Kids sports - baseball - minor league- cost, commitment, equipment, age requirements

AGE REQUIREMENTS

AGE GROUP BOYS 7-12

Baseball is based on skill level and ability rather than just age. The Minor league is for children with less experience playing the sport in the age group of 7 to 12. Divisions may be established within the Minor League for machine pitch, player pitch or adult pitch. The goal of this division is to train and prepare the children for eventual selection to a Major Division team. Your child will continue to learn the fundamentals of the game, team building and games skills.

Age Brackets...

Baseball is normally organized with two-year age brackets. The age brackets are as follows: Ages 7-8, Minor Ages 9-10, Ages 11-12. Depending on the league you will find variation in the name and age breakdown of these divisions. The 7-8 year old league normally coaches will do the pitching and more baseball rules are in play. In many cases the children get 4 strikes. Starting at age nine games are played at a slightly more competitive level. Children participate in fall evaluations to look at their baseball skills. Such things as throwing accuracy and strength, hitting ability and speed are examined. Team selection is then balanced based on player skills.

Any candidate who will be 7 years old before April 30 and who will not be 13 years old before May 1 of the current year is eligible for the Minor League.

REGISTRATION

Registration for baseball is in March. Forms for registration can be obtained on the organization's web site or at your local sporting good store. Many organizations give you the option to register on line. A birth certificate is required at this time to prove the age of your child.

COMMITMENT

The season begins in April and will end in June. Games last between 1 1/2 - 2 hours are played during the week or on weekends. Normally you will have 2 or 3 games a week. In addition you will have practice one timer per week. These programs are normally 10 weeks long.

COST

The registration fee is normally between 65.00 and 140.00 dollars. Many organizations will give a discount for a family with multiple children enrolled in the program.

EQUIPMENT

You must provide your child with a glove. You should check with your coach or local sporting goods store to determine the size and style that your child needs. Baseball cleats are required. A water bottle is needed. Baseball cap should be used for practices. A batting glove is not normally required but may be preferred. An athletic cup is necessary. These items can be purchased at any sporting goods store, Wal-Mart, Kmart or Target. A uniform, normally consisting of a shirt, pants, socks and hat will be provided by the league.

Glove	Leather glove used by players in the field. Allows the fielder to catch the ball easier.
Catcher's Mitt	Leather mitt worn by catchers. It is better padded and much wider than a fielders glove
Batting Glove	Glove worn on one or both hands by the batter. They offer additional grip when batting.
Helmet	Helmet worn by batter.
Baseball cap	Designed to shade the eyes from the sun
Catcher's Helmet	Helmet used by the catcher to protect the head and face.
Cleats	Baseball shoes that increase traction on dirt or grass.
Uniform	Shirt and pants worn by players.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The head coach and the assistant coach positions are filled by parent volunteers. They play on a 60 foot diamond and the pitching distance is 46 feet. The acceptable roster is between 12-20 children, however the average team is normally 12 - 15 players.