Westwood kindergartners through Babe Ruth-aged players are being invited to register for the 2017 season on www.westwoodlittleleague.com.
Early-bird registration will be in effect until Jan. 15. Regular registration ends on Feb. 1 (there is additional time for Babe Ruth players, though they are encouraged to sign up as early as possible).
Registration for each player covers hat and jersey, games and practices, and additional free indoor and outdoor clinics starting on Saturdays in March.
Among the programs available:
KBall: Composed of both boys and girls in kindergarten, the entire focus is development. Kids are taught the basics of proper fielding and throwing mechanics, and they learn to hit by hitting off a tee. Games are typically three innings in which each team bats once through the lineup each inning.
Rookie Ball: This division is composed of 1st graders. Coaches pitch to batters and each team bats continuously through the lineup. All players are positioned and play on defense. The kids play games, but 100 percent of the focus is on player development. Games typically begin in late April and run through mid-June. All games are played at Hanlon School Field and are held Monday through Friday with 5:45 p.m. start times. There are also some games on weekends.
Instructional League: This division is composed of 2nd graders. The emphasis at this level is on player development and sportsmanship. This is the first year of kids learning to pitch to each other. The goal is to ensure kids are learning proper skills and mechanics. Games typically begin in late April and run through mid-June. All games are played at Downey School Field and are held Monday through Friday with 5:45 p.m. start times. There are occasional weekend games.
International League: This division is composed of 3rd graders. The emphasis at this level is on player development and sportsmanship. Games typically begin in mid-April and run through mid-June. Games are played at Martha Jones School Fields and are held Monday through Friday with 5:45 p.m. start times. There are occasional weekend games.
Minor League: The Minor League Division is composed of 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. Focus is on teaching and learning baseball skills along with good sportsmanship in a competitive game scenario. Games typically begin in mid-April and run through mid-June. Most games are played at Sheehan School Fields and are held Monday through Friday with 5:45 p.m. start times. There are also weekend games. Some games played at Morrison Park will have a different start time.
Major League: The Major League is composed primarily of 5th and 6th graders. By Little League International rules, all 12-year-olds must play in the Majors. The balance of the league is comprised of 11-year-olds and occasionally some 10-year-olds that have already played a year in Minors. Every player plays at least three innings per game. Games typically begin in mid-April and run through mid-June. All games are played at Morrison Field and are held Monday through Friday with 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. There are also weekend games.
Babe Ruth: Visit the Babe Ruth page at westwoodlittleleague.com for details.
