About Bismarck Youth Baseball

Philosophy of Bismarck Youth Baseball

The philosophy of Cal Ripken and Bismarck Youth Baseball is to provide a supervised, structured game of baseball, under the leadership of good role models. Our goal is to instill in the participants ideals of good sportsmanship, teamwork, and respect for authority, while learning, playing and enjoying baseball.

Structure of Bismarck Youth Baseball

Bismarck Youth Baseball, Incorporated, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization, incorporated under the laws of North Dakota, and a chartered member of the Cal Ripken Baseball. The program is exclusively operated by volunteers and is funded exclusively by registration fees, sponsorships, donations, and annual fund raising events.

The league provides three divisions of play, designed for the needs of the players: The T-ball division accommodates players from six to seven years of age; the Minor division accommodates players from eight to twelve years of age with an upper and a lower bracket; and Major divisions accommodate players from eleven to twelve years of age. League age is determined by the age the child is on April 30 preceding the baseball season. This date is determined by a consensus of national baseball leagues, not a decision made by Bismarck Youth Baseball as an individual organization. The divisions are separate and distinct providing natural progression as the players learn the fundamentals of baseball.

Tball – Designed for players 6 to 7 years of age. The ball is hit from a “tee” or pitched by a coach to the batter. Every child plays each position equally; every child bats each inning; no score is kept. Players will receive equal playing time. However, this could be affected by player absences and poor sportsmanship.

Lower Minors – Designed for players 8 to 9 years of age. Players rotate all positions throughout the season. Regulation baseball rules are utilized. Scores are recorded, but wins/losses do not affect tournament seeding. Players will receive equal playing time. However, this could be affected by player absences and poor sportsmanship.

Upper Minors – Designed for players 10 to 12 years of age. Players rotate positions throughout the season. Regulation baseball rules are utilized. Scores are recorded, but wins/losses do not affect tournament seeding. Expectation is for players to attend all practices and games. Equal playing time is encouraged, but may be affected by player attitude and lack of attendance. Infield and Outfield rotation is recommended for all players, however players will be rotated through positions they can perform to their best abilities.

Major Division – Designed for players 11 to 12 years of age. The players are placed in the level where they will have the best opportunity to achieve success based upon tryout scores and coaching. Players rotate positions at the coach’s discretion. Level of play is more competitive. Expectation is for players to attend all practices and games. Playing time will be affected by attitude and attendance. Each player will play a minimum of 9 defensive outs in a complete game. Players do not retain their positions in the Major Division the following season. They must tryout and obtain one of the top 96 scores to be placed in the Major Division. Players will be placed on teams according to their tryout scores and do not retain the prior year team, should they be placed in the Majors for their 11 and 12 year old seasons.

All Star Division – Provides an opportunity to play additional traveling baseball. Available to all 10 year olds in our League and also Major Division players that are 11 or 12. Applicable players will be charged additional fees to pay for equipment, uniforms and tournament fees. Each player will pay $3 to tryout (to help offset the League’s cost of the renting the Golf Dome). Travel is at each player’s expense. Detailed information is available on the website.

Bismarck Youth Baseball 2009 Volunteer Board of Directors

Contacting Bismarck Youth Baseball

For the fastest response to your question or concern, please use the "Contact Us" form at the top of the page.
You can also contact Bismarck Youth Baseball by calling 222-0659 and leaving a message on the answering machine.  

Information on Cal Ripken Baseball