T-Ball – Grades Pre K- Kindergarten

Registration through Wilson Baseball and Softball Association

First experience with the program is designed for players to learn what is like to be part of a team. Interacting with teammates, learning from coaches, getting used to a routine and so on. Baseball teaching will be extremely basic. Teams usually meet twice a week for practices and games. Practices usually begin first full week of May and the season finishes in early June.

Farm – Grades 1 and 2

Registration through Wilson Baseball and Softball Association

The Farm Level will provide the first glimpse of what the game of baseball is actual like. Both players and coaches will pitch. Teams begin to keep track of how many outs there are, getting lead runners out, balls and strikes and much more. Teams will be at the field three days a week. Practice begins mid to late April and season ends in early June. Competitiveness changes with each game as the rules are somewhat flexible to fit teams’ abilities.

Minors Fall – Grades 3 and 4

Registration through Wilson Baseball and Softball Association

Fall baseball is the start of each season. The fall season is designed to prepare players for their upcoming spring season; it is not a continuation of the previous spring season.

For players entering the third grade, it will be their introduction to the real game of baseball. Coaches will no longer be on the field with players; they will now coach exclusively from the dugout during games. Players will pitch each inning, with an umpire calling balls and strikes. Other new game experiences include:

• three strikes, you’re out
• four balls is a walk
• extra base hits
• Stealing bases

Although, there are many changes from the farm the level, rules are in place to not overwhelm the player but encourage them to grow. Minors is the second biggest jump in levels throughout our youth baseball program. As for players entering fourth grade in the fall, this season is a great tool to fine tune their skills from the previous season. Typically, this is when we see players confidence grow and compete as a baseball player who understands his environment. WBSA competes in District 20 Little League during the fall season along with most organizations from GEABL spring league. It allows for players to compete against other teams and is very comparable with spring rules. Be prepared to be at the field three days a week, occasionally four. Game schedule is usually around 12 games followed by playoffs if the team qualifies. Practices begin the second full week of August, and the season wraps up around the second week of October.

Majors Fall – Grades 5 and 6

Registration through Wilson Baseball and Softball Association

Majors is yet another critical step in our youth baseball program. At this level you will see changes in field dimensions (50’ Mound / 70’ Base Paths) as well as an uptick in competitive baseball.

For players entering 5^th grade, the fall season introduces more exciting parts of the game of baseball. This level change will take the training wheels off in attempt push the players mental and physical abilities. New game experiences will include:

• Pitchers will pitch from the stretch position
• Base runners take leads before the pitch is thrown
• Advancing on overthrows (after stealing)
• Stealing of Home
• Drop 3^rd strike

Players entering 6^th grade will enter the fall season with experience and a deeper understanding of the majors playing rules. As second year majors player, this is a time when players typically seek higher competition and competitive advantages from their coaches. With the big field twelve months around the corner, this is an opportunity to grow their knowledge and love of the game. WBSA competes in District 20 Little League during the fall season along with most organizations from GEABL spring league. It allows for players to compete against other teams and is very comparable with spring rules. Be prepared to be at the field three days a week, occasionally four. Game schedule is usually around 12 games followed by playoffs if the team qualifies. Practices begin the second full week of August, and the season wraps up around the second week of October.

Bushkill Valley – Grades 7 and 8

Registration through Williams Township Athletic Association

This level brings, without a doubt, the biggest jump in our youth baseball program. Players will be following PIAA high school playing rules on a full-size field (60’ pitching mound / 90’ base paths). Some position players face greater challenges and demands.  The goal is not to frighten players but to prepare them for the highly competitive nature of this level of baseball. At the big field, skills sets will be matched to the individual and the team needs and they can expect to find a home position. This level of baseball will let players know if they are baseball players or kids who play baseball. New changes include

• No guaranteed playing time
• -3 BBCOR bats only
• Metal Cleats
• Delayed/Leave early Stealing
• No balk warnings
• Breaking Pitches
• Competitive trash talking and the ability to ignore background noise

Players entering 8^th grade it is still a test at this level of baseball. Not the traditional comfort level entering the second year of Bushkill Valley as other levels. Typically, if a player competes his 8^th year with enthusiasm and love of the game, he is ready for high school level baseball. Bushkill Valley travels further than previous levels. Game schedule is usually around 14 games followed by playoffs if the team qualifies. Practices begin the second full week of August, and the season wraps up around the third week of October.