Who can use a courtesy runner, and when.
A courtesy runner is a substitute who runs for the pitcher or catcher already on base, so that player can get their gear on for the next half inning. NFHS high school rules allow it with two outs. Little League does not use courtesy runners at all.
The purpose is pace, not strategy. When the catcher reaches base with two outs, the next half inning stalls while they strip off shin guards, chest protector, and mask. A courtesy runner lets that work start immediately. The same logic covers the pitcher, who may need warmup throws.
Because it exists for pace rather than advantage, the rule is fenced in. The runner is typically required to be a player not currently in the game, which stops a team from sending its fastest starter out to run for a slow catcher. Leagues that allow substitutes already in the lineup usually require the last batted out, for the same reason.
Crucially, a courtesy runner is not a substitution. The pitcher or catcher stays in the game and stays in the batting order. Nobody is used up, which is what separates this from a pinch runner.
Whether you have the rule at all depends entirely on your sanctioning body, and this is where scorekeepers get burned. NFHS high school rules permit a courtesy runner for the pitcher or catcher with two outs. Little League does not include courtesy runners in its playing rules. USSSA, PONY, Cal Ripken, and most travel organizations treat it as a league or event option, which means the answer can change between your Saturday and Sunday games at the same tournament.
| Organization | Courtesy runner |
|---|---|
| NFHS (high school) | Allowed for pitcher or catcher, with two outs |
| Little League | Not used |
| USSSA | League or event option |
| PONY / Cal Ripken / Babe Ruth | League option |
Where a rule is a league option, the tournament or league rulebook governs, not the national one. Ask at the plate meeting.
A courtesy runner does not change the batting order and is not charged as a substitution, so Bleacher Notes keeps the pitcher or catcher in the lineup and credits any run to the player who reached base.
Common questions
- Who is allowed to be a courtesy runner?
- Most rulebooks require a player who is not currently in the game. Leagues that permit an in-game substitute usually specify the last batted out. Both versions exist to stop a team from gaining speed on the bases rather than simply saving time.
- Does Little League allow courtesy runners?
- No. Little League's playing rules do not include a courtesy runner. Individual local leagues occasionally adopt one for pace in lower divisions, but it is not part of the standard rule set.
- Is a courtesy runner the same as a pinch runner?
- No, and the difference matters. A pinch runner is a real substitution: the replaced player is out of the game. A courtesy runner is temporary, the pitcher or catcher stays in the game and in the batting order, and nobody is used up.
- Can you use a courtesy runner with one out?
- Under NFHS the allowance is tied to two outs, which is the situation where the pace problem actually appears. Leagues that adopt the rule as an option sometimes permit it at any time; check the local rulebook.
Sources
Rules change, and local leagues override national ones. When this page and your league’s rulebook disagree, your league wins.