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EQ 4 KIDS

The playing age of each child shall be determined by the players age on April 30th of the current year. Further playing age information can be found in the By-Laws under Article II.

Mission Statement

The Purpose of the Bloomington Junior League 11 & 12 year old Major Division is to provide a competitive environment for the game of youth baseball. The objective is to expand on the development of advanced baseball skills and proper execution of play. A greater focus on individual position development will be stressed. Games will be played according to Cal Ripken League regulations with minor BJLBA modifications. Primary goals will include: a complete understanding of rules and strategies, teamwork and unity, encouraging a competitive spirit, promoting fair play, and positive character development in winning and losing.

The following ideas are helpful in understanding the BJLBA Major division mission statement.

Character Development

Fair Play - A coach should promote the idea of fair play at all times.

Team Unity - A coach should stress group involvement to foster teamwork and a sense of belonging for all members of the team. Success of the team should be motivation for individual improvement.

Self Confidence - Children possess different levels of skill and potential. One child may be able to hit a home run while another, at best, struggles to develop a swing. A coach should acknowledge each child's accomplishments based on their potential and ability. Positive reinforcement develops self confidence.

Fundamentals - Practice time at this age is best used on basic fundamentals of hitting, throwing, catching, and base running. Drills should be fun and challenging. With the aid of parents, skill stations of 3 or 4 players can provide much needed repetition. Drills should be fun and challenging. Player Pitchers are used in this division and special care should be exercised in the development of their arms.

Strategy - Offensive and Defensive strategies become a more important part of the game, adding to the mental challenge of competing.

Competitiveness - This division is competitive. Friendly competition is encouraged.

Discipline - Children should now understand the role of discipline as it relates to interacting with teammates, practicing and attaining goals.

Enjoyment - Get the players excited about baseball and feeling they are an important part of the team.

BJLBA 12-Year-Old Swing Player Option

The swing player option is open to any Cal Ripken registered, 12-year-old, baseball player. The program is geared for the individual and their family who wish to participate in more baseball than merely the games offered in the Major Division of the BJLBA program.

A swing player plays in both the Cal Ripken Major Division and the Babe Ruth 13 Prep League. As a swing player, one will play approximately 25 to 30 games between the two divisions. The swing player is required to attend the Major Division activity in the event of scheduling conflicts between their Cal Ripken and Babe Ruth teams. Swing players may not pitch in the Babe Ruth league and may only play in the Cal Ripken All Star program (if selected).

Jake Fredrickson, Cole McNeely, Daniel Morgan, Devin Green, Thomas Carpenter, Colin Reilly, Michael Allender, and Micah Pullins all played as swing players in 2009, and their parents are willing to share their observations of their 2009 baseball experience.

Program fees are $140 ($60 for Cal Ripken and $80 for Babe Ruth). If you have any specific questions concerning this option, please contact Jason Jewell, at: 812-219-5478 or commissioner@bjlba.org.

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