Putnam Youth Baseball is affiliated with Clackamas County Junior Baseball, which is in turn affiliated with Junior Baseball of Oregon, a non-profit volunteer organization. Junior Baseball of Oregon is totally independent of any other well-known national youth baseball organization such as Little League. The primary difference is that "JBO" plays by amended high school rules, as opposed to "Little League" rules. Probably one of the most prominent rule differences is about base stealing.  In "Little League", a player cannot steal a base on a pitched ball until the ball crosses home plate.  In "Junior Baseball", a player may take a lead off the base and steal at any time during the pitch.  Critics of Junior Baseball say that this rule makes a game a "walk-a-thon" because very few catchers can make a throw to second base to pick off the stealing runner.  The criticism may be accurate at the "Midget" (9 and 10 year-old) levels, but it is not so true at the "Junior" and "Senior" levels.  As the kids get older and more experienced, the "base stealing" rule makes for some very exciting baseball.  The rule also teaches the kids smart base running techniques.  They will need the techniques if they continue playing baseball, as they get older.

 Possibly the best thing about Junior Baseball, is that when it comes to playoff time, a team goes as a unit. No "all-star" team is created.  A growing number of Little Leagues are converting to Junior Baseball of Oregon.  “Putnam Youth Baseball” serves kids in the Putnam High School attendance area.  Our 9 through 15-year-olds play regular season games against teams from all over Clackamas County such as Milwaukie, Sunrise and Canby.  Teams with winning records enter post-season play.  "Post season" begins with earning a spot in the "County" tournament, with the goal of winning a spot in the "State" tournament. The "State" championship game is the best a team can do.  There are no "regional" or "national" tournaments in Junior Baseball of Oregon.  In addition, during the regular season, teams may play in invitational tournaments held throughout the state.

Players are divided into age groups (age as of 7/31/08).  The levels are:

Midgets - 9-10 year-olds and advanced 8 year- olds

Juniors - 11-12 year-olds

Seniors - 13-14 year-olds

Each of these levels is divided into three levels of play. Federal is the most challenging and competitive level.  More time is devoted to practice and Federal teams tend to play in more tournament games. American is mid-level in terms of competition, though kids are often at the Federal-level in ability. National is the recreational, entry level of play.  In every division and level, all players get to bat.  Each player also must play at least six defensive outs, (two innings).

Each league such as PYB also runs its own program for 5 through 8-year-olds.  These kids mainly play other teams in our own PYB league.  T-Ball is geared for boys and girls ages 5-7. Players hit the ball off of a “T”, with the exception of coaches pitching to the kids later in the season. It is designed to be non-competitive and a lot of fun. T-Ball teaches the children about organized play, teamwork and good sportsmanship. Rookie Ball is for 8 year-olds and advanced 7 year-olds.  Pitching machines are used for accurate and safe pitching for players learning to hit pitched balls.  PYB Rookie Ball teams also play games with the Milwaukie Junior Baseball teams.