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The majority of the players in Rookie will be 7-8 years-old. Experienced 6-year-olds may be on Rookie teams if they meet all requirements. Rookie is a combination of Coach pitch and player pitch baseball. Even though kids have the opportunity to pitch, NOT every child will have the ability to pitch. This is the first level that will also introduce a catcher behind home plate. Rookie is played on a 60’ base path and 42’ pitcher’s mound distance.
Coaches will emphasize the advancement of players’ baseball skills. Players are taught to apply those skills and make their own decisions in live game situations. Rookie introduces live pitching from the players, as well as a hard baseball. Rookie is meant as a transitional league between Coach Pitch and “real baseball” in Minors.
COMMITMENT / TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Rookie league continues to be fairly low commitment! 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.
ROSTER
DEVELOPMENTAL GUIDELINES FOR ROOKIE DIVISION
Players who register for Rookie should be able to demonstrate the following skills:
Ability to hit a baseball pitched on a flat line (not lobbed).
Ability to catch and throw a ball on a flat line.
Knowledge of all field positions and base locations
Players should not be afraid to catch a baseball or to have a ball pitched at them.
Players with little or no prior experience, or who don’t meet the developmental guidelines for Rookie, should remain in Coach Pitch.
ROOKIE DIVISION DETAILS
Rookie teams usually consist of 9-11 players depending on the year
Most children play in Rookie for two years prior to entering Minors.
Games last a maximum of six innings or 90 minutes.
The first 1-2 innings are Coach Pitch to guarantee each player gets a quality at-bat.
The first inning is the only inning where everyone is guaranteed to bat. All subsequent innings will be played with a 5-run rule or 3 outs.
Subsequent innings are pitched by “skilled” players- 4 walks per inning per pitcher. Each pitcher may only pitch 1 inning per game.
Teams observe continuous batting- the batting order includes all players on the team.
Players may be called out on strikes and half-innings end after three outs.
To develop hitting and fielding skills, at certain times batters will continue to hit from a coach pitcher after being walked by a player pitcher.
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- 10 players can play in the field, but if you have 11, you can choose to put 2 on the bench- no player shall sit out two consecutive innings.
Catchers are positioned behind home plate and catch “live” pitches.
There is no stealing (including past balls) or bunting in Rookie.
Baserunners may advance more than 1 base on “big” hits- only 1 base on an overthrow.
Coaches umpire Rookie games from behind the mound (Defensive teams coach). The coach should also help to facilitate the defense.
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.
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