Philosophy

The philosophy of the in-house Mahtomedi Youth Baseball program is to promote skill development, good sportsmanship, athletic competition, and enjoyment of the game. We believe that player participation, positive coaching, and a strong volunteer organization are the keys to a successful program.

We believe that coaches should give each player the opportunity to play as many positions as possible based upon ability and coaching judgment. Players will be given a fair and equitable amount of playing time balanced throughout the season. Those teams playing in leagues with schools outside Mahtomedi may discuss with the in-house director adjusting the positioning of players for competitive balance, but playing time should remain equitable for each player.

Team Selection Process

Players will be evaluated in the spring with others in his/her age group. Evaluation of the players will be centered mostly on fielding, throwing, hitting, and pitching for the older players. While the evaluation system is imperfect, the goal is to provide a framework to distribute the players equally according to general ability. Coaches will select their players in a draft, utilizing the results of the individual evaluations. Evaluation results will be distributed and recollected during the draft - no results will be made public. Teams/leagues will be organized according to the grade completed in June of the given season.

Season

Practice will begin in late April or early May depending on weather and field availability and condition. Games will start in May and conclude prior to July 31st. Games will be played during the week, with the rare exception of weather-related make-up games. There will be an end of the season tournament for 3rd grade and above.

Teams

Kindergarten

For kindergartners in their rookie season that are new to baseball MYBI offers a two week camp in July.  This camp is a fun way for them to get more exposure to the game and begin developing their skills.  A Saturday morning game for the players will follow the 4 evenings of skill development.  It's a fun camp with a lot of movement and games.

If your kindergartner can already catch a ball, play at the average level of a 1st grader, and is a good listener then you should consider signing them up for the 1st grade season.  If another year of maturity would benefit your child or they are brand new to the sport then the kindergarten camp is a very fun camp to introduce them to the game. 

1st Grade

The coaches will pitch to the players at this level. The 2 main goals for this level are: 1) to provide maximum positive baseball instruction for the players, and 2) keep the game fun and moving, both in practice and games.  We plan on a high coach-to-player ratio for this group which requires a large number of parents to volunteer as coaches. Games are held at the O.H. Anderson fields. Generally, there will be one game and one practice per week. Games and practices for 1st grade are Mondays and Wednesdays (tentative). The season will conclude with a jamboree to celebrate baseball and the season.

1st Grade Rules

2nd/3rd Grade

2nd/3rd grade baseball is an extension of the previous year, but at a faster pace and increased skill level / baseball IQ. The coaches will use pitching machines with the kids during games to ensure consistent pitching so players can develop confidence batting, increase game speed, and have fun. Players will be introduced to pitching during practice.  In addition, we hope to identify some coaches willing to host several optional sandlot baseball games on Sunday nights where we can build up to kid pitch at these events over the course of the season.  Parents are strongly encouraged to volunteer as coaches. Games will be played at the O.H. Anderson fields. Generally, there will be one game and one practice per week on Tuesdays and Thursdays (tentative). The season will culminate with a league tournament.

2nd/3rd Grade Rules

4th/5th Grade

Players at this level play a more refined brand of baseball vs. teams from other cities (travel to nearby cities is required) which includes base stealing and the infield fly rule. Teams will be playing in the SCVAA league based in Stillwater. A strong emphasis is placed on basic skill development, sportsmanship and appreciation of baseball. NFHS rules are followed while still using a few “local” rules established by MYBI and the other participating associations. Umpires from our association are provided for games played in Mahtomedi. Games are played on fields with 60 feet between bases and 46 feet between the pitcher and home plate. There will be one or two games played per week in the evening. There may be some weekend practices. The season will culminate with a league tournament.

4th/5th Grade Rules

6th/7th Grade

Teams will play regulation baseball at this level. Teams will be playing in the SCVAA league based in Stillwater. There are typically 1 game and 1-2 practices per week. Umpires from our association will be provided for games played in Mahtomedi. Players will play six inning games at area parks on weekday evenings. Games are played on fields with 75 feet between bases and 52 feet between the pitcher and home plate.  The season is a little longer, ending around July 31st, due to extended player interest and field availability. A season-ending tournament will conclude the season.

6th/7th Grade Rules
 
8th/9th Grade (SCVAA Junior League)

Teams will be playing in the St. Croix Valley Association league. Teams and leagues can be more fluid at this age, as the pool of players in each community fluctuates. Games will be played at area fields on weekday evenings.  Games are played on fields with 90 feet between bases and 60½ feet between the pitcher and home plate. Mahtomedi will provide association umpires for games played in Mahtomedi. Due to lack of availability of 90-foot fields, players should expect weekend practices.

8th/9th - Junior Rules

10th-12th Grade (SCVAA Senior League)

Teams will be playing in the St. Croix Valley Association league. Teams and leagues can be more fluid at this age, as the pool of players in each community fluctuates. Games will be played at area fields on weekday evenings.  Games are played on fields with 90 feet between bases and 60½ feet between the pitcher and home plate. Mahtomedi will provide association umpires for games played in Mahtomedi. Due to lack of availability of 90-foot fields, players should expect weekend practices.

10th/11th/12th - Senior Rules

Equipment and Uniforms

Hats and jerseys will be provided to all players at all levels.  If a league requires team pants, those will also be provided. Baseball cleats, helmets, and gloves are the player’s responsibility. No metal cleats are allowed at any level.

Personal protective equipment is required of all players.  Mouth guards are recommended, but are optional. The association will provide balls and catcher's equipment. Players may bring their own equipment, but it shall be subject to all league regulations.   Players are responsible for providing their own helmet.  Helmets must be navy and display the NOCSAE safety label.  See age level rules for bat restrictions.