⚾ UKCYBSA 2025 Division Overview 🥎

Division placement is based on your child’s “league age” — their age on May 1, 2025.
Please use the guide below to determine the correct division for your player.

🔹 T-Ball (Ages 4–6) – Co-Ed

League Age: 4–6

• For beginners learning the basics of hitting, fielding, teamwork, and base running

• 🛑 Local Age Rule: Players must be 4 years old by May 1, 2025 (voted on by the UKCYBSA Board for safety)

🔹 Rookies (Ages 6–8) – Co-Ed

League Age: 6–8

• Introductory coach-pitch division focused on developing hitting and fielding

• Ideal for players moving up from T-Ball or starting out at age 6–8

• Players may move up at parent or coach recommendation

🔹 Minors Baseball (Ages 8–10)

League Age: 8–10

• Player-pitch division with live games and umpires

• Focuses on skill-building, sportsmanship, and game awareness

• Players who have completed 2 seasons in Rookies may be eligible to move up

🔹 Majors Baseball (Ages 10–12)

League Age: 10–12

• Competitive player-pitch division with full rules and interleague travel

• Prepares players for middle school and advanced play

• ⚠️ Tryout required if moving up from Minors

🔹 Minors Softball (Ages 8–10)

League Age: 8–10

• Introductory player-pitch division with some coach assistance

• Emphasizes confidence in hitting, pitching, catching, and fielding

• Ideal for players progressing from T-Ball or beginning softball at age 8–10

🔹 Majors Softball (Ages 10–12)

League Age: 10–12

• Full player-pitch division with live games, umpires, and local travel

• Competitive play preparing athletes for middle school and travel softball

• ⚠️ Tryout required if moving up from Minors

📌 Important Notes

• League Age is based on your child’s age as of May 1, 2025

• All division placements are reviewed by the UKCYBSA Board to ensure safety, skill level, and the best experience for every player

🔄 Updated Age Flexibility

• ✅ If your child has played two seasons in a lower division, they may move up at a parent’s discretion

• ⚠️ Tryouts are required for players moving from Minors to Majors (Baseball or Softball)

📩 Need to request a tryout or ask questions?
Email us at [email protected]

📊 Need help determining League Age?

Use the official 2025 Babe Ruth League Age Chart to confirm your player’s division.

⚾ Youth Baseball Pitching Guidelines

UKCYBSA is committed to protecting young athletes by promoting safe pitching practices that support long-term player development. These guidelines align with national standards and are enforced during all league play.

🧢 General Guidelines

• Typical Pitching Distance:

  • Minors Division: 46 feet

  • Majors Division: 50 feet

• Focus Areas: Athleticism, physical fitness, fun, teamwork, and proper pitching mechanics

• Always Warm Up Properly: Adequate warm-up is required before pitching or throwing drills

 Annual Pitching Limits

• Ages 7–8 (Coach Pitch & Rookies): Max 60 innings per year

• Ages 9–12 (Minors & Majors): Max 80 innings per year

• Rest & Recovery:

  • Take at least 4 months off from throwing each year

  • 2–3 of those months should be continuous

⚠️ Division-Specific Pitching Rules

🔹 Minors Baseball (Ages 8–10)

• Pitching Distance: 46 feet

• First level of player-pitch with focus on learning mechanics and situational awareness

• Pitchers follow the 9–10 age pitch count limits below

• Coaches must monitor pitch counts and fatigue signs closely

🔹 Majors Baseball (Ages 10–12)

• Pitching Distance: 50 feet

• Full competition pitching rules with live game play and umpires

• Pitchers follow the 11–12 age pitch count limits below

• No pitcher may pitch on three consecutive days, regardless of count

• Pitchers removed from the mound may not return as a pitcher in the same game

 Pitching Safety Best Practices

• ✅ Follow pitch count limits and required rest periods

• ✅ Only throw fastballs and change-ups — no breaking balls like curveballs or sliders

• ✅ Do not pitch and catch in the same game

• ✅ Avoid playing for multiple teams simultaneously

• ✅ Encourage playing other sports for balanced development

• ✅ Watch for signs of fatigue, such as decreased velocity, poor control, or elbow/shoulder soreness

📊Pitch Count Limits & Required Rest

📌 Key Restrictions

• ❌ Pitchers removed from the mound may not return to pitch in the same game

• ❌ Pitchers may not pitch on three consecutive days, no matter how few pitches were thrown

• ❌ No pitching in multiple games on the same day

💬 Need Help or Have Questions?

📧 Reach out to us at [email protected] for clarification or guidance.

Official Bat Rules

All players must adhere to the official bat regulations set by Babe Ruth League. Please review the Official Bat Rules to ensure your player’s bat meets league requirements.

Axe Bat Recommendations

For families looking for bat recommendations, we suggest the following Axe Bat models based on division level. These bats offer excellent performance and durability.

Register for the Axe Team Store to purchase recommended bats.

T-Ball

Recommended Bats:

• 2023 Axe Avenge Pro Tee Ball USABAT (-11)
• 2023 Hero USABAT Tee Ball (-11) 2-1/4 – Available in 24”, 25”, and 26” (Recommended: 25” or 26” based on player height)
• Alternative Option: 2023 Hero USABAT Hyperspeed (-12) (26”-30”) – A great bat that can transition into Rookies division.

Rookies (Machine/Coach Pitch)

Recommended Bats:

• 2023 Hero USABAT Hyperspeed (-12)
• 2023 Hero Hyperspeed (-11) USABAT – Ideal for stronger players needing a heavier bat.
• For Second-Year Rookies or Transitioning to Minors: 2023 Strato USABAT (-10) 2-5/8" – Larger barrel but may be difficult for younger players to control.

Minors/Majors (Player Pitch)

Recommended Bats:

• 2023 Strato USABAT (-10) 2-5/8" – Excellent balance of performance and control.
• Premium Option: 2023 Avenge Pro Hybrid USA (-10) 2-5/8" – Top-of-the-line bat but may not be necessary at this level.

Softball

All fastpitch bats listed on Axe Team Store meet league eligibility. Choose a bat that fits your player’s height and budget.

For any questions regarding bat rules or recommendations, please contact us.