PONY Baseball
What is PONY Baseball?
PONY is an acronym, which stands for Protect Our Nation's Youth. Pony Baseball is different than other youth baseball leagues because it teaches players to play the game how it is supposed to be played. The rules of play are designed to maximize player development and minimize chance of injury. For more, see the PONY website.
Why Play Pony Baseball?
Pony baseball scales the size of the field to match the physical capabilities of the players within each division. In addition, Players are placed in division by age at two-year intervals so that they are competing with others players their same age. This ensures that all players will compete on a field with players that match their abilities. It also reduces safety concerns that can occur when older players are on fields with younger players, which happens in Little League.
Most importantly, young players are introduced to more advanced rules at younger ages. Leading off, sealing, holding players on, pick off, balks, hit and run are introduced at the mustang division, age 9. This allows players to play an advanced level base which allows them to develop skills to play travel baseball, high school baseball or beyond.
Who plays PONY Baseball?
Hundreds of current and former Major League Baseball players have chosen to play PONY baseball. Tony Gwynn, Mark McGwire, Ken Griffey Jr. and Rickey Henderson are just a few of the players. A larger list can be viewed here.
What are the PONY field dimensions?
50 ft. bases for Shetland (age 4 & 6)
50 ft. bases for Pinto (age 7 & 8)
60 ft. bases and 46 ft pitching for Mustang (age 9 & 10)
70 ft. bases and 50 ft pitching for Bronco (age 11 & 12)
80 ft. bases and 54 ft pitching for Pony (age 13 & 14)
What rules does PONY Baseball use?
Paradise Hills Pony Baseball is played under a hierarchy of rules. This includes Major League Baseball rules, PONY baseball rules and local Paradise Hills Pony Baseball rules.
Is PONY baseball good for Travel Ball Players?
Yes, Paradise Hills Pony baseball is a better league then Little Leagues because it allows travel ball players to pay an advanced level of baseball using similar rules. This provides players with a comparative advantage over players who play Little League during the regular season.
Is there other PONY leagues in San Diego?
Yes, there are other PONY leagues in San Diego county. Paradise Hills has good relations with them and regularly play tournaments or interleague games with them. Some of these leagues include Chula Vista South, North City Youth Baseball, Tecolote Youth Baseball, La Jolla Youth Baseball, Emerald Pony, Mira Mesa Youth Baseball, and Ramona PONY Baseball.
Registration
How do I register?
Registration for the spring season occurs in December/January and August for the fall season. Registration needs to be completed in person at the specified dates. The exact dates for registration will be posted on the website. For more information, click on the Registration menu.
What are the boundaries?
Paradise Hills Pony does not have any local boundaries restrictions. All youth players residing in San Diego County players are eligible to play for Paradise Hills Pony Baseball regardless of past baseball experience. Click here for more information on our boundaries.
What ages can play PONY?
Players 4-14 can play in the Paradise Hills Pony League. For more information about what age bracket a player would play, click on the Age Brackets menu.
Can 3 year old play Pony?
If the 3 year old turns 4 by the end of the season, he/she may be able to play if approved by the player agent.
What is a baseball player's age?
A baseball player's age may be different than the actual age of the player. The player's baseball age is determined by the player's age on April 30 of the baseball year. To determine a players age, click on the Age Bracket menu.
Can a player play up a division?
Advanced players may request to play a higher level of competition by "Playing Up" one age level.
Due to safety concerns, the league may revoke the request and the player would need to play in there proper age division.
Can a player play down a division?
No. Play down a division is generally not allowed due to safety concerns. Exception may be made on a case by case basis due to playing ability.
Can girls play PONY Baseball?
Yes, many girls play Pony baseball, especially in the Shetland (age 4-6), and Pinto (age 7-8) division. Girls can play in all division, and is great preparation if they want to eventually transition to softball.
Can players play more than one sport at a time?
During the Spring season, it is recommend that a player only plays Pony Baseball. If a player is playing more than one sport, they should indicate when they register the other activity so the manager is aware and can make the necessary adjustments. Fall season is designed to allow players to play traditional fall sports such as football and soccer. The player should still indicate the other activity when they register.
Can a player select their team?
Generally no. Team selection will follow the structure defined in the Paradise Hills Pony Baseball rules to ensure competitive balance. Returning players may request to remain on the same team. New players may request a specific manager. These requests will be considered, but are not guaranteed to be honored.
Can a player play on the same team as a sibling or friend?
Request can be made at the time of registration. Sibling or close family request are typically honored if made prior to team selection. Friend request will be considered, but are not guaranteed to be honored.
What is the refund policy?
Before season draft – Full refund minus $25 processing fee
After season draft – Half refund
After opening day – No refund
Refunds do not include any credit card processing fees. All Refund requests must be submitted in writing to the PHPB Treasurer. Refunds will be issued by check from PHPB Treasurer. Refer the current PHPB Rules for latest refund policy
Is there any required fundraisers?
No, some leagues will try to hide the true cost by requiring players to do fundraising or buyouts. League costs are covered by registration fee and snack bar revenue.
Season
When are games played?
During the spring season (March - May), two games a week are typically played. Once game is played during the week, starting at 5:30 and one game is played early on Saturday. During the fall season, aka Winter Ball (September - November), one game a week is played. Games are typically played on Sundays. Click here for more information about our seasons.
When are practices?
Each team is assigned one dedicated practice per week during the season on the Paradise Hills Pony fields. The manager may organize additional practices as needed at different locations.
What fields do you play at?
Paradise Hills Pony Baseball plays at fields, Penn Athletic Field (2555 Dusk Dr) and Munda Field (2020 Munda Rd). At Munda Field, we are able to play under the lights. During the Spring season, Pony and Bronco divisions play and Munda Field and Mustang, Shetland, and Pinto play at Penn Field. During the Fall season, all home games are played at Munda field. For directions, click on the Field Direction menu.
If a game is canceled, will there be a makeup game?
Games can be canceled for weather or poor field conditions. If a game is canceled, the board will notify the coaches and notification will be posted on the website. A makeup game does not have to be authorized for a canceled game. Only the board can authorized and scheduled makeup games.
Is there any travel required for games?
Typically there are enough teams, allows all regular season games to be played on Paradise Hills Pony fields for Mustang and below. Post season games, such as All-Stars or tournaments may require travel to other Pony Baseball leagues in the area. Bronco and Pony divisions typically travel to other Pony league fields.
What equipment does a player need?
Each player should have their own fielding glove. In addition, they should have their own batting helmet and bat. If cost is an issue, they may borrow another players or coach. Male players must ware a protective cup. A team shirt and hat will be provided to each player. They must wear baseball pants and baseball shoes. At the start of the season, the manager will indicate what color belt and socks the player should wear. The players name should be written on all equipment as many players will have similar items.
What kind of bats can be used?
Baseball bats with 2 1/4 barrel or big barrel bats with 2 5/8 inch barrel can be used. Bats with a 2 3/4 inch barrel bat can not be used in PONY baseball. Little League does not allow big barrel bats with 2 5/8 inch barrel to be used.
Is there post-season baseball?
Yes, All-Star teams are selected in every division and participate in the PONY All-Star tournament. In addition, Paradise Hills regularly sends teams to several post season tournaments. More addition can be viewed by clicking on the Tournaments menu.
League
Can I help coaching?
Yes, we are always looking for volunteers to assist us coaching. Please fill out the Manager/Coach application available in the Registration menu. Turn in your application during one of our specified registration date or contact the division rep, player agent, or any other member of the board. New coaches will be provided training and resources will be provided, so no prior experience is needed to start coaching.
Are background checks performed?
Yes, anyone who has contact with the players during practice or in the dugout during games must fill out a Manager/Coach application so we can perform a background check. This includes all assistant coaches.
Who do I contact if I have a problem?
If you have a baseball related issue, you should first try to resolve it with the team manager. If you are not able to resolve the issue, contact the division representative or any member of the board of directors. You can click on the Contact Us menu to contact the appropriate persons.
Why do I have to work the snack bar?
Snack bar profits are used to pay umpire fees. As a result, the parent (or anyone over 16) needs to work the snack bar according to the schedule put out by the team. The league will try to manage a list of available people who you can pay to work the snack bar in your place.
What are the registration fees used for?
Paradise Hills Pony Baseball is a non-profit organization run only be volunteers. No managers, coaches or board members are paid. Fees are used to pay for the fields, insurance, uniforms, umpires, and equipment and supplies. Our fees are typically lower then most Little Leagues and other PONY leagues in the area.
Is PHPB an IRS acknowledged 501c non-profit?
Yes, Paradise Hills Pony Baseball is a IRS acknowledged 501c non-profit organization organization. Our EID is 74-3186730. Donations make to PHPB may qualify as a tax deduction. For a donations of $250 or more, you may obtain a written acknowledgment. Generally, registration fees do not qualify as a tax deduction. Please consult your tax advisor.
What is the official mailing address?
Paradise Hills Pony Baseball works out of two Fields, Munda and Penn. Munda does not have a USPS mailing address and we are able to receive some mail send to Penn, but all official mail should be sent to, P.O. Box 390607, San Diego, CA 92149-0607
Is there an official league Facebook page?
Yes, Like us on Facebook to view pictures and get the latest updates about the league. 
How can I view/share league pictures?
You can view or share pictures by joining our Facebook League Forum. 
Hashtag #PHPB #PHBaseball #PHPonyBaseball and #ParadiseHillsPonybaseball on your Instagram photos.
