For Parents

T-Ball

T-Ball is recommended for 4, 5, and 6 year olds to teach the fundamentals of hitting and fielding. The primary goal is to begin to instruct young players in the fundamentals of baseball in a supportive team environment. Players are offered 5 pitches delivered by the coach before being presented with the tee. All players bat and play the field each inning. Outs and score are not recorded.

Machine Pitch

Machine Pitch is recommended for 7 and 8 year olds. At this level, additional baseball rules will be introduced and incorporated into play. Players will hit off a pitching machine from 46' at 40MPH which allows for more hittable balls and more action in the field. The use of the machine also diminishes the fear of being hit by the ball; allowing increased focus on improving player abilities and confidence. Defensively, teams are permitted to have 11 players on the field. Outs are recorded and score is kept.

Minors

Minors is recommended for 9 and 10 year olds. This is the official introduction to kid pitch. Players build and refine their fundamental skills while beginning to understand game strategy and teamwork. Teams will continue to have a running batter order. Defensively, teams are permitted to have 9 players on the field. Outs are recorded and score is kept. Pitching distance is 46'.

Majors

Majors is recommended for 11 and 12 year olds. This is the most experienced age of Cal Ripken Baseball. This age represents the true game of baseball (using Official Baseball rules), with additional rules incorporated for development and safety. Leading off and stealing is incorporated into the game. Pitching distance is extended to 50'.

Babe Ruth Baseball - Ages 13-16

Babe Ruth Baseball League was created for ballplayers ages 13-16 who wished to continue their baseball playing experience beyond the age of 12. This is where players get their baseball cleats muddy for the first time on standard 90' diamonds under Official Baseball Rules used by Major League Baseball.

Babe Ruth Baseball - Ages 16-18

The highest and most accomplished level in Babe Ruth Baseball. A favorite among high school players and coaches, this division prepares players for collegiate recruiting and the professional draft.

Mid-Atlantic Baseball Association - Ages 8-22

The Mid-Atlantic Baseball Association (MABA) is a youth travel baseball league for kids ages 8-22. We operate in Maryland, Southern Pennsylvania and Washington, DC.

Practice and Game Commitment

Prior to games starting, teams will have 1 weeknight and 1 weekend practice (typically Saturday ONLY). Additional practices are only permitted based on field availability. Once games begin, weekend practices will be removed from the schedule, exception could be on a BYE week if field space is available. Tball division consists of Saturday games only. MP, Minors and Majors have one weeknight game and one Saturday game each week. Weeknight practice may shift or be canceled, as needed, due to scheduling conflicts with games. Playoffs are hosted during the spring season ONLY. Weeknight games cease midseason during fall due to limited daylight.

Equipment Needs

All players will need a glove, bat and helmet. MVAA will provide each team with a team bat, a few helmets for players that do not have their own, and catcher's equipment. Cleats are ideal but not required. Metal cleats are prohibited. Each player will be provided with a Knight's jersey and hat for game days. Players will need to purchase baseball pants for game days. Individual coaches will inform families of their team's baseball pant color.

Volunteers

There is always a need for volunteers! These are the amazing people that help make our program a success. There are a variety of opportunities available - Coach, Assistant Coach, Team Parent, Bench Boss, Scorekeeper, Pitch Counter, Base Coach, and Field Maintenance. Coaches may seek other volunteers to provide the best experience for their players. The biggest strain on coaches is field set up and clean up. Having additional hands available at the end of practices and pre/post games is invaluable.

Front of Jerseys

Back of Jerseys (name & number)

Hat