Courtesy Runner
Also known as: courtesy runner rule, CR
A courtesy runner is a substitute allowed to run the bases for a player who reaches base but is unable to run — commonly for injury, age-based recreational-league eligibility, or a pitcher/catcher who needs rest between innings — without that player leaving the game.
Recreational slow-pitch leagues, especially those with older or mixed-ability rosters, commonly allow a courtesy runner so a valued hitter or a player nursing a minor injury does not have to be pulled from the lineup entirely just because they cannot run at full speed. Rules vary on exactly who qualifies and how often a courtesy runner can be used per inning or per game — some leagues cap it to a specific number of instances, others allow it freely for a designated "slow runner" role set before the game.
The courtesy runner replaces the batter or baserunner only for baserunning purposes; the original player remains in the batting order and returns to their fielding position as normal. Teams should confirm their specific league's courtesy-runner limits before the game, since overusing it beyond the allowed count can result in an out or other penalty depending on the rule set.
Example
The team's power hitter, playing through a minor ankle tweak, reaches base on a double; a courtesy runner enters to run the bases while she stays in the lineup for her next at-bat.
Why it matters
Understanding courtesy-runner limits keeps recreational teams from losing an out or facing a rule violation over a well-intentioned substitution. SwingVantage's rules glossary helps newer players and captains navigate these recreational-league-specific accommodations.
Frequently asked questions
Does using a courtesy runner remove the original player from the game?
No — the original player stays in the batting order and returns to the field on defense; the courtesy runner only substitutes for baserunning on that specific time on base.
Is there a limit on how many times a team can use a courtesy runner?
Most recreational leagues cap it — commonly once per player per inning or a fixed number of total uses per game — so teams should confirm the specific limit with their league before relying on it.
Related terms
- Tag PlayA tag play requires a fielder to physically touch a runner with the ball (or a glove securely holding the ball) while the runner is off the base, since no force is in effect — common on steals, run-downs, and any runner not forced to advance.
- Base RunningBase running in slow pitch encompasses reading the ball off the bat, knowing when to advance aggressively and when to hold, and making smart decisions that turn singles into extra-base opportunities.
- Extra Player (EP) RuleThe extra player (EP) rule allows a slow-pitch team to add one or more additional hitters to the batting lineup beyond the number of defensive positions, letting more rostered players bat while only ten (or the league's standard number) take the field on defense at a time.
- Open Roster RuleAn open roster rule allows a slow-pitch team to substitute defensive players freely and repeatedly throughout the game — including re-entering a player who was previously substituted out — rather than the limited, one-time substitution rules more common in baseball or fast-pitch.
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