The 2009 season is over.  A BIG THANKS to all of the helping hands and sponsors who made this season not only possible, but successful once again!!! 

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The Virginia Baseball Association is sponsoring the 2009 Smith River T-Ball program for children in Martinsville and Henry County. Children must be 4, 5, 6 , or 7 years old on April 30^th, 2009 to be eligible to participate.

Who is the Virginia Baseball Association? The organization was started by a group of individuals dedicated to improving local, youth baseball and softball programs including the facilities, instruction of the game, and quality of play.

NEWS - The 2009 Schedule and Team Pages are now up on our website.  Scroll down for more information.

If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions please feel free to contact one of the individuals listed below.

Bill Parks
Phone: 627-5075
Email: wparks@henry.k12.va.us

Greg Hylton
Phone: 340-2488
Email: ghylton@embarqmail.com

Warren Fisher
Phone: 647-3095
Email: wfisher@henry.k12.va.us

Smith River T-Ball - 2009 Rules

General Rules, Sportsmanship, and Safety
Safety and sportsmanship are the priority.
Instruct and teach FUNdamentals to the players.
Help opposing players and coaches in any way you can.
Keep control of the players on the bench.
Teamwork is important. Make all players feel comfortable.
Players and coaches are encouraged to arrive at the field at least 20 minutes before game time.
Players should hustle on and off the field to allow for the maximum amount of playing time.
Games shall not be longer than one hour or three at-bats which ever comes first.
No scores will be kept. Everybody goes home a winner and every team goes undefeated.
After the game, line the players up and show sportsmanship by shaking hands with a good attitude.

Offensive Rules
All players bat each inning.
Players should sit in the dugout in the order they will bat in the upcoming inning.
On deck batters are not allowed.
The ball is hit off a batting tee; there is no pitching.
There are no walks or strikeouts.
The ball must travel 10 feet or it is a foul.
No stealing. Player stays on the base until the ball is hit.
The batting coach will remove the tee from the playing field after the ball is hit.
If a ball is hit that does not leave the infield, base runners may only advance one base.
If a ball is hit through the infield on the ground, base runners may only advance one base.
If a ball is hit in the air into the outfield a player can advance a maximum of 2 bases.
If a ball is hit by the last batter in the lineup play will continue until the batter scores or an out is recorded.
The coach will announce the last batter.
Any player who throws a bat will be warned and a second violation will result in the player not being allowed to run the bases and/or missing their next turn at-bat.

Defensive Rules
All players play the field each inning.
All infielders (except the pitcher) MUST play behind the imaginary playing line extending from 1^st Base to 3^rd Base. No fielder may cross the playing line until the ball is hit.
No player will be placed in the catcher’s position.
No more than 7 players including the pitcher shall occupy the infield.
A ball that is hit to the outfield should be fielded by an outfielder.
Remind the fielders that the runners have right of way to the bases.
Defensive coaches are permitted on the field, but ONLY behind the base paths.
Defensive coaches are not permitted to touch a live ball.
Coaches are encouraged to rotate players into different fielding positions and spots in the batting order during the game and throughout the season.

The fields and facilities we are being allowed to use are property of Henry County Schools and behavior that would not be tolerated inside of the schools will not be tolerated on or near the playing fields. No smoking, drinking, cursing, or any other disruptive behavior will be tolerated and will lead to dismissal from the grounds.