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What to Expect at Each Division

This summary is meant to serve as a very basic and general guide to what your player may experience in each division of Adna Youth Baseball. Actual levels and experiences may vary. Some players may need to be moved to a division with younger players for safety or team number reasons.

T-BALL Division

Ballplayers: Pre-K & Kindergarten

Ballplayers learn hitting and fielding fundamentals in a supportive team environment. Young athletes hit the ball from a height-adjustable batting tee and bat in order through the lineup for the entire game. The primary goal is to introduce young players to the fundamentals of baseball in a positive, encouraging atmosphere.

  • Teams may consist of 8 or more players

  • Players must be at least 4 years old on or before May 1st (insurance will not approve players under age 4)

  • Optional 3 pitches per batter; if a fair ball is not hit, the player will hit off the tee

  • All players will bat each inning

  • Defensive play may be rotated at the coach’s discretion

  • Games are Fridays at 6:00 pm

  • Practice schedule determined by the coach

    • Typically 2 practices per week until games begin

    • Then 1 practice and 1 game per week

  • Provided by League/Player Fee: Team shirt, hat, socks, and insurance

  • Provided by Player: Team pants, protective cup, cleats, fielding glove, batting helmet with chin strap, bat

ROOKIES Division

Ballplayers: Grades 1–2

Players use a pitching machine to allow for more hittable pitches and increased action in the field. This reduces fear of being hit by a pitched ball, improves safety, and builds confidence and skill development.

  • Teams may consist of 8 or more players

  • 10 defensive players on the field (6 infield, 4 outfield)

  • Teams are formed equally by a coach draft (one-and-one selection)

  • Defensive play may be rotated at the coach’s discretion

  • Games are Tuesdays and/or Thursdays at 6:00 pm

  • Pitching machine is used (set between 40–45 mph)

  • Stealing is introduced

  • Practice schedule determined by the coach

  • Provided by League/Player Fee: Team shirt, hat, socks, and insurance

  • Provided by Player: Team pants, protective cup, cleats, fielding glove, batting helmet with chin strap, bat

MINORS Division

Ballplayers: Grades 3–4
(5th graders may play in this division at League discretion)

Players build and refine fundamental skills while beginning to understand game strategy and teamwork.

  • Teams may consist of 8 or more players

  • 10 defensive players on the field

  • All 3rd graders in Adna will be placed on a Minors team

  • Skill evaluations are required for placement purposes only

  • All players will make a team; there are no cuts in Adna Youth Baseball

  • Teams are formed by a coach draft

  • Defensive play may be rotated at the coach’s discretion

  • Games are Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:00 pm

  • Lewis County Youth Baseball Minors players may not pitch or catch, but may play all other positions per age rules

    • Patience is necessary from parents of both pitchers and batters

  • Practice schedule determined by the coach

  • Provided by League/Player Fee: Team shirt, hat, and insurance

  • Provided by Player: Team pants, protective cup, cleats, fielding glove, batting helmet with chin strap, bat

MAJORS60 Division

Ballplayers: Grades 4–6
(No 3rd graders permitted in Adna League)

Players continue developing fundamental skills while gaining a deeper understanding of game strategy and teamwork. This division is more advanced than Minors and includes rule changes and more experienced pitching.

  • Teams may consist of 8 or more players

  • 9 defensive players on the field

  • Skill evaluations are required; all players will make a team

  • The Majors60 team is formed following the draft

  • There are no cuts in Adna Youth Baseball

  • A player considered the next level down from Majors70 may be permitted to select his/her players

  • Teams are formed by a coach draft

    • Requests for specific coaches or playing with friends will not be accepted

  • Players may have a new coach or be separated from a favorite friend

    • Parents are encouraged to model a positive attitude

  • Defensive play may be rotated at the coach’s discretion

  • Games are Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:00 pm

  • Practice schedule determined by the coach

  • Provided by League/Player Fee: Team shirt, hat, and insurance

  • Provided by Player: Team pants, protective cup, cleats, fielding glove, batting helmet with chin strap, bat

MAJORS70 Division

Ballplayers: Grades 5–6
(4th graders may play at League discretion; not recommended. No 3rd graders permitted.)

This is the most advanced level of Cal Ripken Baseball. Games are played under Official Baseball Rules with age-appropriate modifications. Pitch counts and inning limits are enforced weekly.

  • Field dimensions:

    • 70-foot base paths

    • 50-foot pitching mound

  • Teams may consist of 8 or more players

  • 9 defensive players on the field

  • Tryouts are required; there are no cuts

  • Majors70 team is formed prior to any other teams

  • Majors70 coach and up to two Minors coaches are selected by the Ada Youth Baseball President

  • Players are selected based on grade level and experience

  • Teams are formed by a coach draft

    • No requests for specific coaches or playing with friends

  • Not all 5th and 6th graders will have the skill or experience to play at this level

  • Players may be assigned a new coach or separated from friends

  • Official Cal Ripken rules apply with open substitutions

  • Defensive play may be rotated at the coach’s discretion

  • Games are typically played on weekdays at 6:00 pm

  • Live pitching is used

  • Pitchers are determined by coaches at game time

  • Provided by League/Player Fee: Team jersey, hat, and insurance

  • Provided by Player: Team pants, protective cup, cleats, fielding glove, batting helmet with chin strap, bat

Skills Evaluation

Skills Evaluation
Grades 3 – 6 only

Adna Elementary Gym
4th, 5th & 6th graders: February 
3rd graders: February 
5:00 – 7:00 pm

The Adna Youth Baseball Board has decided to do a skills evaluation this year. The goal is to give our coaches an idea of each player’s skills and possible team positions. This will assist our coaches in drafting a well balanced, skills appropriate team based on each player’s development level and age.

Skill Evaluation

  • Every player will be identified by a number that will be placed on their back

  • Players will be scored based on the following baseball skills:

    • Hitting, Grounders, Fly Balls, Throwing, Base Running, & Pitching & Catching
      (for those who would like these skills scored)

    • Scored 1 – 5, 5 being the best

  • Two or more unbiased judges will give the scores

  • Once the evaluations are complete, the board will then write the player’s name on an age identifying colored index card and that player’s evaluation score on the other side of that card

  • Coaches will then be chosen by the A.Y.B. Board for each team

    • This is based on seniority of volunteers and which team the volunteer’s child will most likely be placed because of their evaluation score and age

Draft

  • All index cards will be laid out, score side up

  • Coaches will draft their team by choosing from the index cards

    • Coaches will only know the player’s evaluation score and age

  • Once the coaches have picked all the index cards that are appropriate for their division, they will flip the index cards over to view the team of the players he/she has chosen

  • Coaches can then make reasonable changes to their team if they feel the need

    • Three changes max per team

  • Coaches will notify parents and players of the team they have been placed by March 18th

The Adna Youth Baseball Board is striving to make our program the best it can be. We are excited to implement the skills evaluation to help our young athletes grow and develop into better ball players with appropriate team placement. As a community, let’s give our youth an enjoyable and rewarding experience while they learn the great game of baseball!

Coach Selection

Coaches are volunteers, usually moms and dads of their own player(s). Anyone who will be on the field with the players or in the dugout must pass a criminal background check through Adna Youth Baseball. There are absolutely no exceptions. This requirement is in place for the safety of all players.

T-Ball and Rookie Division Coaches

Coaches for the T-Ball and Rookie divisions are typically recruited during sign-ups. Parents interested in volunteering as a coach should indicate their interest on their player’s registration form.

  • Priority is usually given to individuals who have previously coached for Adna Youth Baseball

  • Coaches should demonstrate a positive attitude and ability to work well with young players

  • Basic baseball knowledge is required

  • Emphasis is placed on teaching key fundamentals that will be built upon in later divisions

  • Sportsmanship and teamwork are critical components at these levels

Minors and Majors 60 & 70 Division Coaches

Coaches at these levels work with players in grades 3–6 and are expected to have a higher level of baseball knowledge and leadership ability.

  • Coaches must understand baseball skills, strategy, and game management

  • Ability to organize and run a team effectively is required

  • Priority is typically given to individuals who have previously coached for Adna Youth Baseball and demonstrated success

  • Assistant coaches are usually selected by the Head Coach

Coach Characteristics

All coaches are expected to meet the following standards:

  • Coaches must be responsible, courteous, and easy to get along with

  • Coaches must be objective with all players and show no preference toward their own child

    • Being overly tough on one’s own child or using them as an example will not be tolerated

  • Coaches must represent Adna Youth Baseball in a positive manner at all times

    • Coaches must speak respectfully to umpires, other coaches, players, and parents

    • Coaches must remain calm and composed during stressful situations

    • While competition is part of the game, this is youth baseball and should remain a fun and positive experience

  • Coaches who are disrespectful, confrontational, difficult to work with, or unprofessional may be removed immediately and/or not asked to coach in the future

  • Adna Youth Baseball reserves the right to refuse or dismiss any individual from a coaching position for any reason

League Support for Coaches

It is also the league’s responsibility to support coaches and help ensure a positive experience.

  • If a coach is experiencing difficulty with a player, parent, other coach, umpire, or fan, they should notify league leadership

  • League officials are available to help diffuse situations, offer guidance, or take disciplinary action when necessary

Closing

We hope this information helps clarify any misconceptions or questions regarding Adna Youth Baseball. If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us

​

Brandon Williams
President, Adna Youth Baseball
Email: adna.youth.baseball@gmail.com

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