About Cal Ripken Division Babe Ruth Age 12 and Under
Babe Ruth League
The Cal Ripken Divisions
The Pleasant Hill Babe Ruth Cal Ripken division is for players up to the age of twelve years of age. A primary concern of the Babe Ruth League Cal Ripken Division is to keep baseball fun during this early stage of youth baseball. This division is comprised of AA, AAA, Major, Minor, Rookie, and T-Ball Divisions.
• T-Ball (5 to 9)
• Rookie Minor (9 and under)
• Rookie Major (9 and under)
• AAA (11 and under)
• Major-Minor (12 and under)
• Majors (12 and under)
*Age is determined by players age on April 30th.
T-Ball: This program is open to players 5 to 9 years old and teaches the fundamentals of hitting and fielding. All batters will hit the ball from a batting tee which is adjusted to a height that allows the batter to swing level. All rostered players bat in order, whether playing defensively or not. Each player plays a minimum of two innings defensively. An adult coach is stationed beyond the infielders in order to provide instruction to all defensive players. The primary goal is to begin to instruct young players in the fundamentals of baseball in a supportive team environment.
Rookie Minor and Rookie Major divisions are open to players up to the age of 9 and utilize pitching machines to introduce these younger players to competitive baseball. The concept of using a pitching machine was formulated by Dr. Robert Brown, former president of the American League. By controlling the pitches with a pitching machine, there is more action at the plate and in the field. Fear of being hit by a pitched ball is diminished. It makes the game safer and improves the playing confidence and ability of all participants. The use of a pitching machine helps to remove boredom – which is often the result of either overpowering or inadequate pitching – by throwing only strikes. Fewer errors and greater throwing accuracy are the result of increase in activity. The rookie league is an excellent way to continue teaching the fundamentals of the game and building player confidence.
AAA: Ages 11 and under. Teams play on 60-foot base paths, with the pitcher’s rubber located 46 feet from home plate. The game is played on a 60-foot diamond with a pitching distance of 46 feet. This is the first year where the players pitch so in order to encourage the league to train more pitchers, there are rules that set the maximum number of innings a pitcher may pitch in a calendar week. Regulation games consist of six innings or four innings if a game is called. Special base running rules are also in effect.
Major Minor and Major: The most experienced level of Cal Ripken Baseball, recommended for 11 and 12 year old players. This division is played under the Official Baseball Rules, but implements some special rules as necessary for the development and welfare of this young age group. The game is played on a 70-foot diamond with a pitching distance of 50 feet. In order to encourage the league to train more pitchers, there are rules that set the maximum number of innings a pitcher may pitch in a calendar week. Regulation games consist of six innings or four innings if a game is called. Special base running rules are also in effect.
Willamette Valley Babe Ruth is organized according to local area high school boundaries. Currently, the following areas for Pleasant Hill Babe Ruth include Pleasant Hill, Cottage Grove, Creswell, Lowell and Oakridge school boundaries. Players are required to register and attend the Pleasant Hill Babe Ruth tryouts.
