Junior 3-Pitch
An introduction to hitting a pitched ball
Considerations regarding Junior 3-Pitch:
- You have the opportunity to indicate your preference of playing days - at least until playoffs.
- This game is played with a regulation 11" softball.
- The batting team's coach pitches to his/her own team (with the objective of letting the batter get a good hit).
- General rules of softball apply with 3 outs/inning (5 inning games).
- This is an excellent step between hitting off a tee and fastball/softball itself.
- Those born in the youngest eligible birth-year have the option of registering for Senior T-Ball instead.
- Those born in the oldest eligible birth-year have the option of playing in the Senior 3-Pitch League. (Awareness note: The Senior League consists of players as much as 4 years older and the umpires are more strict with respect to calling strikes, lead-offs, etc.
Helmets, with chin-straps properly fastened, are required by batters, base-runners, the catcher and the pitcher. We supply batting helmets for use on a shared basis, but many players prefer to have their own.
Effective since 2015: Face-guards, such as the Rip-It mask shown, must be worn by all infielders; the pitcher and catcher must wear helmets with face-guards. (Helmets with face-guards are optional for the other infielders.) All necessary equipment is supplied by the league to all teams.) Chest protectors and shin pads are provided (and must be worn) by the catcher.
Effective since 2015: The offensive team's pitcher must wear face protection (supplied by the league). Other personal protection for the offensive pitcher's body is highly recommended.
Hitting sticks: Beginning with our 2017 season, with assistance of a grant from the Kitchener Sports Association, each team was offered the use of a "hitting stick" and improved results at the plate were evident. A hitting stick is now part of each team's equipment. Suggestion is that it be used, not only at team practises, but also for team members to borrow for use at home and, most usefully, to "warm up" the players as they wait their turn to bat!
As of 2022, each team is required to have a Safety Coordinator who will ensure that everyone complies with any (& all) safety protocols (i.e. social distancing, medical masks, sanitizing, etc.) and that, along with the team's Snack Coordinator (if the team has one), shared treats are individually packaged whenever possible. The team's Snack Coordinator should also promote and coordinate "healthy" snacks regardless of any sharing.
