Playing Up Policy

As a Babe Ruth / Cal Ripken chartered organization, HABL adheres to the Babe Ruth / Cal Ripken age division guidelines as follows:

T-ball – 4-6 years old (see below for additional T-ball format)

Rookie (machine pitch) – 7-8 years old (see below for additional Rookie format)

Minors (kid pitch) – 9-10 years old

Majors – 11-12 years old

In an effort to maximize each child’s experience and development, HABL offers further division of age/skill levels in T-ball. The T-ball league operates using a divisional format.  Younger 4-5 year olds will be placed in the lower division where they will begin to learn the basic elements of baseball.  Older 5-6 year olds will be placed in the upper division where they will begin to expand their baseball awareness and skills in preparation for the move up to Rookie league.

*Players are allowed and encouraged to move up to the next respective level in the Fall season prior to the Spring season in which they would be required to move up.  For instance; a child who will turn 9 years old on or prior to April 30, 2023, will be allowed to play in the Minors league this Fall.  This applies to all age divisions. Any players wishing to move up earlier than this are subject to the approval of the Division and League Commissioners.

Please note that the parents have the option to keep their player down in the Fall prior to the Spring season that requires them to move up. However, this will disqualify them from playing any Advanced Baseball in that Fall season. If you want your player to be eligible and considered for Fall Advanced Baseball, they must move up in the Fall.

Thank you for your support and understanding as we make strides to improve your experience at HABL.  Please email us if you have any questions regarding age group policies.