Program Age, Development Stages & Rule Changes
U8: Kid-pitch development on a small field. No mounds, cannot advance on dropped 3rd Strike, no leading off. 43' pitching distance w/ 60' basepaths: Small field (43/60). Average pitching velocity range is 35-45 MPH, and advanced athletes may throw 50+ MPH
U9: Transition to a competitive format & continued kid-pitch development on a small field. No mounds, cannot advance on dropped 3rd Strike, no leading off. 46' pitching distance w/ 60' basepaths: Small field (46/60). Average pitching velocity range is 40-50 MPH, advanced athletes may throw 55+ MPH
U10: A higher level of competition, from U9. No mounds, cannot advance on dropped 3rd Strike, no leading off. Small field (46/60). Average pitching velocity range is 45-55 MPH, advanced athletes may throw 60+ MPH
U11: Players continue to learn advanced baseball skills in their pitching, stealing, running (tagging) and advanced defense skills like making double plays, on a larger field. Mounds optional, batters may advance on dropped 3rd strikes, runners lead-off after pitch. Intermediate field (50/70) Average pitching velocity range is 50-60 MPH, advanced athletes may throw 65+ MPH
U12: Increased development from U11. U12 teams often look for a travel tournament to Cooperstown or Field of Dreams! Some fields may have mounds (optional), batters may advance on dropped 3rd strikes, runners can lead-off! Intermediate field (50/70) Average pitching velocity range is 55-65 MPH, advanced athletes may throw 70+ MPH
U13: This is the big transition year where we play on the same size field as the high school, college and MLB teams! Pitchers pitch from mounds, batters may advance on dropped 3rd strikes, runners can lead-off! Big field (60/90) Average pitching velocity range is 60-70 MPH, advanced athletes may throw 75+ MPH
U14: Highest level of competition for Select Leagues and Tournaments before players begin High School! Pitchers pitch from mounds, batters may advance on dropped 3rd strikes, runners can lead-off! Big field (60/90) Average pitching velocity range is 65-75 MPH, advanced athletes may throw 80+ MPH.