Amherst Baseball Club ~ Parent FAQ

Parent Info

What is the difference between Cal Ripken and Little League?

There are more similarities than differences between the two organizations. While there are small rule differences, both national organizations promote the game of baseball for children and foster the ideals of sportsmanship and fair play. Cal Ripken is the fastest growing baseball organization in NH and allows for more independence at the individual league level. Amherst Baseball Club is proud to one of the 54 chartered leagues in the state.

Why are the age requirements for baseball different than other sports in town?

Because we are chartered by the Cal Ripken Baseball organization we are obligated to use their age levels for each division. The new age levels were established in 2004. Cal Ripken uses the age of the player by April 30 of the current year to determine age for the season. So, even if an 8 year-old turns 9 on May 1^st, he is still considered an 8 year-old for the entire spring/summer season. Other sports use different dates or grade levels in determining a player’s age for their season based on either the accepted national standards for that particular sport or based on local rules.

Can my child “play-up” if I think he’s good enough or I want him to be with his friends?

There are opportunities for “playing up” in our program once a player reaches age nine through the screening process held every spring. However, we do not allow players to play up before age nine because younger players should be focusing on having fun and continued individual skill development rather than focusing on getting in to a more competitive environment. We echo the feelings of Babe Ruth League’s former president, Ron Tellefsen, about the philosophy of playing up – please take a minute to read his thoughts. For interested parents and players there are local resources from clinics to private coaching that can provide additional learning opportunities and advanced skill development. Additionally, players younger than nine are free to try-out for our U9 summer All-Star team.

When does the spring baseball season start?

We are at the mercy of the weather every year as to when we get started. The town informs us when the fields are dry and ready to play on. Some years this may happen in early April, other years not until May. Unlike soccer and football, baseball can not be played on a wet field because it will cause damage to the infield area. We try to finalize our team selection process by late March so you should be contacted by your coach in early April at the latest. If you have registered for baseball and have not been contacted by April 10^th please contact the club.

Q.	What equipment does my child have to have to play baseball?
A.	The only piece of equipment that a player is required to own individually is his/her own baseball glove. The program provides all other necessary equipment. However, players are allowed to use their own additional equipment (bats, helmets, catchers’ gear) if desired. Please see our equipment page for more info on selecting proper equipment for each age.

What is an All-Star team?

As long as there is player interest and coach availability, we field 4 All-Star teams each summer season. The age levels are U9, U10, U11 and U12. The All-Star teams are selected based on a try-out process in May. The teams play in our Cal Ripken District 2 tournament as well as 2-3 additional summer tournaments as selected by the team manager. If a team wins the District, they will continue on the Cal Ripken tournament trail through state, regional and even national tournament play as their record allows. The All-Star teams allow for players to play baseball at a more competitive level against their peers.

What can I do at home to make my child a better player?

Baseball is one of the most challenging sports to play. It has many skills to learn:batting, fielding, throwing and base running. The baseball season is pretty short here in Amherst and while our coaches are dedicated to teaching the game, the amount of contact time with the players is limited to a few hours a week. That's where you come in. Be proactive in your child's baseball development: play catch , pitch , throw pop-ups and grounders with them. The more your child plays, the better they will become and the more fun they will have. And that's the most important benefit - it becomes more fun. This page has some resources to help you help your child. Take the time to watch what is being taught at practice or ask your player’s coach about things you can do at home. And the one thing that we ask of all parents is to help teach and role-model the idea of good sportsmanship.