What is Rockville Youth Baseball?
Rockville Baseball is chartered with District 5 in The Babe Ruth Leagues of Virginia. Babe Ruth leagues 12 and under are referred to as Cal Ripken Baseball.
Mission of Babe Ruth Baseball:
The Babe Ruth Baseball program, using regulation competitive baseball rules, teaches skills, mental and physical development, a respect for the rules of the game, and basic ideals of sportsmanship and fair play. In all aspects, Babe Ruth League, Inc. is committed to providing our participants the very best educational, sports experience possible. It is our fundamental belief that every child with a desire to play baseball be afforded the opportunity to do so.
What are the Divisions?
T-Ball: Players Age 4-5
Players are taught the very basic fundamentals of baseball. Those fundamentals are: base running, throwing, catching and hitting. Hitting is done on a Tee and in a coach pitch format. Baseballs are softer than normal baseball.
Rookie: Players Ages 6 – 8
Introductory and Advanced machine pitch based on player evaluation. Players expand their knowledge of the game. Players in the Rookie league ideally are more familiar with the fundamentals and the focus is on more strategic play.
Minors: Players Age 9 & 10
Pitching Mound: 46’ Base Distance: 60’
Kid pitch. Players of all experience and skill levels continue development. Skills like stealing are taught but only after the ball crosses the plate. Fundamentals are still emphasized with a strong focus on smart base running and strategic fielding.
Majors: Players Age 11-12
Pitching Mound: 50’ Base Distance: 70'
The highest Cal Ripken age group. Base paths are now at 70 feet. Lead offs, pick-offs, balks, double-plays, steals and other advanced rules and plays are emphasized. Rules resemble adult league rules. Players will learn more in depth fundamentals that will enhance their game.
13-15 Year Old Division:
Base Distance: 90'
How do you determine a player's age?
Spring Season - Age is determined by the players age on May 1 of the current spring season.
Fall Season - Age is spring age +1
When is the start/end of the season?
Prior to the start of the Spring season, a player evaluation will be held to determine player skill for Rookie, Minors, and Majors. Typically held toward the end of February, this is an important step in ensuring players are evenly distributed among teams. A draft is then held for Rookie, Minors, and Majors. Teeball teams are assigned by the league utilizing coach and player requests. Practices begin in March. Spring season games will commence in March along with a joint Opening Day Ceremony including Rockville Softball. T-ball teams will not practice often (if at all) once game play begins (games are generally twice a week - one weeknight plus one Saturday). Older age groups practice when field space is available and generally play two games a week. The regular season will conclude the Thursday before Memorial Day weekend. Division playoff tournaments begin the Tuesday after Memorial Day weekend with championship games on the following Saturday. Tournament brackets are determined by regular season standings.
Fall season teams are determined as soon as registration closes (generally the end of August) and game play will begin the weekend following the Labor Day holiday and continue towards the end of October. This season is intended to be more instructional and developmental than the spring season and the rules are altered to reflect that philosophy. Coaches generally only practice one day a week. Games are usually on Saturday, but may also include occasional weeknight games. In the fall we only have 3 divisions: T-Ball, Machine Pitch, and Kid Pitch.
Why is my child not with the coach/player requested?
Rockville Baseball attempts to accommodate all requests in the fall season. In the spring season we attempt to accommodate all requests in TeeBall and Jr Rookie. In Rookie, Minors, and Majors we do a draft in the spring to ensure competitive play. Requests are considered during the draft process. There are many factors involved when determining teams, and we ask for your understanding in the event your request has not been honored. For special circumstances, please contact the baseball commissioner.
What equipment will I need to purchase?
Your player will need a glove, cleats (optional for t-ball, no metal cleats allowed for any age level), batting helmet , bat (must read "USA"). Catching equipment is provided for all teams, but you may utilize your own.
Registration includes a team jersey and hat. Parents are responsible for socks, belt and pants. Coaches will instruct each team on what color pants are needed to complete their uniform.
Registration also includes discount coupons and Deal Days for Dick's Sporting Goods to help offset expenses.
Stay in Touch:
Be sure to follow and share our Social Media! @RockvilleBaseball on Facebook!
Inclement Weather and field closings:
Currently all Weather Related information and Field Closings will come from your team's Coach!
Why do I have to work concessions?
Without our wonderful community and team of volunteers, Rockville Baseball would not be possible. By registering your child, you acknowledge that Rockville Youth Sports is a volunteer organization and will be required to work in the concession stand. It is mandatory that a member from each family donate their time 1 time per season.
If you know someone that needs volunteer hours, or would like to be on call for hire, please contact [email protected]
What are All-Stars?
At the conclusion of the spring regular season, each age group (7,8,9,10,11,12) may assemble an All-Star Team to compete in the annual Babe Ruth League World Series Tournament Trail. The trail consists of District, State, Regional, and World Series Tournaments. District tournaments take place during the month of June. States follow in early July. Regionals occur in late July with the World Series in early August. You must win to advance. In 2018 our 9U Boys won the District 5 Tournament, won the Virginia State Championship, finished second in the SouthEast Regionals, and finished tied for third in the World Series!!!
How can my child be considered for All-Stars?
Coaches will nominate players from teams to be considered for all-stars about 1/2 way through the season. Players must have participated in at least 50% of their team's spring season games to qualify. Coaches will meet to consider/discuss all nominated players and determine a final roster towards the end of the regular season. If you feel you would like your child to be considered, please be sure to notify your coach or baseball Commissioner. The first ten players are voted on by all division coaches. The last two may be selected by the named head coach for the all-star team or coaches may chose to continue voting on all 12 players.
What can I expect if my child is selected for All-Stars?
All-Stars requires a much more intense practice schedule than the regular season. Families should expect around four to five practices per week and play time is not guaranteed. Typical expenses include approximately $150 for uniforms and fees, as well as associated travel expenses, which may require overnight stays as teams advance through the tournament trail.
We understand that this makes scheduling and planning difficult for families, but please ensure you are able to attend the District Tournament date before agreeing to participate. If you feel you cannot meet these expectations, please do not allow your child to be considered for All-Stars.