A few weeks back we reported about a new concept for a youth league in Italy besides the usual federation regulated leagues. The Italian Summer League will be formed similar to the Italian Winter League format with regional tournaments leading to a national final.
On Thursday Marco Micheli of Baseball.it revealed in an article further details about the Summer League. It is supposed to begin in April and the first edition is going to start with students ages 12-14. After a first round with possibly twelve games on six game days the final tournament will follow from July 15 to 18 in San Martino Buon Albergo and in Verona.
Teams from Bologna, Verona, Parma, Godo/Ravenna, Avigliana, Ronchi dei Legionari and Rovigo already have expressed their interest to the organizers. Other clubs still have time until February 14 to submit a team. After this date a first schedule will be set and the teams will have five days to confirm their participation.
There will be a few regulations to protect the players. The games will be limited to six innings each. Pitchers will not be allowed to throw more than 85 pitches per game. If they have pitched they cannot be used as a catcher afterwards. Catchers only can be behind the plate for four innings, but can man a different position for the reminder of the game. Mixed teams and squads formed with players from different clubs will be allowed.
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