Majors Division (Ages 11-12 by May 1st)
The 14th Ward “Majors” Division plays "Bronco" rules where kids are thrilled to be making the transition to a game almost identical to adult, Major League Baseball! Now that the kids have had the opportunity to master the basic skills of baseball, it is time to introduce more advanced skills: taking leads, pitching from the stretch, balks and passed balls, and the Infield Fly rule. The goal in this division is to introduce these new aspects of the game and to continue to refine the basic skills introduced in previous years. Coaches will continue to teach the fundamentals of baseball and team play. Pitching and hitting will be emphasized along with the introduction to the new rules (leading and balking). While winning is not the primary emphasis, it is a component of the game and coaches are going to compete to win games while prioritizing positive values, like sportsmanship. Specific position will be determined by the coaches according to ability level and safety of the athlete.
Pitching mound is 50 ft from home plate and basepaths are 70 ft apart.
Practice/Game Schedule and Location Details
- Teams typically have one practice or game during the week (~5:30pm or 6pm start time) and one on Saturdays (could be between 9am - 5pm and typically between 11am - 3pm).
- Most practices and games will be at Frick Park or Mellon Park. This league will occasionally play games against other Pittsburgh leagues at their fields.
- Teams will play 8-10 game regular season followed by a playoff bracket.
- Approximate dates:
- Spring: Early April through Early June (end of the season is typically near the end of the Pittsburgh Public School Year).
- Fall: Mid/Late August through end of October.
Note: Complete details on a players practice and game schedule will not be available until AFTER that player is allocated to a team. If your player has a recurring commitment on a specific day of the week that will take priority over their participation in baseball you can indicate that during the registration process. Efforts will be made to allocate your player to a team that does not regularly practice on that day. However, this is not guaranteed. Requests to have practices and/or games at specific field locations cannot be accommodated.
Equipment
Players must provide their own (see notes below on financial assistance available if needed)...
- Helmet
- Athletic/protective cups and supporter (jock strap) for those players identifying as male (required whenever playing the position of catcher, encouraged in all other circumstances)
- Baseball Bat
- See the Dick's Sporting Goods Baseball Bat Buying Guide for more info. Pay particular attention to recommendations on identifying the appropriate weight and length.
- Only bats stamped with "USA Baseball" are allowed. No USSA Stamped baseball and no softball bats. Wooden baseball bats ARE permitted.
Other Equipment (FYI):
- Baseballs will be provided by the league for practices and games. Official "Little League" balls (or similar) are used for this program.
- Catching equipment will be provided by the team. However, players who catch frequently have at least their own mitt.
- Chest protector/heart guards - players sometimes wear an undershirt with a padded chest area as another layer of protection and to guard against the rare but serious condition of commotio cordis.
Uniforms
- Players will be provided with a jersey and hat.
- Players are responsible for their own:
- Baseball pants (gray or white)
- Belt
- Socks
- Baseball Shoes (plastic cleats only)
Financial Assistance Available
Cost should never be a barrier to participating in 14th Ward Baseball. Partial and full scholarships are available to cover registration fees and the league will also assist in outfitting your player with the necessary equipment. Email
[email protected] for more info about these opportunities.
Other Questions?
Email
[email protected]