Leagues

Co-Ed Leagues
T-Ball League (5 year olds)
The very basics of the sport are stressed: which base to run to; positions on the field; batting and fielding. The children hit the modified (very soft) ball off the tee. All children receive an equal opportunity to bat and play in the field. Parents are welcome to participate and to help create an enjoyable, supportive, instructional, and non-competitive atmosphere. All players receive awards at season's end.

Farm League (6 year olds)
This league builds upon the learning stressed in T-Ball. However, a more challenging format is provided as the children are facing "live" pitching from a coach or parent. The pitching is a "soft toss" so the players can develop the skill of hitting a moving ball. This helps to prepare the boys and girls for the next level of play. All players receive awards at end of season.

Baseball Leagues
Rookie League (7-8 years old)
An introduction to team play with emphasis on further skill development. A pitching machine is used to provide more consistent pitching to help the boys develop more confidence in their batting. Fielding skills are also stressed as the ball is put into play more frequently. While competitiveness begins to develop in boys, a learning environment is the goal. This is also a non-competitive, learning environment. Games are played at Chatham. All players receive awards at end of season.

Minor League (9-10 years old)
This league introduces the boys to competitive baseball. Basic rules of baseball are followed with some exceptions. Bases are set 60’ apart and the pitcher’s rubber is 46’ from home plate. Boys are introduced to player pitching and base stealing. Modifications include: pitchers limited to two innings per game and all boys bat in consecutive order throughout the game. Games are six innings long and each player must play in the field for a minimum of three innings. Games are played at the Police Field.

Major League (11-12 years old)
A more competitive environment is natural as full baseball rules are followed with some modifications. Bases again set at 60’ and the pitcher’s rubber 46’ from home plate. All players players continue to bat in order throughout the game. Free substitution still allowed except for the pitching. Pitchers are limited to a maximum of six innings per week. Games last seven innings. Rosters are limited to maximize each player’s opportunity to play. Games are played at the Police Field. Limited games will be scheduled against teams from Highland Park and Westgate.

Softball Leagues
Rookie League (7-8 years old)
For developmental reasons, a pitching machine is used to ensure consistent pitching. This is designed to postpone player-pitching until the girls are better prepared and to help build the girls' confidence in their batting skills. Fundamental skills will be stressed in an enjoyable non-competitive environment. Games played at Chatham. All girls receive award at season's end.

Minor League (9-10 years old)
Introduction to actual competitive softball. Girls are allowed to begin pitching, including windmill. Basic skills are stressed to create an enjoyable but still developmental experience. Brookline girls play in a combined league format with games against Westgate teams. While some games will be played "away", it is not a travel league for elite players. It is an in-house league for all girls, regardless of ability. Girls bat in consecutive order and play in the field for a minimum of three innings.

Major League (11-12 years old)
This league is designed to introduce the girls to a more competitive style of play. The regular rules of softball are used with limited modifications. All girls bat in consecutive order throughout the game. Windmill pitching, base-stealing and sliding skills are stressed to create further learning and greater excitement. Brookline teams will play in a fully-integrated league with teams from both Hilltop and Westgate.