Our Instructional League provides young athletes in 1st and 2nd grade with a structured and fun introduction to competitive baseball. This program also allows a limited number of advanced Kindergarten players to participate if they meet specific skill and experience requirements.
Schedule: Games and practices are held twice a week, on Mondays and Wednesdays, from May to mid-July.
Format: Coach-pitch league with a focus on skill development. A hitting tee will be used early in the season to reinforce proper hitting mechanics and increase gameplay opportunities.
Goals: Help players build a solid foundation in baseball fundamentals while preparing for future kid-pitch leagues.
Competitiveness: This league is more competitive than recreational community coach-pitch leagues, offering a higher level of play and preparation.
Kindergarten Players:
Must be in the top 15% of their age group with advanced baseball skills.
Should have completed at least one year of organized tee-ball or coach-pitch through a city or community program.
Must be able to consistently catch and throw a baseball, and hit a pitched ball within 7 pitches.
Must be 6 years old by May 6, 2025.
All Players:
Should demonstrate the ability to play catch with a regulation hard baseball.
Are expected to learn and follow modified rules that mimic higher levels of play.
Will develop positional awareness and defensive skills throughout the season.
A catcher in full gear will be required each inning to promote safety and familiarity with the role.
Gameplay will evolve throughout the season, transitioning from hitting tees to coach pitching to encourage growth in hitting and fielding skills.
This league is a great opportunity for young players to grow their love of the game, improve their skills, and prepare for more advanced levels of baseball.
The Junior Minors League is designed for 3rd and 4th graders ready to take the next step in their baseball journey. This league introduces live kid-pitch gameplay and emphasizes a deeper understanding of advanced baseball fundamentals. Highly skilled 2nd graders may petition to "play up" if they meet specific eligibility requirements.
Schedule:
Games and practices are held three nights per week: Sunday (occasional), Tuesday, and Thursday evenings.
Format:
Kid-pitch rules from a 46’ mound. *No pitching machines.
Gameplay focuses on developing competitive baseball skills, including base running, stealing, pitching, and catching.
Season Structure:
Round Robin Play (May – Early June): All teams participate to gain experience and build chemistry.
Divisional Round (Mid-June – Early July): Teams are divided into divisions based on skill level for balanced competition and full development.
Playoffs (Mid-July): Pool play includes all teams, with the top teams advancing to a championship bracket.
2nd Grade Players:
Must demonstrate advanced skills compared to their age group.
Required to have completed at least two years of organized baseball.
Must consistently:
Hit live kid-pitch baseballs.
Pitch effectively from a 46’ distance.
Play the catcher position safely with proper equipment.
Must have a strong understanding of baseball rules and game strategies.
All Players:
Should exhibit proficiency in catching, throwing, and hitting.
Will be expected to participate in competitive gameplay with increasing strategic elements, such as situational base running and defensive decision-making.
Base stealing will be introduced, following league-specific guidelines to develop awareness and agility on the bases.
Players will rotate positions to gain experience and ensure well-rounded development.
This league provides an exciting environment for players to sharpen their skills and grow their love of baseball while experiencing the thrill of competitive team play.
The 5th & 6th Majors program offers players the opportunity to continue developing their baseball skills and game intelligence in a fun, team-oriented environment. This program is ideal for players who prefer a less demanding schedule compared to travel baseball while still enjoying a competitive and engaging experience.
Schedule:
Games and practices are held 3-4 nights per week, primarily on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Occasional weekend practices or games may be scheduled based on field and team availability.
Format:
Partnership with White Bear Lake and neighboring communities to enhance competition and variety.
Home and away games introduce players to a broader baseball experience without the extensive commitment of a travel program.
Season Structure:
Regular Season (May – June): Focused on skill development, teamwork, and competitive gameplay against local teams.
Playoffs (July): Concludes with a pool play tournament followed by a championship bracket, tailored to the number of participating teams.
Skill Development: Players will continue to refine their batting, pitching, fielding, and base-running skills through regular practice and gameplay.
Game IQ: Emphasis on strategic decision-making, situational awareness, and teamwork to prepare players for future levels of baseball.
Competition: Regular games against nearby communities add excitement and variety, helping players grow while maintaining a manageable time commitment.
The league prioritizes a balance between competition and enjoyment, fostering a supportive and inclusive atmosphere for all players.
Games and practices allow players to develop alongside their peers within the community, building lasting friendships and a deeper love for the sport.
This league offers an excellent option for players looking to enhance their baseball skills while maintaining a flexible schedule. With the opportunity to compete against nearby communities, players will enjoy a heightened level of competition in a fun and relaxed setting.