PINTO LEAGUE players, seven- and eight-year-olds, use a pitching machine, have the ball pitched by a coach, use a tee or have the kids pitch. While some players may begin learning to pitch, especially in the second half of the season, pitching by a coach or machine is recommended. Base running is restricted, since throwing arms are still inaccurate, but the players learn the fundamentals of hitting, where to throw the fielded ball, when to look for the double play, and the basic rules of the game.