The In-House 8U League is for kids who are 8 years old or younger as of May 1st in the year of the current season .  The 8U League will focus on an advanced introduction to baseball using kid pitch and kid catch. 

Teams will consist of 7-10 kids per team based on registration numbers. Scores will be kept on all games.

All games will be played on Monday and Wednesday evenings (either 5:30 or 6:45pm) at field locations below starting in mid-May and ending in with a In-House Jamboree at Tahpah Park on the last Saturday in July.

Important Dates

Evaluations - April 13th, 2024

Time's are by Last Name

A-L: 2:00pm - 2:30pm

M-Z: 2:30pm-3:00pm

End of Year Jamboree - July 27th, 2024

In-House 8U League

• Players in the 8U League will need to be 8 years old or younger on May 1st of each season. 
• Players younger than 8 are encouraged to join as long as they meet the skill requirements at evaluations. 
• Players older than 8 on May 1st are able to play in this league only if it is to play with a friend in the same grade. 
• 7-10 players per team, with an emphasis on keeping kids engaged, having fun and learning the game of baseball.
• Each team will require 2-4 coaches per team. Coaches are not required to have a baseball backgound, and the more coaches we have the better experience the kids will have.
• 8U League will be kid pitch for the entire season.
• 8U League will be kid catch.  Coaches will be responsible for sanitizing catching equipment after each use.
• The season will consist of baseball games where strikes and outs will count and scores will be kept.
• For games, each batter that is up during that inning will get a standard at bat, 3 strikes/4 balls.  
• For kid pitch - If the pitcher walks/hits a batter, the batter will be awarded first base and the coach will pitch to the next hitter (the pitcher will resume pitching after the coach pitches) .  If a pitcher walks/hits 3 batters in one inning, there will be a pitching change.
• There are no lead offs or stolen bases. 
• Teams will switch offense/defense after 3 outs or after 5 runs are scored.  There is no run rule.
• Each game will have a one and a half-hour time limit. An inning can start within the one-hour limit and the inning will go until completed.
• Coaches will be responsible for keeping and reporting scores as the standings will determine seeding in the Jamoboree.
• Coaches/Teams are responsible for designating who will bring snacks/drinks at the end of each game.
• Coaches/Teams are responsible for coming up with a team name and entering team/players into Sports Engine. 

Equipment Needed:

Each player will need to provide their own:

• Bat - 26in-29in (-10 or -11)
• Helmet (XS or 6 3/8) - black/red
• Baseball Glove
• Baseball:
  • Pants - gray or white
  • Belt - red or black
  • Socks - red/black/white
• Rubber Cleats
• Leak proof water bottle
• Batting gloves (optional)

Colors are only suggestions.  If you have a different color please feel free to use that.  There is no color requirement at this age. 

The association will provide:

• Jersey
• Hat
• Baseballs
• Tennis balls
• Wiffle balls
• Tees
• Practice Plan for coaches
• Team bats
• Team helmets

An equipment swap meet will be held during evaluations at Westminster. You can bring gently used baseball equipment to donate, or select what you need from other SYBA families. Everything is free of charge.

Schedule

When registration is closed, we will send out schedules based on the number of teams we have. Each team schedule will be either Monday and Wednesday nights, or Tuesday and Thursday nights. Times will be at 5:30PM or 6:45PM.

Field Locations

All games will be at Muenchow behind the community center. 

All practices between May 1st and June 17th will be at Muenchow. 

All practices between June 24th and the end of the season will be at Tahpah.

In-House Jamboree

The highlight of our In-House season is our year-end jamboree. It will take place on the last Saturday in July at Tahpah Park. Each team will play two games and the players will receive awards at the end. Please reserve that date/weekend as it is always a great time for the kids. This is a great time for family and friends to come cheer on the kids. A concession stand will be open for drinks and snacks.

Coaches

The SYBA is in need for coaches especially in the In-House leagues.  Each team should have 4 coaches per team.  This allows for more efficient practices (3 different stations with head coach correcting on technique and skill) as well as more enjoyable games (1st baseman, pitcher/catcher, bench coach and scorebook). 
 
We realize everyone is very busy and may not be able to commit as a head coach.  Assistant coaches are certainly welcomed regardless of your baseball background.  Just note on your coaches application how much time (days of week, start time, etc.) and the SYBA will pair you with someone whose schedule will compliment your schedule.
 
The SYBA has put together a coaching guide for each season to help you if you are new to coaching.  This guide walks you through which stations to have for each practice and tips and tricks on how to make it fun and competitive for the kids.
 
And this is not only a “Dad” job.  Moms are also encouraged to help out. Especially if you have a softball background, please please please, these kids need your help!
 
There will be a question near the end of the registration asking if you would like to be coach, or you can reach out to Brian and Rod with your interest.  Please give some consideration to helping your childs baseball team this year.

Important Dates

Evaluations - April 13th, 2024

End of Year Jamboree - July 27th, 2024

We are looking forward to a great season. Please remember that the In-House leagues are primarily about player developement and having fun!  We start to introduce healthy competition at this age, but a big part of being competitive is ensuring these kids start with fundamental baseball skills. We want to make sure these kids develop a love for baseball so they will continue playing as they get older. We look forward to seeing you all on the field. If you have any questions please let us know.

"Baseball gives a growing boy self-poise and self-reliance.  Baseball is a man maker"

-Al Spalding

If parents have concerns that these rules are not being followed, they should communicate with the coach first. If not satisfied with the coach's response, then they should contact the SYBA In House Directors.