- WORK PARTIES EVERY SATURDAY MORNING 8AM
- ALL COACHES MUST VOLUNTEER FOR WORK PARTIES
- NO ALCOHOL/TOBACCO/FOUL LANGUAGE ON COMPLEX
- ALL COACHES MUST COMPLETE BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR 2022
- SPONSORS NEEDED FOR 2022
Welcome
Subscribe to our NewsletterWELCOME TO OPENING DAY 2024
Welcome to the 2024 Season! All game schedules for the 2024 season are posted in the 'schedules' tab of our website. Please keep in mind schedules are subject to change based on weather or other factors. The online schedule will always be the most up to date source of truth. Rain outs will be rescheduled to the earliest available date.
ALL PLAYER REGISTRATION FOR THE SPRING SEASON IS NOW CLOSED!
Opening Day Ceremonies - Saturday 4/13/24
All baseball and softball players will participate in our Opening Day procession and ceremony.
9:20 a.m. Players and Coaches should report in uniform to the Pearlman Complex (B Field)?
9:40 a.m. Players should be lined up in their assigned spots as directed.
9:50 a.m. Procession of players begins
10:00 a.m. Opening Day Ceremony Begins
11:00 a.m. Play Ball!
In-House Rec League - Updated 3/27/24
ALL REGISTRATION IS CLOSED FOR THE 2024 SPRING SEASON. We can no longer accept any new sign ups.
Parents, please do not send requests for team placement of your child with specific coaches, teams, or players. Only siblings playing at the same level are guaranteed placement together. In addition, please do not send move-up requests. Move-up requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis only if presented by a head coach. Thank you for your cooperation.
In-house rec league practices will begin as weather and field conditions permit. All rosters have been completed except for T-ball, which will be completed by 3/29.
| Level | Team | Head Coach |
| Pony (13-15) | Brewers | Dave Cupchak |
| Pony (13-15) | Diamondbacks | Billy Arnold |
| Pony (13-15) | Phillies | Lou Fresta |
| Pony (13-15) | Rays | John Michini |
| Pony (13-15) | Twins | Brian Karakeidos |
| Majors | Brewers | Mike Juhline |
| Majors | Phillies | Tim Breen |
| Majors | Rays | Jim Brighters |
| Majors | Rockies | Jeff Goddard |
| Minors | Clippers | Matt Daley |
| Minors | Iron Pigs | Eddie Jacot |
| Minors | Mud Hens | Drew Hudecki |
| Minors | Yard Goats | Ryan Babcock |
| AAA | Baysox | Walt Kaufmann |
| AAA | Fishercats | Drew Hudecki |
| AAA | Jays | Joe Spinks |
| AAA | RockHounds | Chris Ward |
| I-Ball | Blue Claws | Joe Brogan |
| I-Ball | Renegades | Joe Gidjunis |
| I-Ball | Pelicans | Doug Morrison |
| Coach Pitch | Athletics | Chris Roberts |
| Coach Pitch | Giants | Adrienne Waldron |
| Coach Pitch | Orioles | CJ Fink |
| Coach Pitch | Tigers | Rick Howley |
| T-Ball | Athletics | TBA |
| T-Ball | Athletics - Black | Adam Szklanka |
| T-Ball | Braves | Jim Murphy |
| T-Ball | Giants | Dan McGinn |
| T-Ball | Indians | Craig Brennan |
| T-Ball | Orioles - Red | Brandon Wilson |
| T-Ball | Orioles - Black | Mike Kehoe |
| T-Ball | Phillies | Mike Joyce/Alex Spanos |
| T-Ball | Panthers | Michael Calcavecchia/Brian Karakaedos |
| T-Ball | Tigers | Jeff Massa |
| Softball - Jr. | Bulldogs | Vinny Trama |
| Softball - Jr. | Fighting Irish | Matt Kirsch |
| Softball - Jr. | Gators | Ali DiBricidia |
| Softball - Jr. | Tigers | Jen Malloy |
| Softball - PeeWee | Bulldogs | Alexis & Sandra Levant |
| Softball - PeeWee | Fighting Irish | Katie Rizzo |
| Softball - PeeWee | Hurricanes | Jim Tobin |
| Softball - PeeWee | Tigers | Zach Torres |
| Softball - Little Fillies | Little Fillies | Katie Rizzo - Director |
Spring 2024 Player Registration has Closed
March 4, 2024 - Player Registration for the Spring 2024 season is now closed. We are currently reviewing our registration list and age breakdown to determine if there are any available spaces at the various age group. If so, we will then open a very limited Late Registration period, but only on a space available basis. If you have questions please email 21stwardregistrar@gmail.com
If you signed your child up for the upcoming season, you'll receive more information via email later this week. If you registered but have not yet submitted payment, please do so as soon as possible.
Baseball Player Rec League Evaluations
Saturday 3/9/24 (See Time Slots Below)
Roxborough HS Gym
|
Level |
Birthdates |
Time Slot |
Who Attends? |
|
Pony 13-15 |
May 1, 2008 – April 30, 2011 |
9:45 am – 10:15 am |
NEW Players Only |
|
Majors |
May 1, 2011 – April 30, 2013 |
9:45 am – 10:15 am |
NEW Players Only |
|
Minors/AAA |
May 1, 2013 – April 30, 2016 |
10:15 am – 11:30 am |
All Players* *if you tried out for 8U, 9U, or 10U Rebels, you do not need to attend |
|
I-Ball |
May 1, 2016 – April 30, 2017 |
11:30 am – 12:45 pm |
All Players |
NEW Players – if you have not played in our league in either the previous Spring 2023 or Spring 2022 season, you are considered a new player
All Players – any age eligible player for that group *exception is players who tried out (or are actively trying out) for 8U – 10U Rebels travel teams
Players born later than April 30, 2017 are not to attend player evaluations. These evals are just to help inform our draft-eligible levels so that teams are created as evenly as possible.
This is just for baseball on 3/9. Softball player evals will take place on Sat 3/16. Details to follow.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Spring 2024 Season - Recreational League Sign Ups Register by March 1, 2024
Roxborough Rebels Travel Baseball & Softball Pre-Registration
The 21st Ward Jr. League offers our players the option to represent the league by participating on our more competitive travel/tournment teams. Players tryout for these teams and upon selection will practice and play in a mix of local/regional games and tournaments later this Spring and into Summer. These teams also represent the league on teh Cal Ripken/Babe Ruth official tournament trail where they can earn an opportunity to qualify through district, state, regional, and national World Series play. There is an additional time and financial commitment but our league has excelled at preparing our Rebels players for high school and beyond. We currently have over a dozen Rebels alumni playing baseball and softball in NCAA DI, II, III, and Junior College or committed to play in college in the coming years. But it all starts with playing with your friends, representing your community, and working hard to develop your skill and understanding of the game.
If your child is interested in playing 7U - 11U travel baseball or 12U, 10U, or 8U travel softball this year, please pre-register for tryouts. There is not cost to tryout but you must pre-register. Information about ages 14U and above will be published at a later date. The 11U baseball team selected this year is also the 2025 12U Cooperstown team. If the number of players and skills allow, we will make multiple teams at an age group (A & B teams)
PRE-REGISTER TODAY!
Rebels Travel Baseball Pre-Registration: https://forms.gle/hpMuxXARvN4Jt1LX6
Rebesl Travel Softball Pre-Registration: https://forms.gle/m3yF8bwv4HdokNgj8
Requirements to play travel baseball or softball
- Meet Age Eligibility (see pre-registration form)
- Sign up and participate in our in-house rec league for the 2024 season. Travel is a separate program with a separate fee, but you must play in the rec league to play travel. We do not offer stand alone travel.
- At least one parent of each child trying out attends a mandatory parent information session
- Participate in the minimum # of required tryout sessions
Offseason Workouts & Tryout dates
For information on offseason workouts, tryout dates, times, and locations visit https://www.leaguelineup.com/miscinfo.asp?menuid=36&url=21stwardjl
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Monday 6/12 Inclement Weather
8u softball tryouts are cancelled on Mon 6/12. They will take place Tues 6/13 and Weds 6/14.
The Minors game on Mon 6/12 is postponed to Tues 6/13.
PLAYOFF BRACKETS
Playoff schedules for AAA, Minors, Majors, Pony, Junior Softball, and Pee Wee Softball are now avilable.
2023 Playoff Brackets (click to view)
**Playoff schedules are subject to change, based on weather related cancellations or suspended games. Changes will be communicated to head coaches**
ROXBOROUGH RUMBLE TOURNAMENTS
June 8-11 and June 16-18, we are excited to welcome 38 teams, representing 25 local organizations. Best of luck to all teams.
Roxborough Rumble Tournament Schedule (June 8-11) - 9U, 10U, 11U
Roxborough Rumble Father's Day Tournament Schedule (June 15-18) - 7U, 8U
**Schedule Coming Soon**
Congratulations to all players who were selected to our 2024 Roxborough Rebels Baseball & Softball travel teams.
As teams are selected, we will post the rosters below.
REGISTRATION FAQs
AGE ELIGIBILITY
Please register your child for the program that aligns with their date of birth. Please do not send "move up" requests for your child. We utilize Babe Ruth baseball cut off dates (for Baseball that is May 1; For Softball that is Jan 1). If there is an extenuating circumstances involving a potential safety issue, coaches will have the opportunity to bring those situations to the board at the player draft. These decisions are made at the board's discretion in the best interest of the entire league and the player.
Baseball Ball Age Determination Chart
Softball Age Determination Chart
TEAM PLACEMENT
Siblings (provided they are eligible to play in the same age group) will always be placed together unless the league is instructed to keep them apart. Please note that special requests cannot be honored - please do not send reqeusts asking for your child to be placed with specific coaches, team name/color, placement with extended family, friends or classmates. Our league is an amazing community and a great place for your child to develop new friendships. We can assure you they will have a great time! The volume of players is too large for us to be able to honor special requests. We appreciate your cooperation.
Important 2023 Season Dates
Registration Deadline - March 1, 2023
Skills Assessments - Limited to certain age groups. Dates/Locations will be finalized in February and communicated on our website & social channels.
Team Placements - Baseball & Softball player drafts typically are the 2nd week of March. Tee Ball/Coach Pitch & Little Fillies roster placements are finalized the 3rd week of March. Please do not contact the league seeking team placements or coach assignments between March 1 - March 20. Your coach will contact you directly as soon as the league has completed this process.
Practices Begin - March TBD as field conditions & weather permit
Games Begin - TBA - usually first week of April
Opening Day Ceremony - TBA - April 2023
Field Locations
- Al Pearlman Sports Complex - Port Royal Ave & Harner Street
- Hagy's Mill Complex - 8457 Hagy's Mill Road
- Jack Horgan Memorial Field - 8730 Old Line Road
- Pachella Field - Henry Avenue
- Mud Flats - Pechin Street behind Roxborough HS
- Hillside Rec Center - Fountain Street
- Houston Playground - 900 Grakyn Lane
Practice & Game Times/Days
Depending on your child's age group, you can expect that during the pre-season your child will practice 2x per week (usually 1 weeknight and 1 day on the weekend, but the field and your coach's availability will drive that). Once the season begins, your child's game schedule will depend on his/her age group, the number of teams in that age group, field availability, and umpire service scheduling. Generally you can expect that your child will play 1 - 2 games per week, either on weeknights and/or Saturdays. The season runs from early- April to mid-June. In-season practices are at the discretion of your child's coach based on field availability. We aim to publish a final game schedule approx. 10 days prior to the start of the season. There is a lot that goes into scheduling so we appreciate your patience. T-Ball and Coach Pitch generally practice/play 2x per week in-season (1 weeknight and on Saturday mornings)
EQUIPMENT
Your child is required to provide their own baseball glove, batting helmet, and cleats (metal cleats are only permitted for 13-15 yr old baseball; all other ages must have molded/plastic ones). Bats are provided to TBall & Little Fillies. Baseball players ages 8 & up must also provide their own athletic supporter/cup.
UNIFORMS
We partner with Kampus Klothes to supply the league's unforms. Baseball players (age 7 -15) must provide their own WHITE baseball pants. Baseball Players receive a hat, jersey, and socks. Softball players receive a jersey and socks. TBall and Coach Pitch players receive a hat and jersey. Little Fillies players receive a jersey. The league partners with DICK'S Sporting Goods each season and DICK'S will host an in-store discount day in March, as well as access to coupons valid year-round. The league will provide teams with catcher's equipment.
PAYMENT PLANS
If you have a financial hardship please contact 21stwardregistrar@gmail.com to inquire about payment plan. All fees must be paid in full by March 31 or your child will not receive his/her uniform and will not be eligible to participate. An initial deposit will be required to secure your child's spot for the season. Failure to comply with the payment plan will result in forfeiture of your deposit and your child will be ineligible to play.
If you have any other questions, contact 21stwardregistrar@gmail.com
BABE RUTH/CAL RIPKEN LEAGUE BACKGROUND CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS
Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken leagues require a specific set of background checks, child abuse clearances, and abuse prevention trainings for volunteers who have consistent and direct contact with players through league sanctioned activities every 2 years. Because you reside in Pennsylvania, you must complete the Pennsylvania requirements in addition to the Babe Ruth League requirements.
Below you will find the links and instructions to obtain your background checks. Please be aware it takes up to 5 business days for your submitted clearances to be reviewed by Babe Ruth League. The cost for clearances is $25.50.
STEP 1: PENNSYLVANIA BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIREMENTS
Be sure to electronically save the following three documents as you receive them. You will need them for Step 2 (Babe Ruth Requirements)
1: PA Child Abuse History Clearance (free):
• Form found at www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis
(Click the link for an “Individual Login” or “Create Individual Account” if you do not have one.)
2. PA Criminal Record Check (free):
• Form found at https://epatch.state.pa.us (Click “New Record Check Volunteers Only”)
If there is no record, you will receive a downloadable document indictaton “no record.” If there is a criminal record, your results may take a couple weeks.
3: Disclosure Statement or FBI Fingerprint Clearance: One of these options must be completed even if clearances came from another organization:
Option 1: If you have been a resident of the Commonwealth of PA for AT LEAST the past 10 YEARS, complete, sign and submit the “Disclosure Statement for Volunteers” form which can be downloaded and printed
Option 2: If you have NOT been a resident of the Commonwealth of PA for AT LEAST the past 10 YEARS, you will be required in accordance with PA Law to obtain an FBI federal background clearance (Criminal History Record Information (CHRI)) which involves fingerprinting. The cost is $18. To complete this process, use the following website and follow the steps: https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks. You will need to obtain your fingerprints first. You can identify the nearest FBI fingerprint location here by entering your zip code. https://www.edo.cjis.gov/#/org/USPS
By completing the above requirements, you will have a clearance to volunteer with children in Pa. for five years. However, for Babe Ruth League volunteers, you must also complete Step 2.
STEP 2: BABE RUTH LEAGUE CLEARANCES
You will need to follow this link to access the Babe Ruth Background Screen Registration:
https://baberuthsafety.sportngin.com/register/form/277089265
If you do not already have an account, you will need to create one by clicking the “Create an Account” link at the bottom of the page. Advance through this process by clicking the green continue buttons on the page as you fill out your information.
Pa. Ripken is in the Mid Atlantic Region, and you will need to select your league in the long list under Mid Atlantic Region.
Continue scrolling to the bottom of the page where it asks you if you volunteer in Pennsylvania. Select “Yes” and upload your three documents from STEP 1 above. Continue answering the questions and clicking the green Continue or Review button at the bottom of the page until you complete the process.
Once you complete the process, you will be asked to complete the abuse prevention training. If you have taken this training from other organizations, you can skip the videos and just answer the quiz questions. If you have not gone through the training, you will need to watch the videos and complete the quiz questions. You will receive a score immediately after completing the quiz. You must pass the quiz to complete the training.
After you have completed the steps above it will take the Babe Ruth league up to 5 business days to review your background checks and get your name cleared to volunteer. If there are any issues with your background check, you and your league President will be contacted.
Your Babe Ruth League clearances are good for 2 years.
Any questions can be directed to Babe Ruth League at pat@baberuthleague.org or 800-880-3142.
Additional information for league admins can be found at:
More resources are available at: https://www.baberuthleague.org/child-protection-program
- All clearances to be submitte by March 31
INCLEMENT WEATHER PROCESS
We will always make every effort possible to play but the safety of the players, coaches, umpires, and spectators is our top priority, as well as providing proper notification to the umpires. In the event we need to cancel games to due to the weather we will do so as soon as possible by notifying managers via email or text, as well as announcing on our website and on our league Facebook page.
ABOUT THE 21st WARD JUNIOR LEAGUE
that serves the children of Northwest Philadelphia (the 21st Ward).
We have no paid employees, and can provide sports activities to resident children only through volunteer efforts and participation. Fees are designed to cover the cost of the baseball and softball programs that we offer. The parents or guardians of each child participating in the League's programs are asked to provide 2 hours of time per season in field maintenance and trash pickup to enable us to keep costs low and to maintain our quality facilities that are enjoyed by all.
2021 COVID-19 GUIDELINES
We are in the process of revising our 2021 season COVID-19 guidelines in accordance with city, state, CDC, and Babe Ruth League policies. We will publish our 2021 guidelines and protocols on our website as soon as they are finalized. We expect that most will mirror what we had in place for 2020, but there may be some changes.
INCLEMENT WEATHER NOTIFICATIONS & RAIN OUTS
ALWAYS assume your game is on unless your coach contacts you to tell you otherwise. Inclement weather announcements will be posted on our website and on our Facebook page at the earliest possible time. We always aim to make final decisions at least 90 mins prior to game time, but depending on the situation that is not always possible. The league will contact all coaches via email and/or text to notify them of any cancellations, delays, or postponements. Your coaches will then relay that information to you.
NEW BAT RULES IN 2018
With holiday shopping season fast approaching, we want the 21st Ward community to be up to speed on the new bat regulations that will be going into effect Jan 1, 2018. Cal Ripken & Babe Ruth Baseball will be adopting the new USA Bat standards. The new bats are designed to behave more like traditional wood bats. As discussed at the 11/15 General Body Meeting, as a Cal Ripken & Babe Ruth chartered league, it is our intent to adopt these new standards for our in-house program for the 2018 season for the AAA - Pony levels. If you want to see a list of the individual bats, sorted by bat manufacturer that are approved, visit www.usabat.com The key thing you are looking for is the USA bat stamp on the bat. Below are the new specifications for 2018.
ATTENTION MANAGERS & COACHES FOR 2016:
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN COACHING A TOURNAMENT TEAM FOR CAL RIPKEN/BABE RUTH BASEBALL DISTRICTS/STATES/REGIONALS,YOU MUST PASS 1 CERTIFICATION COURSE ON CAL RIPKEN/BABE RUTH BASEBALL WEBSITE. THIS IS MANDATORY. ONCE COMPLETED, EMAIL YOUR CERTIFICATES TO AN ELECTED BOARD MEMBER.
ALL MANAGERS & COACHES MUST HAVE THIS CERTIFICATION. EVEN IF YOU PLAN ON PUTTING YOUR NAME IN FOR A TOURNAMENT TEAM OR POSSIBLY COACHING WITH A MANAGER, YOU MUST BE CERTIFIED.
IT IS STRONGLY SUGGESTED TO TAKE THESE COURSES EVEN IF YOU ARE ONLY COACHING IN-HOUSE. YOU WILL LEARN A WHOLE LOT. YOU WILL HAVE ACCESS TO THE COURSE AND MATERIALS AT ALL TIMES VIA CAL RIPKEN/BABE RUTH WEBSITE.
HERE IS THE WEBSITE:
http://www.baberuthcoaching.org/coaches/index.cfm
HERE IS THE COST: (PAID BY MANAGERS/COACHES)
REMEMBER, YOU ONLY NEED 1 CERTIFICATION. YOU CAN TAKE THE COURSE AS MANY TIMES AS YOU WANT TO PASS AND ONLY PAY ONCE. CONSIDER TAKING THE 2 BASEBALL COURSES. IT WILL OPEN YOUR EYES IMMEDIATELY. OUR KIDS WILL BENEFIT FROM THIS RIGHT AWAY.
HERE IS WHAT THE DOCUMENT LOOKS LIKE AFTER COMPLETION OF THE COURSE. YOU WILL NEED TO CARRY A WALLET SIZE WITH YOU COACHING AND SEND A COPY OF YOUR CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT BABE RUTH SITE TO NICK.ROSLEY@HOTMAIL.COM. CERTIFICATE ONLY, NOT TRANSCRIPT.
THANK YOU, 21ST WARD JL BASEBALL
COACHES: HERE IS A LINK FOR GREAT INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS:
https://www.ripkenbaseball.com/instructional_videos
NO SMOKING/NO CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES!
Contacting The Junior League
TO CONTACT THE JUNIOR LEAGUE:
1)TO KEEP YOUR QUESTION/COMMENTS PRIVATE. SEND US AN E-MAIL: 21stwardregistrar@gmail.com
2) To send email or reach a League Officer or Board Member by phone, go to the League Contacts and select mail for that official, if available. If email is not available, please contact by phone.
3) For RAIN OUTS, the league will communicate directly with team Managers. All inclement weather updates will be posted on our website and on our Facebook page in as timely manner as possible. Always assume the game is on until your manager tells you otherwise.
to respect my teammates, my opponents, the coaches, and umpires
and to improve myself in spirit, mind, and body.
I will positively support all managers, coaches, and players.
I will respect the decisions of the umpires.
I will praise a good effort despite the outcome of the game.
