Junior T-Ball

We ran a T-Ball program for over 40 years, of which Junior T-Ball was the largest component for a good portion of them. Our run ended in 2024, now www.stanleyparkball/com

Our Junior T-Ball teams were usually scheduled to play two games per week.. The length of each game was determined by the participants and their parents but was generally approximately an hour or so with the actual game play-time extending as the weather improved and daylight stayed with us longer. (Individual players were permitted to arrive late and/or leave early.) For the latter years that we operated, Junior T-Ball games were scheduled to be played at the new play screens that we had installed at Franklin and Midland Parks. These games were played entirely on grass and freed up diamonds for our expanding Senior T-Ball and 3-Pitch leagues.

Our Junior T-Ball teams had a maximum of 11 players and, as per T-Ball rules, all 11 batted each inning. We tried to get at least 3 innings in at each game session. There were no "enforced" outs and no automatic bases awarded for errors.

We encouraged teams to hold mini pre-game warm-ups and practice drills. Individual one-on-one coaching is always beneficial for player skill development and confidence!

The more parental/adult help and guidance, the more the kids are able to learn about the game and develop their skills. The more success they have, the more fun it is for everyone. We did not keekp scores at this level of play so it was all stress-free! There were no declared game winners/losers.

Players at this level usually have their own ball glove but don't require anything elaborate - and remember that they'll soon grow out of it. We mandated that all batters and all base-runners wear a helmet and supplied 5 or 6 helmets to each team for use, on a shared basis, but many players brought their own. (Refer to proper helmet sizing!) The catcher and pitcher were required to wear helmets with face protection, i.e. a mask, which was also supplied. For the last several years that we operated the program, we also supplied fielder masks so all infielders had their faces protected sd well.

So, other than a beginner's glove (and we had a considerable inventory of suitable gloves on hand to lend to those in need of one), all that was needed is a pair of running shoes. We strongly recommended that all players wear long pants. A team shirt and team hat was supplied. Sunscreen, water, and a jacket are good items for the player to have available at the game for use as needed.

Our teams were required to utilize different defensive positioning each inning so each player could have the opportunity to play every position several times over the course of the season.