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Minor League

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Minor League Info - Grades 4 & 5

 

  • The Shakopee Minor League schedule will start the first week in May.
  • Infield, outfield, hitting, throwing, pitching (windup and stretch), catching, and base-running fundamentals are stressed in pre-game practices and games.
  • Players should arrive for games at 5:45. The home team has the infield area from 5:55-6:10; the visitors have the infield area from 6:10-6:25. The game should start at 6:30.
  • Games are six innings; 3 ½ innings must be completed for an official game. No new inning should start after 8:30 (you may finish an inning, however). If an inning is not completed due to weather or darkness, the score resorts back to the last complete inning.
  • Coaches must coach from the bench and coaches boxes - instructing players throughout the game. Coaches may stop the game for instructional purposes, if and when necessary.
  • SYBA metro/older players will umpire the games. A large strike zone is encouraged. Good sportsmanship by players, coaches, and fans is mandatory: No tolerance policy is in effect for poor sportsmanship! The league coordinator or SYBA president should be informed immediately if problems arise.
  • Game scores are recorded and team records will be used to set up the end-of-the-season tournament. Coaches, please report your game results to the Minor League Coordinator (TBD) after each game in order to provide up-to-date league standings.
  • Nine players play defense at a time (3 OF, 4 IF, P and C). No player should sit out defensively for more than two innings in a row.
  • Coaches are responsible for rotating players' defensive positions (free substitutions) and batting order (keeping the same batting order for the entire game - continuous batting). Coaches should ensure that all players play one infield and outfield position per game, if possible. It is recommended that players do not rotate defensively every inning, so they can better grasp the concept of each position (two positions per game). Coaches should be sure that all players play every position and bat in every position in the batting order sometime during the year.
  • A courtesy runner (last batter(s) who made an out) should be used for the catcher and/or pitcher after two outs to speed up the game - get catchers' gear on - speed up the game.
  • The defensive team must stop base-runner’s advancement.
  • Three outs per inning or a maximum of 5 runs can be scored in an inning.
  • 10-run rule is in effect after 4 ½ innings.
  • No metal cleats.
  • Bats:
    • 2 ¼ inch barrel have no weight restrictions
    • 2 ½ to 2 ¾ inch barrels must have a minus 9 weight
    • Bases are 65 feet. Pitching rubber is 46 feet; portable mounds are used.
 
  • Players pitch:
    • A player must be able to throw 6 out of 10 strikes in practice (for the coach) in order to pitch in a game. Practice, Practice, Practice! We want to give all players a chance to pitch but they must earn it. Accuracy above velocity!
    • Pitchers should warm up between innings so they are ready to pitch.
    • Balls and strikes will be called and recorded by the umpire (walks and strikeouts will count).
    • Pitchers may pitch only 3 consecutive innings with a total of 6 innings per week.
    • Pitchers will need to learn to pitch from the windup and the stretch (with runners on base).
    • Balks - a fake pitch will be considered a balk resulting in a dead ball and all runners advancing one base.
    • No curve balls, but change ups (changing speeds) are encouraged.
    • After two or more walks in an inning, a coach can look to replace the pitcher.
    • Home team is responsible for delivering and returning portable mounds. Also ensure that the dugouts/bench areas are clean of debris.
  • All players should get a chance to play catcher; however, after July 4, coaches may rotate the catchers on their team who have been the most successful at blocking pitches and throwing to bases. Try to develop two or more catchers per team.
  • Stealing is allowed after the ball crosses the plate; the runner may advance to 2B and/or 3B on wild pitches/passed balls.
    • No stealing home at any time; if a player is on third base at the time of the pitch, he can only advance to home on a batted ball. After July 4, however, a player may advance to home on a steal, wild pitch/passed ball, throw to another base, or errant throw.
    • Leading off base prior to the stated rule is an automatic out.
    • No stealing if your team is leading by 7 or more runs.
  • Runners may advance on an overthrow (out of play is one base only).
  • Bunting is allowed.
  • Dropped third strike is an automatic out
  • Infield fly rule is in effect (runners on 1st and 2nd or bases loaded with less than two outs and a catchable ball in the infield = batter is called out by the umpire; runners should stay on their base or advance at their own risk)
  • After July 4, Coaches may play players in positions where the players are most successful. Coaches are encouraged to still give players opportunities to play multiple positions. Players should not sit out defensively more than two innings per game.
Playoffs: The Minor League Coordinator will set up an end-of-the season playoff (based upon regular season records) tournament at Tahpah Park for all Minor League teams. Coaches are not required to rotate batting order or positions (except, all pitchers may only pitch 3 consecutive innings and a maximum of 6 innings) for this tournament. Players should not sit out defensively for more than two innings per playoff game.

Mike Malone

Minor League Coordinator