Each General Manager must notify the commissioner of any additional players being activated.
6.8 — Injury-Related Roster Transactions
The procedures governing injuries, Disabled List eligibility, and temporary replacement players are established in Section 7.
7 — Injuries and Disabled List
7.1 — Player Injuries
Injury duration is rolled using the official Inside Pitch Injury Chart, then adjusted with the LIPL Prorated Injury Chart for the 54-game schedule. The supplemental chart is linked on the league website.
7.2 — Disabled List
The LIPL utilizes a five-day minimum Disabled List (DL). The five-day minimum begins on the day following the injury. The day on which the injury occurs does not count toward the required absence.
7.3 — Retroactive Disabled List Placement
A player may be placed on the Disabled List retroactively, provided he has not appeared in any game since suffering the injury. Retroactive placement begins no earlier than the day following the injury.
7.4 — Disabled List Transactions
Players may be placed on or activated from the Disabled List at any time during a monthly series.
7.5 — Emergency Replacement Players (Scrub Pile)
Every franchise is required to maintain a backup at every defensive position. If an injury leaves a franchise without the required positional backup, the General Manager may acquire a temporary replacement from the scrub pile, consisting of eligible players remaining unselected following the annual auction and minor league draft. A scrub player may be acquired only when the injured player is placed on the Disabled List.
A scrub replacement must cover the position affected by the injury, carries no salary, and remains subject to all player usage limits. The scrub returns to the scrub pile immediately when the injured player is available to play after completing the required minimum five-day Disabled List period. A scrub also must be released if another permitted transaction eliminates the positional shortage.
Regardless of circumstances, all scrub players must be released no later than the final out of the regular season.
7.6 — Emergency Defensive Coverage
If an injury or ejection creates an emergency during a game, the procedures for playing a position player outside his normal defensive positions are governed by Section 9. The scrub pile is intended solely to address injury-related roster shortages and may not be used to acquire additional players for strategic purposes.
8 — Player Usage and Rest
8.1 — Pitcher Rest Requirements
All starting pitchers must follow the LIPL Pitcher Rest Chart. If a starting pitcher is removed due to injury or ejection after pitching two innings or fewer, he requires only o
ne day of rest. Starting pitchers who pitch between 4⅓ and 9 innings and exceed both their Tired and Pull ratings must receive four days of rest before their next appearance. The complete original pitcher-rest chart, including relief-usage notes, appears immediately below.
8.2 — Emergency Starting Pitchers
If a starting pitcher leaves a game due to injury, ejection, or rain delay during the first two innings, another starting pitcher may enter the game using his starting pitcher ratings.
8.3 — Starting Pitchers Used in Relief
A pitcher who has only a starting pitcher rating may appear in relief only when no eligible relief pitchers are available. The pitcher must be sufficiently rested to enter the game and is subject to normal relief pitcher rest requirements. When used in relief, a starter without a relief rating receives a Tired/Pull rating of 8/5. During the playoffs, a starting pitcher without a relief rating may be used in relief when needed, subject to the same 8/5 Tired/Pull rating and applicable relief pitcher rest requirements.
8.4 — Relief Pitcher Rest and Usage
A pitcher who appears in relief must receive at least one day of rest before making a subsequent appearance as a starting pitcher. A relief pitcher may appear on three consecutive days only if he pitches no more than one inning on each of those days. A relief pitcher must face at least one batter before being removed, except when removed due to injury or ejection.
8.5 — Tired and Pull Ratings
A pitcher may continue pitching after reaching either his Tired or Pull rating. Once either rating has been reached, results appearing in parentheses on the applicable pitching card become effective. If a pitcher has reached both his Tired and Pull ratings and a parenthetical result occurs, he must be removed immediately. This requirement applies even if the replacement pitcher has not completed the required warm-up period. Any applicable warm-up penalties remain in effect.
8.6 — Relief Pitcher Warm-Up Requirements
Relief pitchers must warm up for the equivalent of two batters before entering a game. If a relief pitcher enters without completing the required warm-up, any walk chances are treated as automatic walks until he has faced the number of batters necessary to make up the incomplete warm-up. No more than two pitchers may warm up in the bullpen at the same time. A relief pitcher may warm up no more than twice during a game.
When his team comes to bat, a warming relief pitcher sits down. If he begins warming while his team is batting, the warm-up continues until the next time his team comes to bat. After warming up twice, a relief pitcher must begin the following inning or be considered burned and ineligible for the remainder of the game.
8.7 — Emergency Position-Player Pitching
Each season, the commissioner will select an Emergency Pitcher Card from a player outside the designated LIPL player pool, generally choosing one of the least effective pitching cards available. A copy of the selected card will be published in the league rules and made available through the league’s shared Google Docs files. The Emergency Pitcher Card may be used only when a franchise is trailing by eight or more runs or has exhausted its available relief pitchers.
8.8 — Player Usage Limitations
Pitching Limitations
A pitcher with 25 or fewer actual MLB innings pitched is limited to 40% of those innings. Above 25 IP, there is no innings restriction.
Starting Pitcher Limitations
A pitcher with 10 or fewer actual MLB starts is limited to 40% of those starts. Above 10 GS, there is no start restriction. IP and GS limits apply independently.
Batting Limitations
A hitter with 150 or fewer actual MLB AB is limited to 40% of his AB. A card with only one batting split is also limited to 40% of total AB, regardless of overall AB. Otherwise, players exceeding 150 AB with both splits are unrestricted; limits are never split by pitcher handedness.
Rounding of Usage Limits
Round AB and GS allowances UP to the next whole number and innings allowances UP to the next one-third inning, recorded in baseball notation (.0, .1, .2).
8.9 — Pitchers With Multiple Usage Limitations
If a pitcher reaches his innings-pitched limit during an otherwise eligible spot start, he may complete that start even if doing so exceeds his prorated innings allowance. All other applicable usage restrictions remain in effect.
8.10 — Postseason Player Usage Limitations
Wild Card Series (Best of Five): Limited players receive 3.1% of their actual MLB season AB or IP totals. Division Championship Series and World Series (Best of Seven): Limited players receive 4.3% of their actual MLB season AB or IP totals. Postseason usage limits reset at the beginning of each new series. Each qualifying team receives a new allowance based on the length of that series, regardless of player usage in previous postseason rounds. Unused allowances do not carry forward.
Pitchers subject to games-started limitations may not start postseason games.
8.11 — Tracking and Enforcing Usage Limits
Once a pitcher reaches his applicable pitching limits, he may no longer pitch, except as specifically permitted under Section 8.9. Once a batter reaches his at-bat limit, he may no longer bat using his individual player card. A player who has exhausted his batting allowance may remain in the game defensively but must be replaced by a pinch hitter when his turn to bat occurs. If no eligible replacement is available, the player must bat using the franchise’s designated Team Pitcher’s Batting Card.
If another eligible player is available to play that position, that player must be used instead of allowing the limited player to bat with the Team Pitcher’s Batting Card.
8.12 — Catcher Rest Requirements
Regular season: the starting catcher must rest from catching at least one game per monthly period (one of six games, or one of eight). He may pinch hit during the rest game. Alternatively, if rated at another position, he may catch four of six games and play two at that other position. If he catches five of six (or seven of eight), the remaining game must be off the field, though pinch hitting is permitted.
Postseason: scheduled off days eliminate the catcher-rest requirement. The franchise must nevertheless maintain a backup at every position, including catcher.
9 — Gameplay and House Rules
9.1 — Official Game Rules
The LIPL utilizes Inside Pitch Baseball Version 3 rules and charts, released by game creator Chris Davis in 2020. If an unusual gameplay situation is not clearly addressed, managers should follow the resolution procedures outlined in Section 1.4.
9.2 — Designated Hitter
The LIPL does not use the Designated Hitter (DH). Pitchers are required to bat unless replaced by a pinch hitter, which removes the pitcher from the game.
9.3 — Pitchers Batting
On Auction Day, after the Major League Auction but before the Minor League Draft, each franchise selects a Team Pitcher’s Batting Card from the National League team cards available for the historical MLB season. That card remains assigned for the full season and is used only when a pitcher has no individual batting card; a pitcher with his own card must use it. All pitchers receive a minimum +2 Grounded Into Double Play (GDP) rating when batting.
9.4 — Pinch Hitting
A pinch hitter must be announced before attempting a stolen base. Pitchers may be used as pinch hitters only if they have at least 60 actual MLB at-bats listed on their individual batting cards.
9.5 — Hit and Run
The Hit and Run may be used only with runners occupying first base, first and second, or first and third. When runners occupy first and third, the runner on third is not considered to be running as part of the Hit and Run. Pitchers may not participate as batters in a Hit and Run. A Hit and Run may not be attempted after a runner has failed to obtain the necessary lead for a stolen-base attempt.
Pickoff and Stolen Base Results If a 20 is rolled on the pickoff die following a declared Hit and Run, the potential balk, pickoff, or pickoff error must first be resolved. If none of those results occurs, the runner attempts to steal with a -6 adjustment to his stolen-base rating. If the batter strikes out during a Hit and Run, the runner attempts to steal with the same -6 adjustment.
9.6 — Pickoff Opportunities
When runners are on base, the defensive manager must roll for potential pickoff opportunities if the pitcher’s card includes applicable balk (BK), pickoff (PO), or pickoff error (POE) ratings. A new pickoff opportunity is required only when the baserunner situation changes. For example, if a potential wild pitch is blocked and the runners remain in place, play continues without another pickoff roll.
9.7 — Defensive Positioning and Order of Decisions
The defensive manager establishes the infield alignment before the offensive manager declares the batter’s action. Unless otherwise announced, the infield is considered Infield Back.
The four permitted infield alignments are:
Infield Back — Standard defensive positioning. Infield Halfway — Double-play depth. Infield In — Infield positioned to defend against a runner scoring. Corners In — Corner infielders positioned in, with middle infielders at double-play depth. After the defense establishes its alignment, the offensive manager announces that the batter is ready or declares an applicable strategy, such as a bunt or Hit and Run.
9.8 — Baserunning and Cutoff Throws
When a batted ball creates an opportunity for additional bases, the offensive manager must first announce which runners will attempt to advance. The defensive manager then decides whether to attempt a throw and, if so, which base to target. The defensive manager may elect to concede the additional base rather than attempt a throw. If the defense concedes the base, any associated throwing-error check (ET?) is negated.
9.9 — Infield Throwing Errors
If an infield ET? check results in an error, roll 1d6 against the first baseman’s range. A roll equal to or below his range keeps the ball in front of him: the error costs one base. If the roll exceeds his range, roll another 1d6 and compare it to each runner’s rating, including the batter-runner. A runner advances an additional base if the die is equal to or below his rating and a base is available; otherwise he holds.
An ET? involving the first baseman still requires an error check, representing his throw to the pitcher covering first.
9.10 — Defensive Position Eligibility
Outfield Positions
A corner outfielder rated at LF or RF may play the opposite corner, but not CF. A player rated at center field may play any outfield position.
Designated Hitters (DH-Only Players)
Players whose Inside Pitch cards list only DH, with no defensive position ratings, may play only the following positions:
- First Base (1B): 1 (15)
- Third Base (3B): 1 (15)
- Left Field (LF): 1 (15) +2
- Right Field (RF): 1 (15) +2
Secondary Positions
A player appearing at a secondary or other non-primary position may not use an error rating of 0. The minimum error rating for a non-primary position is 8.
9.11 — Emergency Defensive Positioning
A player may be used at a defensive position not listed on his card only when an emergency leaves the franchise without an eligible replacement.
The following emergency defensive ratings apply:
- First Base (1B): 1 (20)
- Second Base (2B): 1 (20) -1
- Third Base (3B): 1 (20)
- Shortstop (SS): 1 (20) -1
- Left Field (LF): 1 (20) +2
- Center Field (CF): 1 (20) +2
- Right Field (RF): 1 (20) +2
- Catcher (C): 1/0 (20) +2
For emergency catchers, the 1/0 (20) +2 rating represents range 1, passed-ball rating 0, error rating 20, and arm +2. Managers may not intentionally create an emergency by removing the last available player capable of covering a required defensive position. If an injury or ejection forces such a substitution, the appropriate emergency defensive ratings apply.
9.12 — Rain Delays and Rainouts
When a rainout result occurs, the game is treated as experiencing a rain delay that requires both teams to replace their current pitchers. Once a game has become official and is not tied, a rainout may occur.
9.13 — Stadium Selection
Each General Manager may select an available stadium from the historical MLB season being played. If multiple managers request the same stadium, the commissioner will establish a method for resolving the conflict. If a historical stadium is replaced by a new ballpark, the franchise must use the replacement stadium unless otherwise eligible to change stadiums. If an MLB franchise changes stadiums during a historical season, the LIPL manager may follow the actual midseason change or elect to use either stadium for the entire season.
A historical stadium replacement is a required continuation of the existing ballpark assignment, not a voluntary move, and carries no $3 salary cap penalty. The new stadium must be used in the following season unless the franchise is otherwise eligible to change stadiums.
9.14 — Voluntary Stadium Changes
A franchise may voluntarily move to a different available stadium after spending at least three seasons in its current stadium. A voluntary move carries a $3 salary cap charge for one season. A mandatory historical replacement, such as Forbes Field to Three Rivers Stadium, carries no charge unless the manager requests a different ballpark.
9.15 — Additional Gameplay Clarifications
Ground Balls to Third Base
With runners on first and second, a ground ball to third base requiring a directional determination is resolved using a six-sided die:
- 1–2: Toward the third-base line.
- 3–4: Directly at the third baseman.
- 5–6: In the hole.
Intentional Walks
Intentional walks do not count against a pitcher’s Pull rating but do count as a batter faced toward his Tired rating.
10 — Game Scheduling and Statistics
10.1 — Regular-Season Schedule
Games are organized into monthly series, generally involving one or two opponents per scheduling period. Each General Manager is responsible for completing his franchise’s scheduled games within the designated scheduling periods.
10.2 — Scheduling Games
Both managers share responsibility for arranging their scheduled games. Managers are expected to communicate proactively with their opponents rather than waiting to be contacted or postponing arrangements until the end of the scheduling period. Once a mutually agreeable playing time has been established, both managers are expected to be prepared and available at the scheduled time.
10.3 — Pregame Preparation
Before beginning a series, managers are encouraged to exchange relevant team information, including starting pitching rotations, bullpen availability, and roster changes affecting the series.
10.4 — Scorekeeping and Record Retention
When games are played online, both managers are required to maintain their own score sheets or electronic game records. All game records must be retained until the season has concluded and the league’s official statistics have been completed and verified.
10.5 — Statistical Recordkeeping
Every General Manager is responsible for maintaining and submitting complete batting and pitching statistics for his franchise. The method of recording and submitting statistics is at the manager’s discretion, provided the required statistical information is included and can be accurately compiled into the league’s official records.
10.6 — Minimum Statistical Categories
The following represent the minimum statistical information required by the league.
Pitching: G – GS – CG – SHO – W – L – SV – IP – H – R – ER – HR – BB – K – HBP – WP
Batting: G – PA – AB – R – H – 2B – 3B – HR – RBI – SB – CS – BB – K – HBP – SacF – GDP
10.7 — Statistical Submissions
All General Managers are required to submit their franchise’s batting and pitching statistics throughout the season. Statistics must be submitted within one week of completing each scheduled monthly series. Earlier submissions are encouraged. The commissioner may request clarification or supporting game records when discrepancies are identified. “Statistics are to baseball what a flaky crust is to Mom’s apple pie.”
— Harry Reasoner, American Journalist “When you’re stuck in last place, the only thing you have left is stats.” — Conrad Brunner, Indy Hosers General Manager
11 — New Rules and Changes for the 1976 Season
Rules introduced or modified for the upcoming season appear in blue at their governing location above. This list serves as the annual quick reference; it does not replace the full rule text.
- Franchise Tag (Section 4.4) — A franchise may designate one eligible 4-4 player per season for a fifth and final season at his existing salary plus $7. Designations are announced after the World Series, before general offseason roster decisions.
APPENDIX — LEAGUE HISTORY (REFERENCE ONLY)
LIPL expanded from eight franchises to twelve, then sixteen, before returning to twelve. Its earlier formats included eight teams in two four-team divisions, twelve teams in two six-team divisions, and sixteen teams in two leagues with two four-team divisions each. Five MLB franchises were removed from the eligible player pool after contraction: Atlanta, Houston, Minnesota, New York (NL), and Texas. Previously contracted players from these franchises are addressed in Section 2.5.
In the inaugural season and for subsequent expansion clubs, five contracts were randomly assigned as one-year deals without options and five as two-year deals with options. Managers initially protected five players and one additional player after each two random selections. These historical arrangements do not override current player contract rules.