UNITED STATES – Babe Ruth Baseball plans to start a League in the greater Salem-Keizer-Woodburn-Silverton area for the 2010 season. Babe Ruth League, Inc. is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to developing better citizens by providing properly supervised baseball competition for players 5 through 18 years of age. Established in 1951 and incorporated in 1952, there are now over 45,000 teams competing in over 7,300 leagues in the United States and Canada.

The foundation of the organization is Babe Ruth Baseball (13-15) year olds) playing on a regulation baseball diamond. Selection of this grouping on the regulation-size infield was made originally after studies among professional youth authorities indicated favor for this basic concept. In 1966, The Babe Ruth 16-18 Division was launched to provide similar adult-supervised competition and participation for older teenagers wishing to continue in organized baseball. To further encourage participation, beginning with the 1994 season, a 16-Year-Old Prep Division was adopted. Keeping in mind the interest of the player and his ability to perform, Babe Ruth League, Inc. in 1974 initiated a Prep League just for the 13-Year-Old player.

After much research Babe Ruth League Inc. in 1981 used a 12-Year-Old and under division as a test-pilot program in 11 states covering three regions. Because of its huge success the Board of Directors of Babe Ruth League, Inc. voted to expand nationwide and into Canada starting in 1982, and named it the Bambino Division of Babe Ruth League, Inc. In 1999, the Board of Directors of Babe Ruth League, Inc. changed the name of the Bambino program to Cal Ripken Baseball, A Division of Babe Ruth League, Inc. (effective for 2000).

The Cal Ripken Division, as in all divisions of Babe Ruth League, Inc. strives to play under the rules as close to the Official Baseball Rules as possible. However, because of the age of the participants, certain special rules, such as using a 60-foot-square diamond and allowing a maximum number of innings for a pitcher, are necessary within this division.

It is the basic intent of Babe Ruth League, Inc. that every candidate be given the opportunity to play in the program.

Divisions of Babe Ruth Baseball:

10 and Under (T-Ball, Rookie and Minors; normally 5-10 year olds). Cal Ripken (the “Majors”; normally 11 and 12 year olds… but legally 5-12 year olds). 13 year old Prep League*. 14 year old Prep League*. 13-15 year old League*. 16 year old Prep League. 16-18 year old League.

(For 2010, play is expected to include the 13, 14, and 15 year olds, with the possibility of 12U play — age is determined as of April 30, 2010)

All of these program levels play through District, State, Regional and culminate in a World Series Tournament.

The informational meeting will be hosted by the Keizer Knights and will feature Babe Ruth State Commissioner Mike Sturgeon and Babe Ruth State Treasurer, Ralph Hillier. For more information contact Jerry Walker at 503-390-2225 ext. 3011.

Photo courtesy of ocgladiatorbaseball.com

Tags: Youth