AA League Baseball

(7 and 8-year-olds)

This information is designed to supplement the Parents Code of Conduct and other information provided to you at the time of AA League registration. Talk to your coach or call Citizens Park if you have questions about the handouts you received. Also, visit the Coaches' Corner for more helpful information about youth baseball.

The purpose of the "AA" League is to teach children basic baseball fundamentals within a fun and safe environment. This purpose should be the main focus at all practices and games. "AA" League baseball is a transitional baseball program from hitting off a tee to hitting a machine pitched baseball.

The AA League Field and Equipment

The playing field is similar to any other baseball field. Bases are 60 feet apart, and the pitcher's mound is 46 feet from home plate. Players in this league learn to hit a regulation sized baseball thrown from a pitching machine. The pitching machine provides accurate pitches so that the batter can concentrate on hitting and not swinging at bad pitches or worrying about being hit by the baseball.

AA League equipment includes light weight aluminum baseball bats and gloves that are made for small hands. It is OK for the batters to use bats designed for use in Tee-Ball. Bats in this league usually range from 14 ounces to 18 ounces in weight and 24 inches to 26 inches in length. A good quality leather fielding glove between 9.5 inches and 10 inches is recommended. Most coaches do not recommend Tee-Ball gloves in this league. The AA league player will also need a pair of soft rubber cleat baseball shoes, baseball pants, a belt, and socks. Jerseys, hats, catcher's equipment, batting helmets, balls, and bats are provided by the program. The right equipment will help your player get the best experience in this league. Ask your coach or visit the Coach's Corner for additional information and helpful advice.

What to Expect

Catchers, in full protective gear, are used in this league. Learning how to play the catcher's position is not required; learning how to catch will, however, help develop a greater understanding of baseball. It is also the most active position on the field. Coaches will ask for volunteer catchers and will train the catcher the fundamentals of catching. Boys, when playing the catchers position, must wear groin area protective cups.

Two innings are played in AA league baseball. The defensive team has 10 players on the field, including the catcher. The remaining defensive players stay in the dugout area for that inning. The players in the dugout are rotated to the field the next inning. All players get to bat twice each game. Runs are not kept or recorded; the number of outs are, however, kept to help make the experience more meaningful for the players. After three outs, the bases are cleared of any offensive runners, and the number of outs is started over again for the remaining players coming up to bat.

This league is a little more fast paced and exciting for the players as compared to Tee-Ball. The coaches should be helping the player develop fundamentals and a greater understanding of baseball, and respect for his or her teammates and the other teams.

Safety

The player's safety is the number one priority. The batter and all base runners must wear batting helmets with wire face guards at all times. Take a leading safety role by monitoring and helping enforcing these guidelines:

Thanks for your interest and participation in the AA League program and its success.

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