Oyster River Youth Baseball is chartered to play Cal Ripken (ages 5-12) and Babe Ruth (13-15) Baseball.  Cal Ripken Baseball is a division of Babe Ruth League Baseball Inc. The league consists of four levels of competition: Major, Minor (Live PItch), Rookie (Coach Pitch) and T-Ball. Each level has its own recommended age group and rules. The overall age group for playing in the Cal Ripken League is 4-12.  However, our local league covers ages 5-12.  Cal Ripken Baseball adopts the Official Baseball Rules, but also has some of its own special rules.

Ripken Baseball Inc.

Ripken Baseball Inc. was founded by Cal Ripken Jr., who played 21 seasons for the Baltimore Orioles. After retirement, he built a baseball complex in his hometown of Aberdeen, Maryland. The complex consists of a minor league stadium used by the Class A minor league Aberdeen IronBirds. The Ripken Youth Baseball Academy is located adjacent to the minor league stadium. This academy has several youth-sized fields that are built to look like famous major league stadiums. Every August, 16 teams of 11- and 12-year-olds from all over the world compete in the Cal Ripken World Series.

In 1999, Babe Ruth League Inc. named their 5-to-12-year-old division Cal Ripken Baseball. There are approximately 700,000 young baseball players playing in Cal Ripken Baseball leagues worldwide.

Oyster River Cal Ripken Baseball Levels of Play

T-BALL

The T-Ball program is recommended for 4-6 year olds. This program is intended to provide the very basic fundamental skills for beginning players. Each batter bats from a tee that is adjusted according to height. The adjustments are made to help teach the young players to swing the bat on a level plane. Every player plays at least two innings on defense, with a coach standing behind the infield to help with instructions.

COACH PITCH

Coach Pitch division is intended for 6-8 year olds. This level of play utilizes adults to help control the pitches and eliminate the fear of being hit.  Adult pitching allows more action and to prevent an overpowering pitcher from dominating a game. The coach pitch league rules allow players to develop their skills in a safe and enjoyable way.

MINORS LIVE PITCH

Live Pitch Minor division is intended for 8-10 year olds.  Among teammates of their own age and experience level, player continue building and refinigng their fundamental skills while they begin to understand game strategy.  It is at this level that players first experience post-season tournament competition, with district, state, and regional levels of play

MAJORS

The Majors level is the most experienced level of play and is recommended for 10-12 year-olds. This level is broken down into two divisions, Major 70 and Major 60. Major 70's pitching distance is 50 feet and base paths are 70 feet. Major 60 has a 46 feet pitching distance with 60-foot base paths.   Currently Oyster River Youth Baseball utilizes Major 60 fields.  A regulation game is six innings.

BABE RUTH

Babe Ruth players range mostly from 13-15 year olds.  Everyone makes a team.  Teams are created based on the age and ability level, where applicable, of registered players.  Teams train and play at Little River Park in Lee and will compete in a semi-regional league against other towns with Babe Ruth programs. A glove and helmet is required for each player.

ALL-STARS 2017

All-Stars teams are offered for U12’s, U10’s and U9’s with the potential opportunity for U11's based on numbers.  All interested players will be evaluated and one team per age group will be selected based on perceived ability.  Each team will practice 2-3 times per week once the regular season finishes and will participate in a handful of to be determined tournaments in addition to the state tournament.  All tournament dates and program cost will be available prior to the evaluation date. A glove and helmet is required for each player.

Evaluation Dates: May 13th and 21st, 2017
Location: Demeritt Park, Madbury