What are the rules on the pitcher's hand to the mouth, gloves and sleeves?
Rule- USA
- Little League Baseball
- Major Division
- League age 9-12
- 12 and under
- Regular season
- 2026 rules
- Umpires
Hand to mouth: a pitcher may touch the mouth or lips with the pitching hand while within the 10-foot circle around the pitcher's plate, as long as they distinctly wipe the hand off before touching the ball. If both managers and the umpire agree before the game (in cold weather, for example), the pitcher may blow on the hand in the circle.
- Penalty: a ball is awarded to the batter, and it counts toward the pitch count. Repeated violations can lead to the pitcher's removal.
Glove: the pitcher's glove can't be white or light gray (piping excepted) or otherwise distracting to the batter.
Sleeves and undershirts: any visible undershirt must be a solid color, and the pitcher's exposed sleeves can't be white or gray. Sleeves must be the same length and color on both arms. A pitcher may not wear distracting items such as sweatbands on the hands, wrists or arms. A solid-colored play-calling band (not white, gray or optic yellow) is allowed on the glove arm.
Added 21 Oct 2026