BROOKLINE YOUTH BASEBALL

 

SPRING, SUMMER AND FALL SEASONS

 

Information for Players and Parents

 

Who We Are

Brookline Youth Baseball is an all-volunteer recreational sports organization dedicated to boys and girls ages 7 (as of 9/1/03) to 15 who live in Brookline or attend Brookline schools. We work closely with the Brookline Recreation Department and welcome all children regardless of their gender, race, religion, ethnicity or athletic ability!

 

What We Offer

Our largest program is Spring Baseball, which runs from April school vacation through mid-June.  We also offer Summer and Fall Baseball to help children keep their baseball skills sharp.

 

Spring Baseball:

 

Instructional League:  For players 7 years old by Sept. 1 of the year they are playing in.  This league is designed as an introduction to baseball where participants learn the basics of the game through a season that features two practices a week and concludes with two or three games against other teams during the last two weeks of the season.  Coaches pitch and play the position of catcher.  Scores are NOT kept.  A safety ball is used.  This is not tee-ball.  BYB does not offer a tee-ball program.

 

AA League:  For 8 and 9 year-olds. This league features instruction and games in a supportive environment.  Players meet twice a week for practice and/or modified-rules games with other teams.   Coaches pitch to players.  Players are allowed to play the position of catcher.  Scores are NOT kept. A safety ball is used.

 

Minor League:  For 9, 10 and 11 year-olds. This league provides a more competitive environment with an emphasis on teamwork and skill acquisition.  Teams play two six-inning games per week.   Players pitch and play the catcher position.  All players on all teams remain in the batting order for every game.  Game scores are kept and standings are maintained.  The season concludes with playoffs.   A modified, harder safety ball is used.

 

Major B League: For 10, 11 and 12 year-olds, although we encourage 10 year olds to play Minors. This league teaches the players new skills.  Players play two six-inning games per week.  Players are required to participate in a pre-season tryout. Stealing and bunting are allowed  Players pitch and play the catcher position.  There are substitutions in the field, but all players are in the batting order. Scores are kept and standings are maintained.  The season concludes with playoffs.   A hard ball is used.  Wooden bats are required at this level for safety reasons. Metal bats are not allowed.

 

Major A League: Primarily for 11 and 12 year-olds.  Teams initially play two six-inning games per week, and three games per week in the second half of the season. Players are required to participate in a pre-season tryout.  Stealing and bunting are allowed.  The infield fly rule is enforced. There are substitutions in the field, but all players are in the batting order. Scores are kept, standings are maintained and the season concludes with playoffs.    A hard ball is used.  Wooden bats are required at this level for safety reasons. Metal bats are not allowed.

 

Pony League:  For 13, 14 and 15 year-olds.  Teams play two or three seven-inning games per week.  Major League rules are followed with substitution, reentry and pitching rules modified.  A full-sized diamond is featured.  Scores are kept, standings are maintained and the season concludes with playoffs.  A hard ball is used.  Wooden bats are required at this level for safety reasons. Metal bats are not allowed.

 

Team and League Assignments

Appropriate league selection is based on age and ability by League Vice Presidents.  The primary concern in league assignment is the safety of the player.  Team assignments are based on safety and attempted parity and are made by the League Vice President, in consultation with the coaches. Parents and players may make requests for particular teams, coaches, or player pairings, with the understanding that BYB may not always be able to honor such requests.

 

Summer Baseball:

 

Cometitive Tournament Baseball: For players ages 9-16.  BYB participates in the Baystate Tournament of Champions.  This is a very competitive, inter-town baseball program we recommend only for the most dedicated and skillful players.  Teams play three or four times per week and practice regularly.  The season runs from late June through late August.  Tryouts are held in mid-May.  Your coach will have information at that time on place and time for tryouts.

 

Summer Pick-Up Program: This program is designed to give all members of the BYB playing commuinity an opportunity to play over the summer months. The program is designed as a low-key option for those unable to commit to summer tournament baseball and ranges in ages from 7 to 15 with coaches pitching. There is no cost and players can come when they wish and need not make a commitment to play all summer. The program runs two days a week from the end of June through August (fields to be determined). Teams will be chosen on each night to keep things balanced and depending on who arrives to play. The program is run by Hank Hryniewicz (AA Baseball) and Cary Frederick (Minor League A.L. Baseball).

 

Fall Baseball:

 

Two fall baseball programs are available for players who want to improve their skills.  In each, the emphasis is on instruction and player development.  Both programs begin the weekend after Labor Day and continue through the end of October.  Space may be limited due to limited fields.  The sign-up process will be in the local newspaper in late August and early September and on the BYB website.

 

Majors Fall Baseball Clinic: For players 10-11 years old who plan to play in one of the Major Leagues (A or B) the following spring.  This clinic features instruction on specific skills (throwing, fielding, hitting, baserunning) and scrimmage baseball games.  The clinic meets for three hours on Sunday afternoons. 

 

Pony Fall Baseball League:  For players who plan to play in Pony League the following spring (generally 12-13 years old).  This league features competitive games against several teams from Newton.  The emphasis remains instructional and coaches help players develop skills and adjust to the larger Pony League diamond.  Games are played Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons.  Teams practice once each week.  A hard ball and wooden bats are used.

 

Code of Conduct for Players

The BYB code of conduct for players is rooted in respect.  

á      Players must treat each other with respect at all times.    Gloating, taunting, swearing, or complaining WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.  BYB expects each player to act in a sportsmanlike manner.

á      Players must treat their coaches and umpires with respect.  Baseball is a subjective game and involves lots of close calls.  Players must abide by the decisions of their umpires and coaches and Ňplay the call,Ó even if they disagree.

á      Players must treat the equipment and fields with respect.  Players are expected to pick up their trash and leave the fields in good condition.

 

Code of Conduct for Coaches

The BYB code of conduct for coaches also emphasizes respect.

á      Coaches must respect their players.  BYB expects all coaches to be positive and enthusiastic role models.  They will demonstrate, in word and deed, the principles of fair play and good sportsmanship.  Each child is to be nurtured as an individual with the potential to develop good baseball and sportsmanship skills.

á      Coaches must treat umpires with respect. Coaches must abide by the decisions of their umpires and Ňplay the call,Ó even if they disagree.

á      Coaches must treat the equipment and fields with respect.

 

Code of Conduct for Spectators

BYB depends on spectators to create a respectful environment.

á      Spectators must treat all players respectfully.  BYB expects spectators to be equally supportive of both teams and show appreciation for a good play no matter who makes it.

á      Spectators must respect the coaches.  BYB values its coaches and expects that their decisions will not be challenged by spectators during a game.

á      Spectators must treat the umpires with respect.  BYB expects that spectators will help coaches demonstrate good sportsmanship and not contest the umpiresŐ calls.  BYB hopes that spectators will sit back and enjoy the chance to be outside with friends and neighbors.

 

BYB reserves the right to ask any violators of this Code of Conduct to leave the playing field.  Repeated violations may result in the suspension or exclusion of the player from BYB.

 

Uniforms and Equipment

Players should bring the following items:

á      Uniforms must be worn at all games.  BYB provides t-shirts and caps and encourages players to obtain their own baseball pants.  Players should wear a long-sleeved shirt under the baseball t-shirt on cold days.

á      Baseball glove.  Players must provide their own gloves.  BYB recommends that gloves be obtained in advance of the season so that they can be worn in by the time we begin play.

á      Baseball cleats are recommended for players who play in the Minor League and above.

á      Batting gloves are recommended for players who play in the Major and Pony Leagues

á      Bring a water bottle to games and practices.

á      No jewelry is permitted.  If your child wears glasses, safety glasses or sports glasses are recommended.

BYB provides bats and batting helmets but players may purchase their own bats and batting helmets if they wish.

 

Rainouts

Springtime in New England brings variable weather.  BYB postpones games when rainy weather makes the fields unsafe for play.  Assume that you are playing unless notified by your coach.  If a game is postponed, we will make every attempt to reschedule it.

 

Questions or Concerns?

The first place to bring a question or concern is to your childŐs coach.  If, after consulting with the coach, you still have questions or concerns, we recommend that you contact the Vice President for your childŐs league.  Ultimately, the Commissioner is available to help sort out any issues that may arise.

 

Commissioner:  Jack Corrigan

Instructional League:  Craig Corcoran

AA:  Hank Hryniewicz

Minor League (American League):  Cary Frederick

Minor League (National League):  Danny Wisel

Major B League:  Tim Smith

Major A League:  John Bucci

Pony League:  Mike Severo

Summer Baseball:  Eric Brandt

Fall Baseball:  Dave Milstone

Umpire Contact: John Doernberg

BYB General Telephone Number:  617-730-5849

Website:   www.brooklineyouthbaseball.org