EYB Divisions & Age Groups

Playing level is determined by player's age on April 30th each year.

T-BALL DIVISION ~ Age Range 5-6 years old
A program recommended for 5 and 6 year olds to teach the fundamentals of hitting and fielding.  All batters will hit the ball from a batting tee which is adjusted to a height that allows the batter to swing level.  All rostered players present for the game bat in order, whether playing defensively or not.  Each player plays a minimum of two innings defensively.  An adult coach is stationed beyond the infielders in order to provide instruction to all defensive players.  The primary goal is to begin to instruct young players in the fundamentals of baseball in a supportive team environment. Four year olds can also participate in this division if their parent/guardian is able to help coach.

ROOKIE DIVISION ~ Age Range 7-8 years old
Designed primarily for 7 and 8 year olds.  Dr. Robert Brown, former president of the American League formulated the concept of the Rookie League, a pitching machine program.  Babe Ruth League quickly embraced this concept and established the rookie league as a division.  By controlling the pitches with a pitching machine, there is more action at the plate and in the field.  Fear of being hit by a pitched ball is diminished.  It makes the game safer and improves the playing confidence and ability of all participants.  It removes the boredom - which is often the result of either overpowering or inadequate pitching - by throwing strikes only.  Fewer errors and greater throwing accuracy are the result of increase in activity.  The program receives high praise from coaches, players, parents, and league officials.  The rookie league is an excellent way to continue teaching the fundamentals of the game and building player confidence.

MINORS DIVISION ~ Age Range 9-10 years old
Recommended for 9 and 10 year olds.  Among teammates of their own age and experience level, players continue building and refining their fundamental skills while they begin to understand game strategy.  It is at the minor league level that players first experience post-season tournament competition, with district, state, and regional levels of play.

MAJORS DIVISION ~ Age Range 11-12 years old
The most experienced level of Cal Ripken Baseball, recommended for 11 and 12 year old players.  Cal Ripken Baseball is played under the Official Baseball Rules, but implements some special rules as necessary for the development and welfare of this young age group.  In order to encourage the league to train more pitchers, there are rules that set the maximum number of innings a pitcher may pitch in a calendar week.  Regulation games consist of six innings or four innings if a game is called.  Special base running rules are also in effect.

BAMBINO BUDDY BASEBALL DIVISION ~ Age Range 5 - Young Adult
A program recommended for 5-young adults with special needs. This division will teach the fundamentals of hitting and fielding with the help of a buddy.  All batters will have a chance to hit the ball from a live pitcher and or a batting tee which is adjusted to a height that allows the batter to swing level. Each player plays a minimum of two innings defensively.  An adult coach is stationed beyond the infielders in order to provide instruction to all defensive players. A Bambino Buddy (a player from the Minors or Majors divisions) will help guide each player on the field while batting and during base running. The Bambino Buddy-Ball Division allows our athletes with special needs to develop confidence and positive self-esteem.  It allows them to be a part of organized sports and assists with physical fitness as well as their social skills.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

 All players must register for the appropriate Division based on their age as of April 30th of this year. In some circumstances, certain players may be more appropriately placed in an upper or lower Division, for a variety of reasons.  If the player’s parents/guardians feel that their child should be placed in a Division outside of the age designations listed above, please send a request to eastmontyb@gmail.com for consideration. The play-up/down request form is located here.