Summary: This division is a player’s first experience with player pitch and stolen bases. Score and standings are kept for the first time, umpires run the show and the game play shifts from strictly fun and developmental to introducing the mechanics of game play and the concept of competition.
Primary objective: Significant baseball “IQ” develops at this level, as does the camaraderie of winning and losing as a team. Yet it remains critical to focus on a positive, developmental experience, nurture a love of the game and aim to have all players want to play again the following year.
Minors Little League Baseball is about fun, friends, fundamentals and fitness – focusing on baseball gameplay and rules – introducing the concepts of winning, losing and teamwork, while building a deep, talented division of players who are learning to love the sport.
Time Commitment
· M, W, OR F - Team practices (at Laurence Harbor complex): 1 hour, once a week
· Thursday - 6pm - 7pm - Division Wide Clinic
· Games 1-2 per week, (approx. 2 hours), Tuesday & Saturday
Required equipment for games and practices
· Bat (age appropriate) - must have a USA Baseball label on the bat Bat Rules
· Baseball helmet (ear flap recommended)
· Heart guard
· Cleats or sneakers (age appropriate, must be rubber)
· Pants
· Protective cup
· Glove
Managers/Coaches duties to fulfill workbond requirements Work Hour Policy
· Attend the umpire clinic (Managers required; Coaches encouraged)
Attend 2 coaches clinics (Managers required; Coaches encouraged)
Attend weekly player's clinics (at least 2 members from coaching staff need to be in attendance)
Attend weekly team practice (at least 2 members from coaching staff need to be in attendance)
Attend games (at least 2 members from coaching staff need to be in attendance)
1 member of each team's coaching staff needs to attend each General Meeting from March - June
Successful Minors managers will:
· Help every player reach their potential in the skills listed below, with specific focus on positional variety, including:
o Providing practice time and encouraging every player to learn pitching mechanics.
o Finding game situations to pitch as many game-ready pitchers as possible (aim for at least half the team to pitch in a game at least once).
o Introducing at least 3 players to playing catcher.
o Rotating players through all the positions on the field (as practical due to safety concerns).
o By mid-season, developing every player to safely play at least one non-OF position each game.
o By mid-season, ensuring every player is capable of thumb up-thumb down catching.
o Extending the throwing strength of all players. As a guideline: By mid-season, more than 50% of team can throw 40 feet (pitcher to 1st base) and 30% can throw 60 feet (home to 1st). By end of season, 90% and 60%.
o Developing batters’ confidence and ability to make aggressive, athletic swings.
· Perform routine field work (rake/drag field after games and practice).
· Be empathetic and patient, while demonstrating impeccable sportsmanship.
· Manage family communications, escalate concerns to their division rep and be a positive contributor to the culture of Old Bridge Little League.
· Ensure at least 2 members of coaching staff participate in each practice (group and individual) and encourage parents to get involved.
· Rely on the other coaches and division rep, share good ideas, help less experienced coaches, and ultimately treat the division as one whole, rather than a scattered collection of teams.
· Complete mandatory league background check and Rutgers SAFETY Clinic.
· Track and report pitch counts and ensure player safety equipment is being worn.
Minors player skills and social development progression …
The Minors level requires a strong focus on skills and knowledge development during the season, while introducing players to healthy competition and the concept of winning and losing. Because of the range of size and skills between 8s and 10s, some 8-year-old newcomers will be better suited for a season in Pony, and the most advanced 10s may elevate to Majors. At this age, top players can also strive to compete at the All-Star and Travel level as a supplement to their Little League experience.
All players can expect to develop skills such as:
Batting
· Competence in batter's box positioning and athletic stance.
· Passing the bat through the strike zone with force.
· Identifying balls vs. strikes.
· Bunting.
Base running
· Understand game situations (# of outs, force plays, fly ball vs grounder, tagging up, etc.) with coach support.
· Stealing and aggressive/smart decisions on bases.
· Exploding off base after ball passes home plate (secondary lead).
· Basics of sliding (feet first only at this age).
Fielding
· Be “baseball ready” every single pitch and understand each position with some coaching help.
· Throwing and catching mechanics that enable more power, accuracy and “clean” baseball.
· Proper footwork and fundamentals to field ground balls.
· Tracking and fielding fly balls.
· Developing proper aggression on defense (“seek out the ball”).
· Understanding “where’s the play.”
· Covering bases correctly when receiving a throw or fielding a ball (tag vs force) and backing-up.
· Basics of the outfield relay, cut-off play.
Social skills and Sportsmanship
· Arrive to practices and games prepared to play baseball (proper uniform, pants, gear, etc).
· Manage their own equipment and focus on the game while in the dugout.
· Listen and learn at all times and recognize the added value of practicing on your own time.
· Always show good sportsmanship on and off the field (never bad mouthing others).
· Strive to win, but thrive on competition.
· Respect the umpire’s authority.
· Be a supportive teammate and respectful opponent.
