Age Chart for the 2011 Season

Find your child's birth month and year in the chart to determine league age.

Shetland Division (ages 4 through 6)

This division is for children who are 4 and a half to 6 years old.  Children must be 4 years of age by April 21st of 2011.  Children must not turn 7 years old before April 30, 2010.  At this level, players will hit from the batting tee only for the entire season.  We believe that while teaching our children the proper batting mechanics, that the ball will be put into play more often.  As a result, the game will be more active for both the batter and the fielders and build the needed confidence for the next step up into clinic.  Remember the goals of development and confidence.  This divisions recommended for children just being introduced to the game.

Clinic Division (ages 6 and 7)

This division is for children who are at least 6 years old but less than 8 years old as of April 30, 2011.  This level will be coach pitch only.  Many say, hitting a pitched ball is one of the most difficult things to do in all of sports.  As coaches pitch to their own players, the emphasis will be on continuing to build sound batting mechanics and the necessary confidence needed for the next step up into Pinto.  This division is recommended for the second and third year players in our program.

Pinto Division (ages 7 and 8)

This level is for children at least 7 years old and those no more than 8 years old as of April 30, 2011.  This level will be player pitch.  Anyone who follows baseball knows that the key to success is quality pitching.  While many children are capable of throwing a ball relatively fast, this level will focus on how to pitch with control.  Since this is generally easier said then done, when the opposing pitcher reaches ball four, the batter's coach will come into pitch until that batter puts the ball into play or strikes out.  No walks will be issued.  At this level, all basic fundamentals of the game are reinforced.  This level is recommended for all 8 year old players and very confident and skilled 7 year old player. 

Mustang Division (ages 9 and 10)

This level is for players at least 9 years old and those no more than 10 years old as of April 30, 2011.  This level, for most children, is the exciting beginning to the real game of baseball as they see it on television.  Walks are issued, bases may be stolen after the ball passes the plate, bunting and an introduction to basic signs are all very important phases of this level.  In this division, teams are also scheduled to begin use of the professional arm style batting facility that Lake Shore currently has on site.  This site allows coaches a greater opportunity to teach hitting in a more controlled setting with a large number of repetitions.

Bronco Division (ages 11 and 12)

This division is for players who are at least 11 years old and no more than 12 years old as of April 30, 2011.  This level is where the full game of baseball is played.  All restrictions are removed especially in regard to stealing and pitching.  Players are now allowed to lead off bases and pitchers are taught to hold and defend against all aspects of the running game.  Be careful however, because balks are also part of the real game of baseball and they will be called here as well.  This league also has scheduled use of the batting facility to help maximize time off the diamond.

Pony Division (ages 13 and 14)

This division is for players who are at least 13 years old and no more than 14 years old as of April 30, 2011.  This level focuses on playing the complete game of baseball on a near major league size diamond.  Players are encouraged to refine and build on the skills learned in the previous league.  For many of our players, this is the perfect opportunity to hone their skills before then enter high school in a fun and relaxed environment.  This league also has use of the batting facility.

Colt Division (ages 15, 16 and 17)

This division is for players who are at least 15 years old and no more than 17 years old as of April 30, 2011.  This level will focus on the player who might not want the commitment of the full time travel at this age, but would still like to be active in the game.  This is the complete game of baseball on a major league size diamond.  This league also has scheduled use of the batting facility.

Bluesox Program (ages 10 and under, 12 and under, 14 and under)

The Bluesox program is comprised of our mid-level travel teams.  Most Bluesox teams will play in the competitive Mid-Atlantic Baseball Association (MABA) league.  These teams will play in approximately 40 to 50 games a season, which includes the MABA season and a variety of tournaments.  Managers for the Bluesox teams are interviewed and selected in mid-September.  Player tryouts are held in late October/early November.

Graysox Program (ages 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14)

The Graysox program is comprised of our top travel teams.  Graysox teams will play in the highly-competitive Baltimore Metro Baseball (BMB) league.  These teams will play in approximately 55 to 70 games a season, which includes the BMB season and a variety of tournaments.  Managers for the Graysox teams are interviewed and selected in mid-August.  Player tryouts are held in September.  The Graysox 12-year old team competes in the prestigous Cooperstown Dreams Park tournament each Summer.