Philosophies
Minors is the introduction to merit-based baseball. The majority of the players in Minors will be 9 or 10-years-old. Experienced 8-year-olds may be on Minors teams if they meet all requirements. Minors is played on a 60’ base path and 46’ pitcher’s mound distance.
In Minors players are introduced to more competitive play. Coaches continue to emphasize the development and use of good baseball mechanics for throwing, catching, fielding, and batting. Players also develop an increased understanding of how to play in different game situations. Minors provides a “real” baseball experience and prepares players for the higher level of competitive play in Majors.
Commitment / Schedule
At the Minor League level the commitment can grow, depending on the coach/team. You can plan on at least 1 practice and 1-2 games each week, once the season is underway. Weeknight games or practices will start around 6pm. The season will typically begin around May 1 and runs for approximately 6 weeks. Players at this level will be considered for our All Star program.
Roster
Teams are drafted (selected) by the Minors managers using information from Player Assessments and evaluations from prior year coaches.
Minors teams usually consist of 9-11 players depending on the year
Developmental Guidelines for Minors
Players entering Minors should be able to demonstrate the following skills:
Players should have command of the basic skills of fielding, catching, throwing, batting and base running. Players should also understand appropriate actions in game situations, such as when and where to make put-outs, how to run the bases accordingly, etc.
Players who don’t meet the developmental guidelines for Minors, should remain in Rookie for an additional season.
Minors Division Details
Games last a maximum of six innings or 90 minutes.
Half innings end after 3 outs or 5 runs, whichever comes first.
Teams observe continuous batting- the batting order includes all players on the team.
Only “skilled” players will pitch- 4 walks per inning per pitcher. Each pitcher may only pitch 2 innings per game. Every player is encouraged to practice pitching.
Hitters may be called out on strikes (looking/swinging) and they may walk as well.
9 defensive players may take the field during each half-inning.
Players are rotated through infield and outfield positions every inning, although coaches may consider safety in assigning positions (i.e. 1st base and catcher).
Players share equal playing time- no player shall sit out two consecutive innings or 2 innings total until all players have sat out atleast 1 inning.
Baserunning- players made advance on a past ball- stealing is should be built in toward the end of the season.
Baserunners may advance more than 1 base on “big” hits- only 1 base on an overthrow.
Scores and game results are kept.
Minor teams compete in an end of the season playoff tournament.
Coaches should be teaching the game to both teams! Not a “win-all” attitude.
Teams will typically have 1 practice and 1-2 games each week. The season, which begins in late April and ends in mid June, includes approximately 12 games.
Umpires
Umpires are usually teenagers learning the game as well.
Safety
In case of injury that prevents a child from participation in a game, a letter from the child’s parents will be required for the child to return to league activity. Children with a cast on an arm or hand that prevents them from gripping the bat properly will not be allowed to participate in games or practices. Players should not return to play without a note of clearance from Doctors or parents.
Last Revised February 2023