Major League - 12U
What is 50/70 baseball?
In 50/70 baseball, the pitcher’s rubber is moved back to 50 feet from home plate, and the bases are now 70 feet apart. Players may now take leads and steal bases.
The purpose of 50/70 baseball is to ease the transition from the 46/60 diamond to the larger (60/90) diamond on which players play when they graduate from Majors to Junior League or High School.
At this level, a game looks like a real game of baseball. The division will feature the rules that you see in Major League Baseball (leads, free stealing, balks, pick offs, etc). Only nine players play in the field at any time, However, during the season we allow coaches to bat all players on the bench. Games are often closely contested, and though our coaches know that winning isn’t the most important thing, we all recognize that every team should know they have a shot at winning. Hitters should expect to face strong pitching, with many pitchers adding off-speed pitches to their arsenal.
What is the game and practice schedule at this level?
Teams begin practices in early March (weather permitting) and games on Opening Weekend in early April. Teams have pre-season practice at least 2 times per week, typically 2 on a weeknight and occasionally on the weekend. Practice will likely be more frequent during preseason. Head Coach sets number of practices, dates & times. This is a big commitment!
Games can be played on weeknights and saturdays. Game schedules will be made available in late March. Games are scheduled for 1.5 hour slots.
When will I hear from a coach? What is STEP?
Players new and returning to 50/70 will be required to attend skills evaluation session (STEP - Spring Training Evaluation Program). All players are expected to attend STEP.
STEP will be (weather permitting) mid-February. At STEP, coaches and league officials confirm together that players are registered for the appropriate level of play. Coaches and league officials prepare for a draft right after STEP; the aim of the draft – results of which are kept confidential by coaches and league officials – is to strike a good balance between the desire to ensure that each team is competitive and the ability to continue playing with friends, schoolmates, and past teammates. Teams are formed soon thereafter and your coach will reach out to you.
My son/daughter played last year. Can’t he/she return to the same team without attending this evaluation session?
All Players will enter the draft except the coach's dependent(s). It is quite possible that your player may return to his/her team from last season through the draft, but participation in the evaluation session and the draft is required to achieve the desired balance between competitive play and keeping players with friends, schoolmates, and prior teammates. Aside from just being a fun time, these sessions help our coaches and league officials to understand how players have progressed. At this point the draft and head coach determine the team.
What does my player need?
The league provides a team uniform shirt, belt, socks and a hat for each player. You will need to provide your own glove, batting helmet and bats at each game. Players at this level who catch is recommended to buy their one catcher’s gear and catcher’s glove however the league does supply if needed. Cleats (Metal or Rubber) should be worn at this level.
Visit this link to view bat requirements.
What else is required?
Your participation is a parent. Even if you don’t step up as a head coach, parents should be present at these games to cheer on their players and help the coaches.
Mandatory Volunteer Application must be filled out before an adult can be on field working with players.