Expectations

TBall

At the T-Ball level, players are introduced to the game and begin developing a basic understanding of how baseball is played.

• They’ll get to know the field—from first base to home plate—and start recognizing where each position is played, like first base, shortstop, or right field.

• Players practice fielding by learning how to scoop up grounders, point to their target, and make simple throws. Most throws still roll to their teammates, but that’s all part of the learning process!

• At the plate, kids learn batting basics—where to stand, how to hold the bat, keep their elbows up, and twist through the swing to make good contact.

• They’ll also run the bases (and get plenty of exercise while doing it!).

• Games are focused on fun and learning—no outs are recorded, every player bats each inning, and the final hitter rounds the bases for a home run.

Rookie

The next stage up from TBall is Rookie. This division slowly increases the focuses on skill over TBall.

• Pitching is done from a pitching machine to start, so kids are expected to learn to hit pitched balls.

• Players begin learning to pitch at this level, helping them build confidence on core fundamentals of the game.

• Kids start to really hone in on positions, really solidifying how to play each position, where to stand, and how to throw the ball in to get an out.

• Outs matter now! The players learn to throw to first to get outs, but extend that to learn how to get players out beyond first (forced outs, tagged outs, etc).

• Players learn to throw further and catch from other players, especially throwing to bases for outs.

• Games are played for 5 innings and scored. All-Star games happen at the end of the year.

• Some kids learn to catch pop flies! Though tricky, some kids enjoy it.

Minors

This is the first division where real games are played.

• Pitching is done by players, so kids learn to focus on throwing strikes. Usually a few kids are selected to learn the skill.

• At this level, players hit off live kid pitchers. Pitch counts are tracked to limit use pitching from a distance of 46 feet.

• Catching is also done by the kids! Sliding into home plate is required (for safety).

• Base running strategies are layered in, teaching kids how to advance on passed ball, how to slide safely, and when to advance and stay put.

• Players learn basic defensive strategies, including when and where to throw to get outs—such as making direct throws to second base.

• Fielding becomes more advanced, with players learning to handle hard-hit balls to second base and shortstop.

• They learn to back up on throws, outfielders learn to throw to cut offs , and learn the importance of smart throws.

• Games are played for 6 innings and scored. Playoffs and All-Stars games happen at the end of the year.

Majors

• At this level, players can take leads and attempt to steal bases before the pitch crosses the plate.

• Stealing bases becomes a key part of the game, and players learn the right moments and techniques to take the extra base.

• All of the kids’ skills are starting to shine at this age, so teaching the kids how to play at this level is critical.

• Understanding proper arm care and managing pitch counts for pitchers becomes more important.

• With games being played on a bigger infield, the base path goes from 60 feet to 70 feet.

• This moves the pitchers mound back to 50 feet, from 46 feet in minors.

• Batters can hit the ball further, playing the field in the right position becomes more stragetic.

• Pitchers throw faster at this level so batters learn to adjust.