The Rookie Division will replace Machine Pitch to serve as a bridge between Coach Pitch and full Minors baseball.

Rookies is a competitive level where kids get to pitch for the first time. It is designed to help players learn real baseball skills with rules that keep the game safe, fair, and development-focused. Each team will bat until there are either 3 outs or 5 runs scored. Teams may play 10 players in the field and hit the entire order.  The score will be kept.

Players who try out for Minors may be placed in Rookie or Minors based on their evaluation. 
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Grades: 2nd Grade
Ages: 8-9
Skill Level:Beginner
Prerequisites:  1 season of coach pitch is recommended. Preseason player evaluations are not required in order to be placed on a team. 
Home Field:  Hughes Elementary - North & South Fields
Registration Cost:  $135 ($125 prior to Jan. 23)
Practices/Week (prior to games beginning): 2
Games/Week: 2
Postseason: No post season play at this level 

Registration Info
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Purpose of the Rookie Division

The Rookie Division helps players transition smoothly into full Minors by offering:

• More realistic baseball situations
• A balance of kid pitch and controlled coach support
• Opportunities for players to learn pitching, catching, base running, and defensive skills at a
• comfortable pace

This division prepares players for the next level while keeping the game positive, fun, and development-first. Below are the rules of play: 

I.  Pitching Rules

Kid Pitch

• Players pitch just like in regular baseball.
• Pitchers work to get outs while learning control and consistency.

The Full Count Rule

• At 3 balls and 2 strikes, the player pitcher finishes the at-bat.
• A batter can walk only if the pitcher throws ball four in this full-count situation.
• No coach pitch is used on full count.

The Coach Pitch Rule

• When the count reaches 3 balls (for example, 3–0, 3–1, or 3–2 before full count is reached), a coach from the batting team comes in to pitch.
  
• The coach throws 2 pitches—good or bad.
• If the batter fouls off the second pitch, the coach gets one extra pitch at a time until:
  • The ball is put in play, or
  • Strike three is called.
• No walks in coach-pitch situations
• No stealing while the coach is pitching
• Coaches should wait until the play is over before stepping onto the field to pitch.

II. Stealing Rules

• Runners may leave the base only after the ball crosses the plate
• Players may steal one base at a time
• Catchers are encouraged to make throws to try to get runners out
• If a throw gets away, runners cannot advance further—no extra bases on overthrows
• No stealing during coach pitch
• Teams may steal home only once per inning

III. Fielding and Gameplay

• All other gameplay follows standard Minors rules
• Fielders must stay in normal positions:
  • 1 pitcher
  • 1 catcher
  • 4 infielders
  • 4 outfielders
• Teams may not stack extra players around the infield or pitching area