Coach Pitch - Coach Pitch is for players league age 6-7. Ideally players should have had some exposure to baseball, but experience is not required. The primary focus is on skills development- throwing, catching, hitting, base running, etc. Coaches pitch to hitters, greatly increasing the likelihood of the ball being put in play. All players will bat in each inning, and while outs are informally recorded, innings end when each player has had a chance at bat. Teams will typically have one game per week mid-morning on Saturdays, with an occasional "friendly" scheduled during the week against another team from the Burlington area and a practice scheduled by the coach.
Coach Pitch FAQs:
When does the season start/end?
The season officially begins on Opening day - which is typically the last weekend in April or 1st weekend in May. There are optional clinics hosted in March and April.
What is the time commitment?
Teams will practice once during the week (45-60 minutes). The night of practice will depend on availability of the coaches. If you volunteer to coach, you can pick your day and time. Teams also have one game on Saturday morning on the lower field of Callahan Park.
Coach Pitch teams may have another informal game during the week against another BA team.
What equipment do I need?
Each player needs their own glove. Each team will be provided a tee, baseballs, bats and helmets to share. Some kids will wear cleats, but they are not required at this level. You do not need to purchase your own bat or helmet.
What is the age and talent level of the kids?
Coach Pitch is for players league age 6-7. Ideally players should have had some exposure to baseball, but experience is not required. The primary focus is on skills development- throwing, catching, hitting, base running, etc. Coaches pitch to hitters, greatly increasing the likelihood of the ball being put in play.
How are the games structured?
Both T-Ball and Coach Pitch games are usually about an hour on Saturday mornings on the lower field at Calahan Park. In Coach Pitch games all players will bat in each inning, and while outs are informally recorded, innings end when each player has had a chance to bat.
Can I volunteer to help?
Yes! BA relies on volunteers to make the season possible.
Coaching: At the Coach Pitch level, you don't need to be a baseball expert, but you should have some basic baseball knowledge. You just put in the time and energy to help the kids learn and have fun! BA has a player development agent who will provide guidance to the coaches in how best to structure practices.
Green up Day: Everyone is welcome to help get the fields ready for the season.
Team Parent: Someone to organize team snacks and be a liaison between parents and the coaches.
Snack Shack: The Snack Shack is the main fundraising source for BA, and parent volunteers are critical to keeping it running. Parents (and older kids), can sign up to take shifts selling snacks and running the grill. *Please check out the “Volunteer Opportunities” link on the website*