"Green Hornets Affiliating with Ripken Baseball
By Paul Lancione
In an effort to make things even better yet, the Green Hornets baseball program will affiliate with Cal Ripken baseball starting this spring. The leagues chartering into Ripken Baseball will be those from ages 7 to 12, thus creating an opportunity for the Tournament teams in those specific age divisions to participate in the Ripken World Series Tournament Trail.
"The Ripken Way philosophy fits our program and what we're trying to accomplish. Both of the programs emphasize player development and coaching certification." began Commissioner Todd Frady.
The new league designations starting this spring will be Rookie-7 (formerly Pinto), Rookie-8 (Mustang National), Minor (Mustang American) and Major-70 (Bronco).
The Green Hornets baseball program will retain the it's T-ball (4.5-5), Clinic (6), Pony (13-14) and Colt (15-17+) leagues.
The advantages in joining Ripken Baseball are: 1)similar philosophies 2) emphasis on coaching certification and standardization of training 3) machine pitch for 7s and 8s to make the game flow better and enhance the fun for the kids 4) opening up the Ripken World Series Tournament trail for 8U through 12U tournament teams 5)possible interleague games with other Ripken affiliates.
"We've been looking to find ways to enhance the baseball experience for the kids, and what better way than join Ripken Baseball," acknowledged Fall Baseball Director Ron Schuh.
In addition, the Hornets will be purchasing Zooka hand held, batter-operated pitching machines for the coaches- reports from other Ripken organizations have indicated very positive results with this machine. They also sent around 25 coaches to the Ripken Coaches' Clinic on January 26 in Fairfax, Virginia.
"All Severna Park coaches will be encouraged to take the Ripken on-line certification course this year, " noted Frady. "Tournament team coaches will be required to be certified by the end of the season and next year everyone will need to be certified."
The Ripken Tournament Trail, depending upon age, will consist of district playoffs followed by State, Regional and then the World Series. The 12U World Series is played at Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen.
"The Ripken Tournament Trail is a great opportunity for our tournament teams," said Mike Shallue, the 9U Tournament team coach.
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