Batting Cages

Tonight we had batting cage practice and it seems that as the season has progressed fewer and fewer are coming.  This is really too bad, because the kids who have been faithfully attending the batting cage sessions have been tho ones who have improved the most this year.

Baseball is easy, you just have to practice regularly.  And since it's fun, practicing regularly should be easy.  Take 10 minutes a day and do something that improves your baseball skills.  It could be practicing your swing or your pitching technique or just having a catch.

That's my peace for tonight from your friendly neighborhood spiderman

The Outfield

In our baseball past we haven't had much experience with or need for outfielders.  However, this year we have seen two or three balls hit to the outfield each game.  I think it's important for the kids to remember a few things about playing the outfield:

• Get the ball to infield as quickly as possible.  An outfielder cannot take anyone out nor can they stop play.
• Throw the ball to second base.  It is the infielder's responsibility to be there when the ball gets there.
• When playing outfield our first step is always back because it's easier to come in for the ball than to go out.

Questions?

Batting off a Tee

Slightly More Advanced Fielding

Pitching Drills

Welcome T-Ball A's

Originally, I thought this would be solely for the Instructional Kid Pitch A's, however, the manager of the T-Ball A's (Alex's team) is very persuasive.  As a result, this information/help/tutelage is now open to you, T-Ball A's. 
Glean what you can and help instill the love of this beautiful game as I try to do with Joe and Alex, who seem to love it more and more with each passing day.

Rules for the Instructional Kid Pitch League

1.     Each game will consist of 6 innings (1 ½ hour max)

2.     9 players on the field including pitcher and catcher

3.     The batting tee will be used for the first two innings (mainly to ensure the boys in the field get some defensive action and to move the game along)

4.     Subsequent innings will be a combination of kid and coach pitch (6 from kid, 4 from coach).  After 10 pitches an out is recorded and the boy returns to the bench.  There are no walks.  [I strongly encourage the boys to do their best to hit off the kid-pitch.]

5.     Each half inning will be considered over when the earlier of 3 outs or 5 runs scored occurs

6.     Maximum number of bases on a batted ball

1. If a batted ball does not leave the infield the batter is to advance to first only.
2. If a batted ball is hit into the outfield, in front of or in between the outfielders. the batter may advance two bases.
3. If a batted ball goes past the outfielders (ON A FLY OR LINE) there will be unlimited base advancement.

7.     Fielding play of a batted ball

1. Tag plays are allowed.
2. Plays at home plate are allowed.
3. Double Plays are allowed.
4. Force outs are in play.
5. NO infield fly rule.

8.     Players must prove they can pitch in practice first (i.e., the player's throws should be near the plate before they should be used as a pitcher).

9.     Catcher must wear an athletic supporter and cup.  Any putout at home must be handled by the catcher for the out at home to be recorded.

10.  Base Running

1.     No leading off any base.

2.     No stealing of any base.

3.     Over-throws to all bases are considered “dead” and the runners may NOT advance.

4.     Base runner is allowed to tag up on a fly ball.

5.     A tagging runner who leaves early will be returned to his base.

11.  GENERAL SAFETY:

1.     Helmets must be worn by all offensive players on the playing field. (batter and base runners)

2.     No one except the batter in the batter's box is allowed to hold a bat at any time during the game. (Before, During and After!!)

3.     No fence or backstop climbing at any time

4.     All players are STRONGLY encouraged to wear a protective cup.

12.  BATTED BALL:

1.     Any batted ball that hits a coach (in fair territory) is considered “dead” and the batter is awarded first base.

2.     A foul fly ball is in play and can be "tagged up" on.

13.  SLIDING:

1.     Foot first sliding is permitted.

2.     Head first slides will result in an automatic out.

3.     Foot first sliding is mandatory at home plate

14.  SUBSTITUTIONS All Positions