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Minors Division Overview

Overview (Ages 9-11*)

The Minor League Division is an introductory level into traditional baseball in which kids learn to pitch and Little League rules are enforced as the kids grow into game play.  New for 2012, the Minor League Division has been divided into two divisions, Minor AA and Minor AAA. 

The focus of Minors is to develop fundamentally sound ballplayers while doing so in a positive and encouraging approach that aims to continue growing a love for the game.  In addition, in the spirit of competition, sportsmanship is greatly emphasized.  The goal of the program is to get kids to progress naturally and prepare them for the Major League.
 

Minor AA is a house league and is designed primarily for 9 and 10 year-olds with the focus on teaching kids to pitch and develop game skills. The 1st third of the season is devoted to skill development and scrimmage situations. The last 2/3rds of the season will consist of a mixture of practice and house league games. There may be an end of season tournament with other communities. Players must have played one year of Rookie (Machine) League in Hamel.

Minor AAA is a game league and is designed primarily for 10 and 11 year-olds who have advanced beyond the introductory skills of AA and are considered game ready at the start of the season. In addition to continuing skill development, this group will play both house and community games. 

Please Note: 9 year-olds wishing to play Minors AAA must be evaluated in the top 10% of eligible Minors AAA participants. 
 
12 year-olds may play down to Minors AAA will be based on parent request or where skills indicate Major League would create an unsatisfactory experience for the player. 12 year olds participating in the Minor League will not be allowed to pitch in games.

Season Information

MINORS AA MINORS AAA
DAYS Monday through Thursday Monday through Friday
TIME: TBD TBD
DATES: April 30 – July 3 April 30 – July 4

Minor teams can expect to practice and/or play up to 3-4 times per week. As noted, AA teams will play house league exclusively and AAA teams will play both house and community teams. 

Minor AAA level teams will compete in District 1 end of the season tournaments.  Weekend play is likely for the postseason tournament.
 

Minor AAA Participants will be eligible for selection to All Star teams which will be formed toward the end of the regular season. Refer to the All Star Page for more information.

Location

Games and practices will be held at the Hamel Fields aka “The Quad” off of Brockton Lane N in Hamel. Additionally, Minor AAA teams will play games with other neighboring communities

Registration and Team Formation

Fee:

$225 per player

Registration

Age Requirements*:  Minor League Division is primarily for kids 9-11* as of April 30, 2012.

*Please note: It is possible that 9 year old kids will be participants in the Rookie League (Machine Pitch) to further their skill development and provide for equally matched competition. Likewise, it is possible that 12 year old kids will be participants in the Minor League if it is determined the skills exhibited by kids that age are not sufficient to play at the Major League level.


Team Formation

Teams will be comprised of no more than 12 players.

Evaluations are used to determine players skills and abilities for proper league placement. Hamel Baseball policy dictates that we make teams as balanced as possible. However, the VP of Baseball Operations, the league coordinator, VP of Leagues and Player Agent reserve the right to make changes to teams in the event that teams are not balanced or if coaches are not disseminated equally.
 
“Play with” requests will not be honored.

Game Play

A progression of more introductory baseball skills will be taught at the Minors.  Whether in a game or practice, each player will also be encouraged to pitch and play catcher.

As mentioned, the Minor League Division is the first level where kids pitch themselves.  Little League rules are in force, including pitch counts, bunting, strikeouts and walks. 

Continuous batting lineups will be used during the regular season.  Umpires are used for AAA games.

Equipment

At the Minor League level, Hamel Baseball provides:

  • Baseballs
  • Catcher’s Gear
  • Team uniform top and hat

Players are required to supply their own:

  • Helmets (royal blue preferred)
  • Glove
  • Baseball Bat(s)
  • Baseball pants (gray preferred)
  • Athletic Supporter and Protective Cup
  • Rubber cleated baseball shoes 

 

NOTE:  Please write your child’s name on all personal equipment.