Stratham Youth Baseball is a Cal Ripken Chartered league, and is open to boys and girls who are residents of Stratham, Greenland, Newington and Portsmouth. SYBB primary mission is to develop a life-long love of America’s pastime in todays youth by giving them the time to learn the game trying multiple positions on the field. Competitive outlets are available for all ages in the Longhorns program, or in the later years of Majors and Babe Ruth leagues.
Program Details
Tee Ball (Kindergarten or children that are 5 by May 1st) ~ Tee ball takes place each Saturday morning from 9:00 to 10:30 at Stratham Hill Park. The time is split as follows: the first 45 minutes is dedicated to practicing individual skills and baseball fundamentals; the last 45 minutes is structured game play with coaches continuing to instruct players during the game. The Tee Ball program begins after April vacation and runs through June 10th.
Rookie Baseball (1st and 2nd grade) ~ This program is designed to transition kids from tee ball to baseball. It's an instructional, non-competitive league for kids in 1st and 2nd grade where the goal is to develop fundamental skills and a love for the game. Team sizes are structured so that all players will bat (coach pitch) and play in the field every inning. The time commitment is one practice per week, on a Monday through Thursday evening, and one to two games per week, on Friday nights. The rookie league is an excellent way to continue learning the fundamentals of the game and building player confidence. The Rookie program begins mid-April (weather permitting) and runs through June 10th.
Minors Baseball (3rd and 4th grade) ~ Players at this level continue building and refining their fundamental skills while they begin to understand game strategy. It is at the minor league level that player’s first experience live pitching from players. Pitcher's mound is at a distance of 46-feet from home plate and the base paths are 60-feet apart. Teams generally play two games per week (three games during one week is a possibility) and also hold practices during the week. Minor teams will play and practice on Mon/Wed/Sat. This league includes a season ending tournament. The Minors program begins mid-April (weather permitting) and runs through June. Evaluations are TBD
Majors Baseball (5th and 6th Grade) ~ The most experienced level of Cal Ripken Baseball. Cal Ripken Baseball is played under the Official Baseball Rules, but implements some special rules as necessary for the development and welfare of this young age group. The game is played on a 70-foot diamond to further develop their skill-set. Pitcher selection is at the discretion of the coach, not all players will have the opportunity to pitch. Teams generally play two games per week (three games during one week is a possibility) and also hold practices during the week. Major teams will play and practice on Tue/Thur/Sat. While this is the most competitive level of Stratham Cal Ripken, equal playing time is a rule. This league includes standings and playoffs. The Majors program begins mid-April (weather permitting) and runs through June. Evaluations are TDB
Babe Ruth Baseball (7th through 10th grade) ~ Since this division has older players, there is a stronger emphasis on competition. It is also at this level that players are finally introduced to the regulation 90-foot baseball field. Currently, Stratham fields teams in the Exeter Babe Ruth League. The first level of Babe Ruth is the prep league, where 7th and 8th graders compete. After that, players move up to Babe Ruth and then finally Sr. Babe Ruth. Players will be evaluated in early spring and assigned to a team. Grade is the primary basis for team placement but skill level and other factors may play a role. The Stratham baseball board decides issues such as swing player placement. This program is intended to work around school baseball teams so there is no issue with players also playing for their school teams, in fact it is encouraged. Practices will start early May and games will run to the end of June. The coach will determine practices times. Games will be announced once teams are selected. Depending on the number of participants, tryouts may be held.
ATTENTION ALL PARENTS: VOLUNTEER COACHES NEEDED!
PLEASE SIGN UP TO COACH WHEN YOU REGISTER YOUR CHILD TO PLAY. We will provide instruction and weekly lesson plans. No baseball experience is necessary – just a desire to spend quality time with your child. There will be a training for all volunteer coaches and mandatory background screening. This training will focus on coaching fundamentals and philosophy as well as provide guidance for creating and running practices and games.
