Baseball

• Divisions:
• **NOTE**Although there is age overlap in each division based on skill and participation; each division serves a purpose in the development of each player. We strive for each child to remain at each level at least 2 seasons. If a child is just beginning he may be placed at a different level based on a mandatory skills assessment. If a child is advanced in skill and there is a need for more participants at a higher level he may be asked to move up a division early. That recommendation will come from the coaches and approved by the baseball director. This process takes place immediately following assessments. If a child is recommended to move up, the final approval must come from the parent.
• Rookie Baseball (typically 7 - 8 year olds)
• Each team will practice once a week and play a game once a week. Practices will focus on hitting form, fielding instruction and game rules. In rookie league players may have the opportunity to play several different positions with learning skills as being the main focus. Coaches may decide to put certain players in certain positions during games due to safety reasons. Coaches will pitch to the players for consistency. There will be volunteer umpires (typically a parent/coach) and the focus of the games will be to teach the rules and promote a positive learning experience. Please look at this league as the beginner league for those with skills enough to play a game.
• Minor League (typically 8-10 year olds)
• Minor league baseball will focus on pitching instruction, learning more tactical plays, and hitting. In this league players will learn fewer positions and be given these positions based on the coaches confidence in each player’s skills. Games will be played against other teams in the Cal Ripken league. Umpires will be hired to attend these games to help ensure a fair outcome of the games. These games may take place at fields other than our own and more than once a week. Each coach will decide on the number of practices per week (at least 1). Players will be evaluated at the skills assessment.
• Major League (typically 10-12 year olds)
• Although still a developmental program, this program is focused on more advanced and position specific instruction. Players will be placed in a position and given more specific instruction as to how to play that position. This does not mean players will only play one position all season, but could play in that position most always. Umpires will be hired for games to ensure fairness and objectivity of the way the game is called.
• All Stars: Each season the Minor and Major league coaches meet to nominate players to be part of the Andy Valley East All Star team. The nominations are optional and coaches are not required to nominate players but are encouraged to if their skill level is appropriate. This program is coordinated by the Cal Ripken League. If you have questions or concerns regarding this program please contact our baseball director (Scott Segal).
• No additional fundraiser this year.
• If you would like to speak to someone regarding this topic, please call the Poland Parks &Recreation Director, Scott Segal @ 998-4650.

Assessments:
We ask all Poland Baseball registrants to attend this assessment. There are times we need to move players to different levels in order to field teams. If you are unable to attend this assessment please be sure to call the recreation office @ 998-4650 and let us know.

Saturday, March 28, 2020
Location-Poland Regional High School gym

Rookies: (Ages 7 & 8): Time: 12:00pm-1:00pm
Minors (Ages 9 & 10): Time: 1:15pm-2:15pm
Majors: (Ages 11 & 12): Time: 2:30pm-3:30pm

6 yr olds with t-ball experience may request to be assessed. No guarantees your child will move up to Rookie. Based on available room and skill level. Contact Baseball Director-Eric Wilson to submit a request for your 6 yr old to be assessed. Call (cell) 321-9466 or (email) eric27wilson@gmail.com

FUNDRAISER:
Tagging Weekend-May 15, 16, 17
Tagging sign ups will take place at assessments.