Shakopee Baseball Association

Metro 10’s Tournament Team: Because players on this team play in the Shakopee Rookie League, they have plenty of opportunity for playing time (different positions and batting order) in that league. Therefore, the 10’s tournament team is a more competitive environment in which the team is trying to place in tournaments and qualify for the state tournament(s). Coaches may set their line-up as needed; all batters must bat throughout the order in this league (continuous batting). Defensively, each player will play a minimum of 3 innings (in a complete game) and coaches are encouraged not to sit a player for two innings in a row. Coaches are encouraged to seek various playing time opportunities for all players, when possible. Coaches are responsible for working with and communicating pitchers’ innings with their Rookie League Coach. Pitchers at this age level are limited to 9 innings per week on the combined teams.

 

Metro 11’s Tournament Team: Because players on this team play in the Shakopee Minor League, they have plenty of opportunity for playing time (different positions and batting order) in that league. Therefore, the 11’s tournament team is a more competitive environment in which the team is trying to place in tournaments and qualify for the state tournament(s). Coaches may set their line-up as needed; all batters must bat throughout the order in this league (continuous batting). Defensively, each player will play a minimum of 3 innings (in a complete game) and coaches are encouraged not to sit a player for two innings in a row. Coaches are encouraged to seek various playing time opportunities for all players, when possible. Coaches are responsible for working with and communicating pitchers’ innings with their Rookie League Coach. Pitchers at this age level are limited to 9 innings per week on the combined teams.

 

Metro 10’s, 11’s, 12’s and 13’s Traveling Teams: Tournament play (qualifiers, state, and league playoffs) are considered “more important” than League play. Therefore, coaches may approach tournaments as necessary to compete at the team’s highest level. The only restrictions in tournament play are pitching innings (as dictated by the tournament rules) and defensively, each player will play a minimum of 3 innings (in a complete game) and coaches are encouraged not to sit a player for two innings in a row. Coaches are encouraged to seek various playing time opportunities in tournament play for all players, when possible. There is continuous batting in league and tournament play. All teams will play a minimum of 25 games during the season (16 league games), all players must have a minimum of 5 games at an infield and outfield position by the end of the season (minimum of three innings played in those five games). Pitching and /or catching count as an infield position. Any player wishing to pitch that has proven he can throw a minimum of 6 of 10 strikes in practice, should be allowed to pitch a minimum of 5 innings during the season (one pitch in an inning, by rule, constitutes and inning pitched.) Catchers should be determined by desire and ability (all interested should be given a game opportunity). Each team should strive to develop at least two quality catchers. All players should also be given the opportunity to bat for a minimum of five games over the course of the season in the top, middle, and bottom 1/3 of the batting order.

 

 

Metro 14’s and 15’s: Parents, players and coaches need to understand that the rules change at age 14. Coaches no longer have the flexibility of continuous batting or unlimited defensive substitutions. Coaches are now restricted by the “real rules” of baseball (only 9 players play/bat at a time, only starters may re-enter the game, designated hitter option is available, etc.).   Certain players are going to receive more playing time than others. Tournament play (qualifiers, state, and league playoffs) are considered “more important” than League play. Therefore, coaches may approach tournaments as necessary to compete at the team’s highest level.  League play should provide some flexibility for playing time and possibly experimenting with the line-up. Coaches should do their best to ensure that all players either bat or play at least two innings defensively in every league game. Courtesy runners should also be considered an important role at this level; this opportunity should be used to enhance a faster bench player’s base-running abilities. Coaches are encouraged to seek various playing time opportunities for all players and reward positive attitudes/work ethic, when possible.

 

16-18’s Leagues: Again, “real rules” of baseball are used at these levels, making it more difficult for game substitutions. Certain players are going to receive more playing time than others. Coaches should do their best to ensure that all players either bat or play at least two innings defensively in every league game. Courtesy runners should also be considered an important role at this level; this opportunity should be used to enhance a faster bench player’s base-running abilities. Coaches are encouraged to seek various playing time opportunities for all players and reward positive attitudes/work ethic, when possible.