DescriptionIn the Rookie Division, players continue to build on the Rally Cap Program “FUNdamentals” of base running, hitting and fielding (receiving and throwing). Rookie players start the season hitting off a tee, and soon work up to learning how to hit a moving ball from a coach-operated ‘pitching machine.’ Consistent pitching builds confidence in hitting. During games, players rotate through a batting order, and the concepts of three strikes ending an at-bat and three outs ending a half inning are gradually introduced. Basic fielding strategies are also introduced, and scores are now kept. All games end with a “base race,” time-permitting. Parents of Rookie Division players are encouraged to learn how to do Field Prep and basic Scorekeeping. Please see our Game Rules page for more information on House and Tournament Rules for this division. (Note: Little League International calls this level “Coach Pitch” or “Machine Pitch.”)
Age7 and 8-year-olds (based on LL Baseball Age)
LocationPractices and games are usually held at Moody Park, but can also be held at Queens Park and Hume Park.
Practices & Games– 1 to 2 weekly practices (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes each)
– 1 weekend game (usually 1 1/2 hours; 4-6 innings)–players are encouraged to arrive 1/2 hour early for a pre-game warm-up
– occasionally, 2 games will be scheduled for some weekends later in the season, especially in the case of make-up games due to rain-outs
Regular Season TournamentsUsually one Rookie Division Tournament is hosted by NWBA in the spring, historically during the Victoria Day long weekend in May. There are lots of opportunities for league-level volunteering at this tournament.
Teams10 – 13 players per team
Uniform– league baseball cap, to be worn at all practices and games (provided with registration)
– team jersey for games (on loan for the season from NWBA with deposit)
– grey baseball pants for games
– jock/jill, to be worn at all practices and games
– comfortable athletic wear for practices
– in addition to the league baseball cap, one item of NWBA apparel such as a long sleeve shirt is provided with registration; it can be worn for practices, as well as under the team jersey for extra warmth at games on cool days
EquipmentPlease refer to NWBA’s Players Equipment List for information about required and recommended equipment.
Call-UpsNone. If a team is short of players, it is recommended to borrow players from another NWBA Rookie Division team.
Season DurationThe regular Spring Season typically runs from early April to mid-June.
Additional PlayTryout sessions for NWBA’s coach-selected competitive All-Stars teams occur in May. All-Stars players will participate on the Rookie All-Stars team in June, culminating in the District 6 Tournament on the last weekend in June.
NWBA also typically offers Fall Ball opportunities in September and October, and Winter Training programs in November to mid-December and in January to mid-March, for all Rookie Division players who are interested. Registration for “post-season” programs is separate from registration for the regular Spring Season program. Post-season programming is dependent on sufficient registration and parent volunteer (coach) availability. Players should register in the Fall Ball and Winter Training sessions that correspond in level to the division they will play in the following spring (i.e., Rookie Division players who will be LL Baseball Age 9 the following year should register for Minor Division Fall Ball and Winter Training sessions).
Team Communication During the SeasonVia the TeamSnap app.
CoordinatorFor more information, please contact the Rookie Coordinator or the Registrar.