Minor League- Minor league is for players league age 8-10. It is expected, but not required that players will have had some experience with baseball or at minimum will have some ability to throw and catch a baseball. The emphasis of Minor Leagues is on skills development, specialized positions, and the rules of baseball. Players with strong throwing ability and control pitch to hitters. Outs are recorded and the players play 6 innings of 3 outs. With the exception of no stealing or running on a dropped third strike, rules are the same as in the Major League division. Players do not need to try out for the Minor Leagues, but are encouraged to attend the tryouts/skills assessment to aid in team balancing and potentially to be brought up to the Major Leagues. Teams will have a scheduled game early afternoons every Saturday and generally one game scheduled in the evening during the week as well as one practice.
Minor League FAQs:
When does the season start/end?
The season officially begins on Opening day- which is typically the last weekend in April or 1st weekend in May. There are optional clinics hosted in March and April. Some players will go on to be selected for the All-Star team, and that season typically starts mid-June and ends mid-July.
What is the time commitment?
Teams will practice twice during the week (1.5-2 hours). Teams have two games/week, with one game on a weeknight and the other game on Saturday - usually mid/late morning. There is a travel commitment at this level. The home games are played on the upper field at Calahan Park. Away games could be in the North End of Burlington or in surrounding towns (Essex, Colchester, Williston, etc).
What equipment do I need?
Each player needs to have cleats and their own glove. Players typically wear baseball pants. It is not required to have your own bat or helmet. If you do purchase a bat, it needs to meet the USA Baseball Bat Standard (USABat) as adopted by Little League - the coaches can help guide this purchase. Players may start to wear a protective cup at this level.
What is the age and talent level of the kids?
Minor league is for players age 8-10. It is expected, but not required that players will have had some experience with baseball or at minimum will have some ability to throw and catch a baseball. The emphasis of Minor Leagues is on skills development, specialized positions, and the rules of baseball.
How are the games structured?
Games are 6 innings of 3 outs (or 2 hours, whichever comes first). Players who have strong throwing ability and control will pitch to hitters. Games are scored and the teams will have a season record. Players will learn the specifics of each position, how to field and cover bases on defense, and steal bases on offense.
Can I volunteer to help?
Yes! BA relies on volunteers to make the season possible.
Coaching: At this level, it is expected that coaches have baseball knowledge. BA has a player development agent who will provide guidance to the coaches in how best to structure practices.
Green up Day: Everyone is welcome to help get the fields ready for the season.
Snack Shack: The Snack Shack is the main fundraising source for BA, and parent volunteers are critical to keeping it running. Parents (and older kids), can sign up to take shifts selling snacks and running the grill. *Please check out the “Volunteer Opportunities” link on the website*