Eligibility
Kids league age 7-8 (age as of August 31).
Overview
Coach/Machine Pitch provides a transitional bridge from the introductory ease of Tee Ball to true baseball. The fields have minor league dimensions. The ball is still soft (safety ball). Players rotate among positions and learn to contribute in each. Throwing grows more accurate. And, for the first time, batters learn to hit a pitched ball.
Coaches pitch to their own teams, either over- or under-hand. Pitches are gentle and the name of the game is put the ball in play. Pitching machines (at slow speeds) are used as well. After six pitches, a player can opt to hit off a tee. In time and through patient instruction, every player will learn the fundamentals of timing and swing and connect with the pitched ball.
Although Coach/Machine Pitch is a level up from Tee Ball, the emphasis is still on fun, participation, and teamwork. While the games can be competitive, we not keep score and the rules are modified to minimize strike outs and give each kid an equal opportunity to participate and succeed.
Season
Player evaluations, if held, are typically conducted in late February or early March. Practices, if scheduled, typically begin around the end of March and are typically once per week until games start. Games typically start in early to mid April and go until mid June. Games are twice per week - one weeknight per week (the specific weeknight will vary week to week) and one on Saturday (the Saturday game times will vary from week to week).
Game Duration
Games are about 2 hours long. While games can go up to 6 innings, most games last about 4 or 5 innings to fit within the 2 hours.
Equipment & Attire
Players should have the following equipment and bring to all games and practices:
- Baseball glove
- Most players will have their own baseball bat, although the team/league should have a bat or two available for players if they don't have their own
- Players should provide their own baseball batting helmet. In the past, the team/league would provide a few helmets that players could share, although most players would bring their own anyway for sanitary reasons (e.g., risk of lice). With the COVID outbreak in 2020, we recommend that all players provide their own helmets.
Most sporting goods stores such as Dick's Sporting Goods have a selection of reasonably priced items and people who can help you get the right sized equipment. Also, we recommend Play It Again Sports in Berwyn as they have a selection of both new and used equipment (the used equipment is very reasonably priced) and they too can help fit your child.
Players should wear baseball pants or sweatpants and an athletic t-shirt or sweatshirt. We recommend that players have baseball shoes (i.e., cleats) although players can play in sneakers. Players will be provided a team shirt (to be worn for games) and also a team hat.
Contact
Chris Rodgers
Director, Coach Pitch Baseball
[email protected]