TYA recognizes the uniqueness of each child and has designed a baseball
program flexible enough to accommodate their various needs. TYA offers
the following programs throughout the spring, summer, and fall::
The TYA philosophy is that at all age groups, the boys are learning
how to play and love the game. They will improve their individual skills
in all aspects of the sport but, more importantly, learn how to be part
of a team and conduct themselves with confidence and pride. At the older
levels, there is a higher degree of competition thus the increased focus
on team play and sportsmanship. We also stress the importance of role
models as witnessed from our volunteers, senior players and parents.
The promotion of learning, competition, comraderie, full participation,
good sportsmanship and just plain fun are the key objectives of TYA
baseball.
TYA Boys Age Eligibility
A player's baseball age is determined by their age on April 30th.
Intramural Program
In conjunction with TYA's affiliation with Cal Ripken baseball, the
TYA Intramural program is structured to accomplish the following:
- provide a consistent program for the development of all players
- as the players move through each division, prepare them for competitive
play at the next level
- prepare the older players for the transition to the full sized 90-foot
diamonds. This will benefit both the TYA Connie Mack programs and
the North Penn Middle School programs.
In addtion, TYA partners with surrounding communities for "inter-league"
games. These games between the IM teams of each community provides the
kids exposure to a variety of players and fields. Many of the players
they face in these "inter-league" games may become their teammates
in middle or high school.
A description of each intramural division follows:
| Division |
Age |
Description |
| T-Ball |
5-6 |
The T-Ball program is intended
for FIRST YEAR PLAYERS, offering an easy and fun introduction to
the game of baseball. In T-Ball, players hit off a batting tee for
the first half of the season, and are exposed to coach-pitch after
Memorial Day. This league is intended for first year players just
learning the fundamentals of the game. This is a non-competitive
division where the focus is on having fun, practicing, and learning. |
| Junior Midgets |
6-8 |
The Junior Midgets division (formerly the midgets-7) continues
to teach and reinforce the fundamental skills of the game. A pitching
machine is used throughout the season. The use of the pitching
machine will provide consistent pitches to the batters. The result
of this is:
- batters can develop a more level swing and confidence at the
plate
- the ball is consistently put into play. This results in the
fielders having to make plays, the batters learning how to run
the bases, as well as more exciting games.
This is a non-competitive division where the focus is on having
fun, practicing, and learning.
|
| Senior Midgets |
7-9 |
The Senior Midgets division (formerly
midgets-8) continues to teach and reinforce the fundamental skills
of the game. In addition, this division begins to focus on teaching
the players how to pitch. As the season progresses, the pitching
transitions from the use of the pitching machine to the players
pitching.
More focus begins to be put on skill development and competitive
play. Throughout the season, standings and game results are not
kept; however, a small end of the season tournament may be played.
Overall, this division is intended to facilitate the transition
from a coach-pitch/instructional level of baseball to fully competitive
youth baseball.
|
| Minors |
8-10 |
The Minors division is essentially
for boys entering their first year of competitive play. Players
pitch to opposing teams, balls and strikes are called by volunteer
umpires, and regulation youth baseball rules are enforced with minor
variations (e.g. limits on steals, runs scored per inning, pitching
innings).
Game results and standings are maintained throughout the regular
season with playoffs and a championship series as the the end
of the season. An all-star game is also conducted during the season.
|
| Majors |
8-11 |
The Majors division is the natural
progression from the minors. It is primarily for the most experienced
and capable players on a standard 60-foot youth baseball infield.
Regulation youth baseball rules are enforced with minor variations
(e.g. runs scored per inning, pitching innings).
Game results and standings are maintained throughout the regular
season with playoffs and a championship series as the the end
of the season. An all-star game is also conducted during the season.
|
| Seniors |
11-12 |
The Seniors division is primarily
for 11 and 12 year-old plyers with several years of competitive
experience who have demonstrated a significant level of skill and
knowledge of the game. The Seniors division is being introduced
to more successfully facilitate the transition to full-sized baseball
fields, and is largely inspired by changes in the league-age determination
guidelines which were established last year.
Played on a transitional "50/70" field, the Seniors division
follows regulation baseball rules (e.g. leads, balks, unlimited
steals, and unlimited runs) along with a few minor TYA variations
(e.g. pitching limits). Game results and standings are maintained
throughout the regular season with playoffs and a championship
series as the the end of the season. An all-star game is also
conducted during the season.
|
Travel Programs
For those players who are interested in a more competitive environment,
TYA also supports travel teams for ages 8 thru 12.
The Travel program is a highly competitive activity designed for the more
experienced and skilled players. In addition to a fairly significant time
commitment, the travel program involves competition against other highly skilled
and experienced teams from around the area. While the philosophies of safety,
fun and sportsmanship remain the foundation for this program, the level of competition
is extremely high and an emphasis on winning is more prominent than in the intramural
leagues. A player who is not physically or mentally prepared to compete at this level
may find the travel program intimidating, overwhelming and perhaps demoralizing.
Nonetheless, those players and their parents who are prepared for the challenges of
the Travel program will find the experience exciting and rewarding.
Each team follows the same basic rules:
- players are selected based on tryouts. Tryouts typically consist
of a series of practices conducted 1 day a week during the intramural
season.
- tournaments are held throughout June, July, and August. Each team
selects their own tournament schedule.
- tournaments are typically played from Thursday thru Sunday.
- once selected to the travel team, practices are typically held 1
day a week. In addition, scrimmages may be included as part of the
practice schedule.
- although this is TYA sponsored, players are expected to pay additional
fees for tournaments and uniforms
- although coaches are encouraged to provide playing time for everyone, there are
no minimum playing requirements. In fact, most tournament structures are aimed at
putting your best team out on the field in the majority of innings.
Fall Programs
TYA encourages its players to continue developing their skills throughout
the year. Fall leagues, typically held in September and October, are
an excellent oppurtunity for the players to prepare for the next TYA
division, work on developing their skills, or just get with a bunch
of friends and play together. In the past TYA players have participated
in the following leagues:
- TYA sponsored 8/9 year old league
- Harleysville Fall Baseball
- Nor-Gwynn Fall Baseball
- Bux-Mont Fall Connie Mack Baseball
Watch for more info as the fall season approaches.
Cooperstown
Each year TYA supports a team of 12 year old players which participates
in the week long Field
of Dreams Tournament in Cooperstown, NY. The tournament typically
hosts up to 100 teams from all over the country. This is an exciting
experience for all involved (players, coaches, and parents).
Due to the cost, preparations, and commitment involved, the team of
12 year old players is selected in the fall of the previous year.
Connie Mack Program
The TYA Connie Mack program participates with other local teams in
the Bux-Mont Connie Mack league. This program is divided into three
divisions based on age, experience and ability. Skill evaluations are
held in the late March/early April. Connie Mack games generally start
later in the spring (on or around Memorial Day) and continue through
the month of July.
All Connie Mack contests are played on official, full-sized baseball
fields (90' base paths, 60' pitcher's mounds).
The Bux-Mont league sponsors all-star games for all levels (A, B, and
C) and playoffs for the B and C divisions. In addition, the State Connie
Mack organization promotes a State All-Star game for the "A" division,
as well as State Championship tournaments at the A level. These activities
are held in conjunction with the Lehigh Valley CM program in and around
Allentown.
A description of each Connie Mack division follows:
| Division |
Age |
Description |
| C |
13-14 |
The "C" league is intended for
players, ages 13-14, in their first or second year on full sized
fields. TYA typically fields 2 teams a the "C" level. |
| B |
14-16 |
The "B" league is for more experienced
players on the large fields. In addition, we occassionally roster
a "B1" level team of more experienced "B" level players who are
ready for more competitive play. TYA generally promotes 2 "B" level
(or 1 "B" and 1 "B1" level) Connie Mack teams. |
| A |
15-16 |
Each organization in the Bux-Mont
league fields 1 "A" level team. The "A" team is generally comprised
of the top 15 and 16 year-old players in the program. |
Please note the Bux-Mont Connie Mack (MBCM) program strictly enforces
territorial boundaries for league participation. In general, a Towamencin
resident will be required to participate on the Towamencin team unless
that player participated in another township for the majority of his
intramural experience. Some exceptions are made on a case by case basis
(e.g. an Upper Gwynedd resident who played intramural in TYA would generally
be allowed to play for the Towamencin Connie Mack team instead of Nor-Gwyn).
Special "release forms" must be completed, reviewed, and approved by
the BMCM league in such instances.
