BaseballRegister for Fall
Available to boys and girls age 4 through 12. Players are separated into 4 divisions based on birth date: 6U Tee Ball, 8U Machine Pitch, 10U Minors and 12U Majors. Our teams compete with other area Frederick County teams participating in the Frederick County Cal Ripken League.
Director
John Taylor
john@mvaasports.com
Spring Season
March thru June
Registration opens January 1
Fall Season
August thru November
Registration opens May 3
For Parents
mvaa baseballLevels
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'.
"The goal is to always have fun while learning new skills."
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.