Divisions: IN WHICH DIVISION DOES MY CHILD PLAY?
League Age for Spring 2008
(see Division descriptions below)
|
Division
|
Birthday
|
Age
|
|
Shetland (T-Ball)
|
5/1/2001 - 4/30/2004
|
4 to 6
|
|
Pinto (Coach Pitch)
|
5/1/1999 - 4/30/2001
|
7 & 8
|
| Mustang (Kid Pitch) |
5/1/1997 - 4/30/1999
|
9 & 10
|
| Bronco |
5/1/1995 - 4/30/1997
|
11 & 12
|
| Pony |
5/1/1993 - 4/30/1995
|
13 & 14
|
| Colt |
5/1/1991 - 4/30/1993
|
15 & 16
|
| Palomino |
5/1/1989 - 4/30/1991
|
17 to 19
|
Note: Registration Questions Should be Sent to the NSBA Registrar.
Pony National Rules state that under no exceptions may a kid play up.
NSBA has made an exception for 3rd Year Shetland players, allowiing them to play up to Pinto
2008 Pony League Age Key
UNDERSTANDING THE SHETLAND DIVISION (Tee-Ball)
Shetland division (tee-ball) is for 4 to 6-year-old players. Focus is on introducing fundamental skills and on teamwork. All playing time is equal and the entire team bats each inning. All players play in the field on defense, with a regulation infield and the remainder of the players in the outfield. Games are 2 innings long, lasting approximately one hour; two games per week; one on a weeknight and one on a weekend. We do not keep score at this level.
UNDERSTANDING THE PINTO DIVISION (Coach Pitch)
Pinto division (coach-pitch) is for 7 and 8 year old players. Coaches pitch soft-core balls overhand, a batter is out only after 6 missed pitches. There are 3 outs per side per inning. The entire team bats throughout the game; a 5-run per inning mercy rule is in effect. Ten players are in the field. Games consist of 6 innings and all players have a minimum of 3 innings per game, as long as they meet league rules regarding attendance and behavior. There are two games per week. We keep score and have standings with playoffs at the end of the season.
UNDERSTANDING THE MUSTANG DIVISION
Mustang (9-10 year old). Players pitch at this level and the complete game of baseball is taught, including leading off and base stealing. Mustang plays 2-4 games per week. A minimum three-inning playing time is required for each player who meets league rules regarding attendance and behavior. Field size is 60’ base paths with 44’ pitching distance. Games are 6 innings; there is a 10-run (total) mercy rule in effect after 4 innings
UNDERSTANDING THE BRONCO DIVISION
Bronco (11-12 year old). This is a very competitive level of play, with powerful pitching and hard hitting. There are 3 to 4 games per week on 70’ base paths with a 48’ pitching distance. A minimum three-inning playing time is required for each player who meets league rules regarding attendance and behavior Bronco games are 7 innings long.
UNDERSTANDING THE PONY DIVISION
Pony (13-14 year old). At this age some leagues, including Little League, play on 90’ diamonds. The PONY organization was created in 1951 to provide an intermediate step--a field employing an 80’ base path and 54’ pitching distance. These field dimensions are proportioned to bodies that are not fully grown, helping to avoid injuries and keep play competitive. NSBA divides this level into Olympic (select) and Cascade (recreational) divisions. Both divisions play in a north King County, south Snohomish County Pony scheduling organization. There are 25+ league games, and summer tournament play. The Olympic division provides a low-cost select baseball experience, and is tailored to athletes that wish to play other sports in the fall and winter. The Cascade division teams are formed in February with practices beginning in late February or early March.
UNDERSTANDING THE COLT DIVISION
Colt (15-16 year old). This level of play begins in May to allow players to complete the high school team season. This is a highly skilled, competitive, level of play, which uses a full-sized field. Colt schedule consists of approximately 25 games per season, but may continue throughout the summer in tournaments as the team and coaches desire. Coaches will work with players to help them improve their game so they can continue to advance on their High School teams.
We have two additional programs in the Fall and late Winter to continue their growth in the skills required to play High School Baseball.
UNDERSTANDING THE PALOMINO DIVISION
Palomino (17-19 year old). This level of play begins in May to allow players to complete the high school team season. This is a highly skilled, competitive, level of play, which uses a full-sized field. Palomino schedule consists of approximately 25 games per season, but may continue throughout the summer in tournaments as the team and coaches desire. Coaches will work with players to help them improve their game so they can continue to advance on their High School teams.
We have two additional programs in the Fall and late Winter to continue their growth in the skills required to play High School Baseball.