Division and Baseball Age Information

At the South Lakeland Babe Ruth League, we believe in finding the perfect balance between teaching the fundamentals of baseball and providing a competitive playing environment. We welcome both boys and girls to join us, as all of our divisions are co-ed. To determine a player's baseball age, we consider their age on May 1st. For the spring season, we use the current year, while for the fall season, we use the upcoming May 1st.

Smart Start (Baseball age 3-4 years old)

Smart Start is where our littlest baseball stars begin their journey in the game! Created specifically for 3 and 4 year olds, this division offers a unique and nurturing experience.

At Smart Start, our main goal is to introduce young children to the joy of baseball in a fun and noncompetitive setting. We focus on teaching the most basic concepts of base running, swinging a bat, and fielding a ball. Each player has the opportunity to bat through the lineup, and games typically last no more than an hour.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable start, we use soft level 1 training baseballs that are perfect for small hands. This division acts as a stepping stone, preparing our little ones for the next level of coach pitch baseball. Join us in the Smart Start Division and let your child embark on a wonderful adventure of learning and loving the game of baseball!

Cal Ripken Divisions:

Coach Pitch/T-Ball (Baseball age 5-6 years old) 

In our Coach Pitch Division, we focus on building upon the skills introduced in our Smart Start Division while adding an extra element of challenge. Similar to traditional Tee-ball, we aim to teach our players the essential aspects of offense and defense. However, we take it a step further by helping them learn to hit a moving ball before transitioning to hitting off a tee.

During practices and games, our dedicated coaches take on a special role, kneeling just a short distance in front of home plate. From this position, they gently toss the ball towards the eager hitter. This technique not only enhances hand-eye coordination but also trains our young hitters to swing confidently at a moving ball.

To ensure a smooth transition to the Rookie Division, where machine pitch baseball awaits them, we utilize a soft level 5 training baseball. This ball offers the perfect balance of safety and skill development, allowing our budding athletes to practice their swings with ease and confidence.

Rookie (Baseball age 7-8 years old)

The Rookie Division is the perfect starting point for young baseball enthusiasts aged 7-8 years old. In this division, we introduce the use of a Louisville Slugger pitching machine, which ensures consistent and accurate pitches in the strike zone, allowing hitters to sharpen their skills. To add a touch of competitiveness, we also have dedicated umpires overseeing the games.

Within this division, players have the opportunity to focus on honing their skills for specific positions, fostering their development as well-rounded athletes. Base running becomes more exhilarating as players learn to navigate the bases, with the chance to advance more than one base on well-executed hits.

Defensively, the players continue to grow and improve. A play will be deemed "dead" once the ball has been returned to the infield, presenting an opportunity for the defense to halt the runners. Although making the play is not mandatory, the possibility of stopping the runners encourages players to strategize and work together as a team.

Billy Ripken Division (60 foot Closed bases - Baseball age 9-10 years old)

In the BR Division, we aim to provide a smooth transition for kids into pitching by introducing them to pitching against their peers. To ensure the safety and well-being of the young pitchers, we have implemented pitch count and inning limits. This not only protects their arms but also encourages the development of multiple pitchers within the team.

In this division, the bases are closed, meaning runners cannot advance until the pitched ball has crossed home plate. Additionally, stealing home is not permitted. These rules are in place to help young pitchers and catchers develop their skills and deepen their understanding of the game.

The primary goal of the BR division is to teach players the fundamentals of baseball while preparing them for the next level. By focusing on the basics and nurturing their love for the game, we aim to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their baseball journey.  

Cal Ripken Division (70 foot open bases - Baseball age 11-12 years old)

In the Cal Ripken Division, which is designed for baseball players aged 11-12 years old, the base paths are expanded from the standard 60 feet to 70 feet, providing a slightly more challenging playing field. Additionally, the pitcher's mound is moved back from 46 feet to 50 feet from home plate, allowing for a greater distance between the pitcher and the batter.

One exciting aspect of the CR Division is that bases are open, meaning that players can attempt to steal bases more freely. This adds an extra element of strategy and excitement to the game. 

As the season progresses, around halfway through, the umpires start calling balks, which serves as a reminder for pitchers to adhere to the rules regarding their movements on the mound. The umpire will provide a warning to pitchers on their first balk, giving them an opportunity to correct their technique.

The CR Division is specifically tailored for players who possess a more advanced ability and understanding of the game. It offers an opportunity for these skilled athletes to showcase their talents and further develop their baseball skills.

Babe Ruth Divisions: 

High School Prep (Baseball age 13-16 years old) 

Our High School Prep division is designed for players aged 13-16 who are ready to take their game to the next level. In this division, we transition to the big field, giving players the opportunity to adapt to the dimensions of a major league size field. With base paths extended to 90 feet and the pitcher's mound set at a distance of 60' 6" from home plate, players will experience the same playing conditions as in high school baseball. This prepares them not only physically but also mentally, as they gain valuable experience and skills necessary for success at the high school level. By providing this challenging environment, our High School Prep division ensures that players are well-prepared and equipped to excel in their future baseball endeavors.

Senior (Baseball age 16-18 years old) At the moment, we don't have a dedicated section for senior players, but it's definitely something we are actively exploring.