News

2024 Playoff Brackets

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1IBJEU07sT81Jgl_4UImwfqrp50zzzodTM1Ne0w5pIrY/edit?usp=sharing

 

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

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.

14U Rebels (State Tournament Team)
TBA
Manager: Lou Fresta
 
14U Rebels Red (PPR League)
TBA
Manager: Joe Dunn
 
13U Rebels
Jack Borum
David Cupchak
Evan Hlwiski
Declan Hogan
Gavin Humphries
Michael Kingston
Larry Markey
Sullivan Mastrangelo
Claude Miros
Ryan McGaughey
Joey Omlor
Vinnie Rizzo
Vincenzo Sannicandro
Jake Vukas
Logan Yenser
Manager: Matt Rizzo
 
12U Rebels/2024 Cooperstown Team
Luke Brighters
Nathan Comia
Rhys Dixon
Nate Durso
Roman Evans
Dash Henry
Jesse Juhline
Luke Kebler
Weston McLafferty
CJ Rosanova
Boston Richburg
Manager: Jim Brighters
 
11U Rebels/2025 Cooperstown Team
Charlie Abrams
William Bierman
Maxx Bingham
Michael Breen
Bobby Dougherty
Zach Goddard
Ian Greer
Patrick Guano
Shane Guano
Austin Morgan
Jake Pownall
Daniel Renn
Kellen Williams
Manager: Joe Gratzinger
 
10U Rebels - District
Jack Antrim
Ryan Daley
Eric Durante
Jack Durkin Jr.
Blake Fahringer
Daniel Hudecki
William Lockard
Salvatore Nardi
Jack Neducsin
Andrew O'Hara
Michael Schellenberger
Maddie Spinks
Ryan Thomas
Manager: Eddie Jacot
 
10U Rebels - Tournament
Everett Achuff
Ryan Babcock
Bennett Christensen
Jordan Bedsaul
Beckett Henry
Jake Trainor
Bentley Trimbur
William Trostle
Lukas Walton
Manager: Chris Trimbur
 
9U Rebels
Stanley Bauer
Vincent Carnuccio
Anthony Dabrowski III
Connor Hill
Tyler Humphries
Paul Kern
Max Montovani
Jon Pierce
Jabril Rivers
Harrison Sanuck
Tyler Tarducci
Joey Taylor
Christian Tyson
Manager: Rich Bauer
 
8U Rebels
Dylan Ambs
Jake Babcock
Christopher Biddle
Justin Comia
Luke Cogill
Justin DiBenedetto
Michael Hudecki
Jake Incudine
Weber McKinley
Graham Poniatowski
Julian Salom
Joey Spinks
Mason Taylor
Manager: Joe Spinks
 
7U Rebels
Thomas Ballingall IV
Jackson Brogan
Jack Cangelosi
Rylee Campbell
Sean Cupchak
Michael Cylc
Gabriel Gidjunis
Gabe Linden
Declan Morrison
Bobby Myers
Ryan Sowisdral
Brandon Walters
Bennett Ward
Manager:  Joe Brogan
 
12U Softball
Ava Casino
Katie Clayton
London Johnson
Maura Kirsch
Kylie Kiker
Karen Mellwig
Addyson Moran
Ella Samarco
Hannah Schmidt
Carleigh Taylor
Milania Trama
Lylah Vadino
Manager: Vincent Trama
 
10U Softball
TBA
Manager: Ali DiBricidia
 
8U Softball
TBA
 
Your coaches will be in touch!

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

https://tourneymachine.com/Public/Results/Tournament.aspx?IDTournament=h20230213190820892fa44215efd8c49

 

Roxborough Rumble Father's Day Tournament Schedule (June 15-18) - 7U, 8U

**Schedule Coming Soon**


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 


What is Changing About the Background Screening Process?
In 2021, Babe Ruth League headquarters is now REQUIRING all chartered leagues to comply with BABE RUTH SAFE, utilizing the NCSI background screening (the 'gold standard' of background checks) via their portal powered by SportsEngine. In addition, all volunteers will be required to complete an online Abuse Prevention training provided by APS.  
 
As such, if you are interested in managing or being an assistant coach for I-Ball thru Pony Baseball, PeeWee/Jr./Sr. Softball, or any Tournament team, you must follow the step by step process listed below in the email to complete your background screening in 2021 as outlined below. There are NO exceptions. Lack of compliance from our league risks our Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken charter and ultimately could make us ineligible to compete in district/state/regional tournament play. Therefore we cannot look the other way on this.  Managers AND all coaching staff must complete this in order to be eligible to coach. 
 

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:  

https://baberuthsafety.sportngin.com/page/show/4765030-directions?utm_campaign=2020-12-17%20SSUP%20CSV%20%28Yt5yMe%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=2020%20CSV%20Leagues&_ke=


More resources are available at: https://www.baberuthleague.org/child-protection-program
 
FAQs
 
When Are My Clearances & Training Due?
  • All clearances to be submitte by March 31
I submitted my clearances to the league last year thru Averity, do I still have to do this?
Yes. To comply with the new Babe Ruth League requirement, we are transitioning to this new process.  We are only using Averity for T-Ball, Coach Pitch, and Little Fillies.  
 
If I am "working on my clearances" can I still Coach?
No. You CANNOT coach or participate in any league activities until this process is completed and you are successfully approved in the Babe Ruth system. We are telling you now so you can take the time to complete it in advance of the season.  Keep in mind, completion of clearances does not infer you will automatically be selected to manage a team. Manager spots are limited and will be selected by the board at the completion of player registration based on the number of teams at each level and a review of each applicant's qualifications.

 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.

 


Weds 5/15 Weather Update

All Games Weds 5/15 are postponed due to wet field conditions. All Fields at the Pearlman & Hagy's Complexes are closed tonight.

Please refrain from using any of the fields.  Live batting practice should never be taken on the field except during authorized team practices.

~~~~~~~~~~~

ALL PLAYER REGISTRATION FOR THE SPRING SEASON IS NOW CLOSED!

 

 

Opening Day Ceremonies - Saturday 4/13/24

All baseball and softball players will partici

 

 


WELCOME 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!

 


ABOUT THE 21st WARD JUNIOR LEAGUE

The 21st Ward Junior League is a non-profit organization
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.


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**


 

 


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

 

 


ALCOHOL&TOBACCO ARE PROHIBITED AT THE 21ST WARD COMPLEX!
 
 NO SMOKING/NO CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES!
THERE ARE DESIGNATED ZONES TO SMOKE OFF SITE.
NO EXCEPTIONS!
NO PETS OR DOGS ON THE COMPLEX AT ANYTIME.

 

Contacting The Junior League

YOUR COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS ARE WELCOME!
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. 

FALL BASEBALL SIGN UPS OPEN - EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT EXTENDED TO 7/22
There has been such a positive response to our early bird fall ball registration we want to share the love to those who might've missed out!
Our discounted registration has been extended to 7/22.
Sign up your child and complete online payment before then and save up to $25!
Visit www.leaguelineup.com/21stwardjl to learn more and register.
Open to children Ages 4-12. See website for specific age eligibility.
Online payments must be submitted to paypal.me/21stwardjl by 7/22 to receive discount. Payments received after 7/22 subject to standard fees.
All Registration closes on 8/15
 

 
Players' Pledge
(Before every game, teams will go over this pledge)
Win or lose, I pledge to do the best I can, to be a team player,
to respect my teammates, my opponents, the coaches, and umpires
and to improve myself in spirit, mind, and body.
Parents' Pledge
I will teach all children to play fair and do their best.
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.