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Smithfield Recreation Baseball Teams
Click the links on the left for teams, rosters, and standing.
Age & Level of Play
Shetland (age 5-6) is a rudimentary form
of baseball that focuses on instruction rather than competition. Coaches are
permitted on the field to teach while the game is in progress. Players have the
opportunity to try various positions. The idea is to help very young players
learn the basic fundamentals of the game by actually playing it. A batting tee
is used so that the beginner can learn the proper way to swing the bat. Bases
are 50 feet apart and a 2500 square foot diamond is used.
Pinto League (age
7-8) is an informal division intended to teach the fundamentals of baseball. The
Pinto division is coach pitched. Base running is restricted, since throwing arms
are inaccurate. Players learn the fundamentals of hitting, where to throw the
fielded ball, when to look for the double play, and the basic rules of the game.
Field bases are 50 feet apart and the diamond is 2500 square feet. Pitching
distance is 38 feet.
Mustang League
(age 9-10) introduces the young person to the complete baseball game. Pitching
is restricted to three innings a child, to protect young arms, but the runners
may steal bases and play the complete game of baseball. Dimensions of the field
change as bases are 60 feet apart and the diamond is 3600 square feet. Pitching
distance is 44 feet.
Bronco League
(age 11-12) is commonly referred to as "Real Baseball". This division allows
pitchers to throw a complete seven-inning game for the first time, while
position players work to refine their playing skills and improve team effort.
The Bronco division diamond has 4900 square feet with 70-foot bases. Pitching
distance is 48 feet.
Pony League (age
13-14) is the transition program, taking players from the smaller "kids" diamond
to the regulation size playing field. Players have the opportunity to fine tune
their playing skills and study game strategies. The Pony league diamond has 6400
square feet with 80-foot bases. Pitching distance is 54 feet.
Colt League (age
15-16) gives the athlete two years of competition on a full size diamond, the
same as the major leagues, before facing older players in open play and high
school play. Field dimensions include 90-foot bases and the diamond has 8100
square feet. Pitching distance is 60 feet 6 inches.
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