At its inception in 1951, Babe Ruth Baseball was a league for players who are 13 to 15 years of age. The concept of offering organized, regulation baseball to young players has grown significantly since then. Children as young as 4 years old and teenagers as old as 19 can find teams within the Babe Ruth Baseball League network.
Age Determination Date
In 2006, the Babe Ruth League amended the date at which all players technically turn a year older. Prior to 2006, the date was Jan. 1. In 2006, it was changed to April 30. Any child who turns a year older after April 30 can still play with his current age group and does not have to move up a level, if appropriate, until the following season. According to the League, this keeps players in the system longer and allows them time to prepare for play on the larger fields that are regulation for older age groups.
16-19 Division
In 1966, the Babe Ruth League added another division for players older than 15: the 16-18 Division. In 2003, the division expanded to allow 19-year-olds as well. Under the new age determination date, a player who turns 19 after April 30 can still play in this division.
Cal Ripken Division
The Babe Ruth League joined forces with Cal Ripken Jr. in 2000 to provide the opportunity to play baseball to younger children as well. Cal Ripken Baseball is now a division of the Babe Ruth League for players from 5 to 12 years old. Since the age determination date change in 2006, youngsters as young as 4 years old can play in the Cal Ripken T-Ball program. The Cal Ripken Division includes the Major level for 11- and 12-year-olds, the Minor level for 9- and 10-year-olds, the Rookie level for 7- and 8-year-olds, and the T-Ball level for children ages 4, 5 and 6.
Prep Leagues
The Babe Ruth program also offers Prep Leagues for 13-year-olds and 16-year-olds. These leagues are comprised of children who are all the same age. It allows them more playing time than they might get as the youngest and less experienced players in the 13-15 or 16-19 age groups.
12-Year-Olds
The change in the age determination date now allows 12-year-olds to play in both the Cal Ripken Division or, if they are more seasoned and experienced, in the Babe Ruth 13-15 Division. The player can join teams in both leagues during the regular season, but cannot play for both of them if they each reach tournament games. At that point, the player would have to choose one team over the other.
Member Comments