Star Program

More flexible in terms of schedule.

We understand that families have busy schedules and involved in other competing activities, so we are offering a program where parents can select which weeknights, they wish to attend. During weeknights, players will learn to play the game and develop their skills in fun activity-based sessions. Actual baseball games will be played on Saturday mornings only for the first few weeks with Wed. and Thurs. night practices shifting to games as well for the remainder of the program. Schedule may change for the last 2 weeks of June.

More appropriate to each player’s abilities.

We also understand that players learn and grow at different rates.  With this in mind, players will be grouped according to age and abilities.  Players will be assessed at an evaluation session prior to the season, and then assigned to an appropriate level: Rising Star or Super Star.

More emphasis on development. Yes, kids want to play.  But players will enjoy playing much more, if they are properly prepared with the skills and knowledge to play the game.  With the old model, there was very little time to learn the skills of the game.  In an actual game, a player may bat 2-3 times, swing a bat 4-8 times, and field a ground ball 2-3 times.  In contrast, in a well run practice session, with fun ‘stations’, a player can swing a bat 15-30 times,  and field & throw, 15-30 times.  The new program will offer more opportunity to attend these week day development sessions.

More player involvement in games.

We will tweak existing baseball rules to allow for more opportunities for game-play at the Super Star Level:

1. During Weeks 1-3, batters get 5 pitches (regardless of strikes) to hit.  If they foul on the fifth pitch and subsequent pitches, they keep batting.  If they miss the fifth or subsequent pitch, they get to hit the ball of a batting T.
2. From Week 4 on,  the same batting rules as above will apply, with the exception of the batting T opportunity.
3. To avoid players standing around, coaches will roll baseballs to fielders during breaks in play (eg. Changes in at bats).
4. Coaches, regardless of team, will be encouraged to help instruct players on both teams.

More standardize coaching and training.

We rely on volunteer parents to coach our players.  To do so otherwise, would make the sport too costly.  In order for our volunteer parents to be prepared to coach, we will offer and encourage our coaches to attend a formal training session.