Summary: The Majors level builds upon the rules and gameplay and field dimensions of the Minors, with heightened focus on developing skills and teamwork in a more competitive setting. It provides a strong balance of instructional and competitive development during the season, culminating in playoffs and a single champion. Managers in this division provide sound skills training, maintain a good balance of playing time and position rotations for all players, and accommodate skill levels ranging from newcomers to aspiring school-team level talent.
Primary Objective: Provide a healthy, social, competitive environment where players can develop skills and deepen their love of the game, at an age where life-long friendships and memories will be created.
Majors Little League baseball is about friends, fitness, fundamentals and fun – where kids strive to win, but thrive on the competition – while improving as a player and a teammate.
Time Commitment
· M, Tu, 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), Wednesday & 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 Majors managers will:
· Help every player reach their potential in the skills listed below, with specific focus on positional variety, including:
o Establishing at least 3 options at catcher.
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 60% of the team to pitch at least once).
o By mid-season, developing every player to play at least one inning of a non-OF position each game.
o Treating OF as the critical role it is, and develop more talented players’ OF skills.
o Extending the throwing strength of all players. As a guideline: By mid-season, more than 50% of team can throw 60 feet and 25% can throw third-to-first. By end of season, 90% and 50%.
· Understand it’s not the words you say, it’s what the player hears (and learns) that matters.
· Be empathetic and patient, while demonstrating and demanding high standards and impeccable sportsmanship.
· Perform routine field work (rake/drag field after games and practice).
· 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.
Majors player skills and social development progression …
Players in the Majors will present a wide range of baseball experience, from those who have played more than half their lives, to those discovering baseball for the first time. This division will welcome, nurture and drive all, as the size and coordination at this age lends itself to massive strides in a short amount of time. Many Majors players will be equipped with the social skills and maturity to assume leadership roles within the team. At this age, 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 and confidence in batter's box positioning and athletic stance.
· Passing the bat through the strike zone with force and intention.
· High level proficiency identifying balls vs. strikes.
· Situational awareness (productive outs, bunting, etc).
Base running:
· Understand instinctively game situations (# of outs, force plays, fly ball vs grounder, tagging up, etc) with minimal coaching intervention.
· Stealing and aggressive/smart decisions on bases.
· Exploding off base after ball passes home plate (secondary lead).
· How and when to slide.
Fielding
· Be “baseball ready” every pitch and understand each position without constant coaching.
· Correct throwing and catching mechanics that enable more power and accuracy.
· Proper footwork to field and throw quickly.
· Tracking and fielding fly balls.
· Exhibiting proper aggression on defense (“a nose for the ball”).
· Covering bases and backing up positions on balls in play and communicating with teammates pre-pitch to know “where’s the play.”
· Covering bases correctly when receiving a throw or fielding a ball (tag vs force).
· Effectively performing the outfield relay.
Social skills and Sportsmanship
· Attend all possible practices and games, arrive on time, 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).
· Respect the umpire’s authority.
· Be a supportive teammate and respectful opponent.
· Relish the social aspect of team dynamics and assume leadership roles as appropriate.
· Strive to win, but thrive on competition.
