field together - not as father and sons, but as manager and players.
This was the culmination of a lifelong journey that took the Ripken
family from the youth leagues to the major leagues. From the very
beginning, it was evident that Cal, Jr. and Bill would follow in their
father's footsteps, always listening and learning while Cal, Sr.
talked about the finer points of the game. Cal Ripken, Sr. was a
father figure and mentor not only to his own sons, but to a multitude
of players and coaches.
DIVISIONS
Cal Ripken
Baseball is the 5-12 division of Babe Ruth League, Inc.
League age is defined by Babe Ruth League, Inc. Although a
change in the definition of league age is being considered by
Babe Ruth League, Inc., the current rule defines league age as
the player's age on July 31st. For example, next Spring, if a child
turns 7 on or before July 31, 2006, he or she will play in the
Rookie league as a 7 year-old. If a child turns 7 on or after August
1, 2006, he or she will play in T-Ball as a 6 year-old. Allowing a
player to "play up" is strongly discouraged and will only be
considered under extenuating circumstances as determined by the
Board of Directors. Under no circumstances will a player be allowed
to "play down", such as a 7 year old playing T-Ball or a 9 year-old
playing Rookie.
T-Ball is for 5 & 6 year-olds. Players hit the ball off a
tee. All participants get to bat and play in the field. The league
provides a Wilton Youth Baseball logo hat and shirt. Teams play a
regular season schedule.
Rookie League for 7 & 8 year-olds is Coach Pitch. All participants get to bat. There are no more than 11 players in the field each inning. All players are guaranteed at least two innings in the field. The league provides a Wilton Youth Baseball logo hat and shirt. Teams play a regular season schedule followed by a league tournament.
Minor League and Major League is for 9-12 year-olds. Players pitch to players. Players in this age group go through try-outs and a draft. Major coaches draft players based on their skill level, physical development and desire to play at a high level of competition. Once drafted by a major league team, the player remains on that team. For questions about the Minor and Major Leagues, call the league commissioners.
ORGANIZATION
The heart of the Cal Ripken Baseball program is the local league. Cal Ripken Baseball Rules and Regulations provide a framework under which local leagues, annually chartered by Babe Ruth League, Inc., operate with simplicity and democracy. Each chartered league administers its own program within this frame-work of rules and regulations with no undue restrictions placed upon it by the national organization. Leagues are given much autonomy, a fact which sets the Cal Ripken Baseball program far apart from all other programs.
Each league is established with defined and officially approved geographic boundaries. A league must charter at least
four Major teams in order to affiliate in the Cal Riken Division of Babe Ruth League, Inc.
Leagues are established within districts. Typically there are 8-10 leagues in each District. The League Presidents elect a District Commissioner to administer and represent their district.
Districts comprise the state (or territorial or provincial) organization. District Commissioners elect a State, Territorial or Provincial Commissioner to administer the state, territory, or province. There are currently 63 state, territorial, and provincial organizations in Babe Ruth League, including the Cal Ripken Baseball division.
In Cal Ripken Baseball, there are currently eight regions comprised of states, territories, and provinces: New England, Middle Atlantic, Ohio Valley, Southeast, Midwest Plains, Southwest, Pacific Northwest; and Pacific Southwest. Each region is administered by a Regional Commissioner who reports directly to Babe Ruth League, Inc. International Headquarters.
Babe Ruth League, Inc. International Headquarters, located in the suburban Trenton community of Lawrence Township, with additional offices in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and Newark, Ohio, is administered by an executive staff and key support personnel including league service representatives. The Babe Ruth League International Board of Directors is the governing body while Babe Ruth League International Headquarters is the administrative and promotional center.
The success of the Babe Ruth Baseball is attributed to the millions of volunteers who generously contribute their time. Every volunteer, from the local League President to the Chairman of the 17-member International Board, is dedicated to developing our youth and producing players who feel confident about themselves, while accomplishing our overriding goal: to make sure every player has fun playing the great game of baseball.
BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP
Upon entering Cal Ripken Baseball, a Division of Babe Ruth League, Inc., a player will have the opportunity to learn and practice skills "The 'Ripken Way". These strategies prepare the player not only for success on the ball field, but to meet the challenges of our increasing complex society. Physical fitness and conditioning, too, are crucial to a child's development and there is no better way to maintain fitness than through sports.
Affiliation with Cal Ripken Baseball, A Division of Babe Ruth League, Inc., provides the league with essential support to help make the participants' baseball experience positive and rewarding. Leagues are provided with complimentary educational materials, supplies, and training.
