T-Ball (age 4)
The objective of T-Ball is to introduce your child to “baseball basics” and to make sure they HAVE FUN. Coaches provide equal playing time and all players play different positions in the field. Rosters will be small (6-8 players) and parents are encouraged to assist in order to provide as much one on one instruction and supervision as possible. We do not keep score during games, although outs are recorded to show how the game is played. The goal of T-Ball is to make sure our littlest Bulldogs HAVE FUN while learning fundamentals such as:
- How to hold a bat, swing it and hit off a “T”
- How to run the bases
- Defensive positions (i.e., where is first base, home plate, outfield, etc.)
Play-up Requests: T-Ball is limited to 4 year-olds only. A child who does not turn 4 prior to May 1st of the current WTB season (e.g., a 3 year old) is not eligible to play T-Ball. In certain circumstances, WTB reserves the right to allow a 5 year-old to play T-Ball.
Rookie Ball (primarily ages 5 & 6)
This is an instructional division designed to make your child’s early baseball experience a very positive one. Coaches provide equal playing time and all players learn to play multiple positions in the field. Games are primarily “coach pitch” although the “T” is still used as needed. We do not keep score during games, although outs are recorded to show how the game is played. The main objective of Rookie Ball is to make sure our young Bulldogs HAVE FUN while learning fundamentals such as:
- Baseball etiquette and sportsmanship
- Proper batting stance and swing technique
- Proper throwing catching techniques
Play-up Requests: a 4 year-old may be allowed to play Rookie provided that he or she is formally evaluated during WTB winter clinics and determined to be playing at or above the ability level of a strong 5 year-old Rookie player. WTB weighs both maturity and skill-level when evaluating play-up requests. In general, WTB will only ask a 4 year-old to play-up if his or her skill level is such that it may put other T-Ball players at a distinct disadvantage or may lead to other 4 year-olds being put in harms way.
AA (primarily ages 7 & 8, some 9’s)
While still instructional in nature, the AA division teaches your child how to play “real baseball” by introducing live “kid” pitching and keeping score for the first time. We adhere to the LITTLE LEAGUE guidelines on pitch count and encourage coaches to provide all players with an opportunity to pitch over the course of the season. At the end of the season, a round-robin tournament may be held to introduce players to friendly competition and reinforce The Warwick Bulldog Way. In the AA division, players find out baseball is MORE FUN when played the right way as they learn skills such as:
- Correct pitching form from the stretch position
- Proper bunting technique (limit of one per inning)
- Difference between a tag and a force play
Play-up Requests: a 6 year-old may be allowed to play AA provided that he or she is evaluated during WTB winter clinics or during a tryout and determined to be playing at or above the ability level of a strong 7 year-old AA player. WTB weighs both age/maturity and skill-level when evaluating play-up requests. In general, WTB anticipates that play-up requests for AA will be limited to a few exceptions that are in the best interests of the player and the overall WTB program.
AAA (primarily ages 9-10, some 11’s)
Your child is just one step away from the Majors! The AAA division allows stealing of all bases except home and there is no limit on bunts or walks. LITTLE LEAGUE pitch count applies to AAA, so coaches must develop multiple pitchers who can throw strikes. Standings are kept and playoffs are held at the end of the season. The AAA division teaches players that it’s A LOT OF FUN to play good, fundamental baseball while competing with their friends.
Play-up Requests: Players who have tried out for and made an 8 year old travel team will be given the option to play in the AAA division. WTB may also invite other 8 year olds to play AAA in order to balance rosters for the overall benefit of the league, provided those players have been formally evaluated during winter clinics and are capable of competing at the AAA level. WTB considers age, maturity and skill-level when evaluating play-up requests.
Majors (primarily ages 11-12)
Your child has now moved onto the highest level of LITTLE LEAGUE Baseball! The same rules apply as AAA, except that players can steal any base including home. There is no limit on bunts or walks and LITTLE LEAGUE pitch counts apply. Coaches continue to provide balanced playing time. Standings are kept and inter-league play with other District 30 LITTLE LEAGUE organizations may be offered. Playoffs are held at the end of the season to crown the annual Champion Bulldogs. The goal of the Majors division is to teach players that baseball is SO MUCH FUN that they never want to stop playing!
Play-up Requests: only 10 year-old players who have tried out for and made a travel team will be given the option to play-up in the Majors division. In addition, 10 year olds who have played travel in prior years and are formally evaluated by WTB during winter clinics or tryout may be given the option to play-up in the Majors division.
Junior/Senior (ages 13-16)
Your child has now graduated to “real baseball” on an official 90 ft. diamond. This is an intramural league run in conjunction with Warrington Youth Baseball. In addition to the Junior/Senior Division, your son may have the opportunity to tryout for one of the Connie Mack or American Legion teams offered by Warrington/Warwick. These teams are more competitive and are designed for players who want to make a commitment to more serious baseball.
