Age Divisions
A player’s League Age is determined by their age on April 30 of the current year. League Age determines which division they play in.
Shetland
Ages 4–6
Tee-ball is all about introducing the game to our youngest players. Friend groups can play as a team, and the emphasis is on the basics like field positions, hitting the ball and running the bases. Games are about 1 hour long, and the entire lineup bats each inning. Coaches are allowed on the field to offer instruction during play.
Field: ~40' base paths
Equipment: Players are asked to bring their own tee ball glove, a 5-gallon bucket, and their water bottle. NSB supplies all other equipment players will need (including helmets and bats), but players are welcome to bring their own if they wish. All players receive a jersey and hat for the team uniform.
General rules: Bat the lineup; each batter/runner advances one base at a time; last hitter is the "Homerun Hitter" - batter and all runners run home; there are no outs in tee-ball - runners remain on base even if ball is caught or runner is tagged or thrown out at base.
Pinto
Ages 7–8
Coach-pitch is the next step from tee-ball. Emphasis is still on basics, but the game starts to look more like real baseball with pitched balls and plays in the field. Games are 6 innings (about 2 hours long), and coaches are still allowed on the field to offer instruction during play.
Field: 60' base paths
Equipment: Fielding glove; cleats recommended. NSB provides a few bats and batting helmets for each team, and catcher gear. Starting to use an athletic cup is not a bad idea. All players receive a jersey and hat for the team uniform.
General rules: No leadoffs or stealing; play may be stopped by returning the ball to the coach-pitcher, or by a player holding the ball up on the infield; if a runner is between bases when play is stopped they return to the previous base if they were less than half-way to the next base, or advance to the next base if they were more than half-way.
Mustang
Ages 9–10
Development is the name of the game in Mustang – players start pitching, and leadoffs, stealing, and most regular baseball rules are introduced. Games are 6 innings (about 2 hours long). Kids know baseball pretty well after their first year in Mustang.
Field: 46' pitching rubber, 60' base paths
Equipment: Fielding glove, bat, batting helmet, athletic cup, cleats. NSB provides catcher gear. Most kids have their own equipment by this age, but NSB can help with equipment as needed, just ask your team's head coach. All players receive a jersey and hat for the team uniform.
General rules: Balk warnings; no dropped third strike; leadoffs & stealing are usually introduced a few weeks into the season.
Bronco
Ages 11–12
Our oldest age group plays 7 innings of real baseball. Of course the kids are still learning and developing, but by this time they know what they’re doing and it shows in their game.
Field: 50' pitching rubber, 70' base paths
Equipment: Fielding glove, bat, batting helmet, athletic cup, cleats. NSB provides catcher gear. Most kids have their own equipment by this age, but NSB can help with equipment as needed, just ask your team's head coach. All players receive a jersey and hat for the team uniform.
General rules: Full baseball rules are used in Bronco, including balks, leadoffs & stealing, and dropped third strike. Coaches may elect to delay introduction of the more advanced rules, but full rules are generally in use a few weeks into the season.