Great News! The 2012 baseball season will soon be here and registration is now open for our 13-year-old Prep league and our 14 to 15-year-old Alliance and American leagues! On behalf of the officers and coaches of Arlington Senior Babe Ruth Baseball, I hope you have had a restful and productive off-season, and are ready to play some baseball. We would like to especially welcome all 13-year-olds to Arlington Senior Babe Ruth. Arlington Senior Babe Ruth Baseball incorporates players from both the Arlington Little League and Arlington Cal Ripken programs. It is the only open enrollment baseball program in the county for 13-year-old players.

All 13-year-old players participate in the Prep League, which is designed to help players adjust to the larger baseball diamond. The season begins in March with open practices, followed by the formation of teams, and then team practices. Teams practice two times a week until mid-April, when league play begins. League play usually involves two games per week plus a week day practice until early June, followed by a league championship tournament. It is a core principal of Arlington Senior Babe Ruth to field balanced teams to ensure fair and keen competition.

District and Travel All-Star teams for all players who are interested are selected in early June. The all-star season runs from June 16 through July with weekday practices and weekend tournaments.  Those players wishing to be on the district all-star team will be expected to coummit to practices and tournaments from June 16 through at least mid-July. 

For the 14 to 15-year-old players, there are two different leagues. The Alliance League is for players who are not participating in a school baseball program. This league begins with practices in early March. Games will start in mid-April. League play usually involves two games per week through early June, followed by a league championship tournament. All-Star teams are selected in early June, and All-Star play extends through late July/early August.

The American League is a shorter season designed for players who participate in their high school's baseball program. It gives players from the various schools the opportunity to play together in a more relaxed competitive setting while refining the skills they will need for successful high school careers. There are no practices in this league, and games commence in mid-May following the conclusion of the high school season. League play involves two to three games per week through late June, and is followed by a league championship tournament. All-Star teams for the 14U and 15U age groups are formed in early June, and All-Star play extends through late July/early August.

We request that players register as soon as possible. Doing so will greatly assist our program in planning for the upcoming season by allowing us to more accurately estimate the number of teams we will field, and our corresponding uniform, equipment, field and volunteer needs. The registration fee for the spring 2012 season is $145. This fee includes a County imposed $8 per player charge. To help defray league expenses you may also include a tax deductible contribution with your registration fee.

ASBR continues to use on-line registration and payment available to you! Please click here to begin the on-line registration process.  When you register on line, please remember to download the medical release form and bring it with you to the league’s preseason clinics. If you would rather register the traditional way, you can download registration and medical release forms here.

The 2012 season promises to be better than ever. Along with all our coaches and volunteers, I look forward to your participation. If you have any questions please email us at asbrwebmaster@yahoo.com. Thank you for your interest.

Sincerely,

Alan Schneider, President, ASBR

Dear coaches, players, and parents: Although winter is now upon us the opportunities for learning and playing baseball are seasonalless. To enhance your own skills and understanding of the game and that of your children we invite you to take advantage of two upcoming coaches clinics and 2 upcoming players clinics.  Please click on the links below to get details about all of these exciting opportunities.

GW Coaches Clinic (free): January 21, 2012

Babe Ruth Coaches Clinic: February 18, 2012

GW Players Clinics: January 22, 29, February 5, 12, 2012

Virginia Baseball Club Players Clinics

County Board Member Mary Hynes threw made a great ceremonial first pitch at the Prep League Championship Games between the 1st Commonwealth Bank of Virginia River Dogs and Falls Church Foot & Ankle Center Bees. Joining Ms. Hynes are the River Dogs' J.J. Ricchetti and the Bees' Sam Veroneau, along with ASBR Board Members Casey Triggs (left) and Bill Murray (right).The Bees won an exciting two-day, nine-inning first game, which was suspended overnight due to lightening. The River Dogs ended up taking the Championship in the second game.

It was a great ASBR Alliance day which began with the completion of the rain postponed game from Friday night. The Italian Store Marlins defeated the Arlington Better Sports Club Nationals to earn a berth in the Championship game at Barcroft #6. The Championship game began with a ceremonial first pitch from The Honorable J. Walter Tejada of the Arlington County Board. It was rumored that Mr Tejada's fastball was once timed at 91 miles per hour!! (Mr. Tejada (second from left) posed with the Rangers' Ethan Greenhaus, the Marlins' Daniel Scholl, and ASBR Board Member Casey Triggs.) The first pitch was received by the Fiore & Levine Ranger's catcher Ethan Greenhaus with both teams lined up along the 1st & 3rd base lines. After the National Anthem was played, with the U.S. flag being held at the pitcher's mound by one of the Ranger's mothers, the Alliance Championship game began.

The Championship Game was a very well played game that was tied at 2-2 through 5 innings. The Fiore & Levine Rangers prevailed with the victory in 7 innings of play.

The medal ceremony for the Alliance Champion Fiore & Levine Rangers and the Alliance Runner-up Italian Store Marlins took place immediately following the game, along the 1st & third base lines. The Marlins Head Coach Ed Rozynski presented the medals to the Alliance Tourney Runner-up Marlins & Rangers head Coach Tom McNulty to the Alliance Tourney Champion Rangers. The regular season was completed with a pizza party, courtesy of the Alliance Rangers & Alliance Marlins parents, & a sheet cake courtesy of ASBR Alliance League.

A great day was had by all players, coaches & parents. Thanks to all the Alliance Coaches & Assistant Coaches. It was a great Alliance season, which is only possible with the help and cooperation of many unsung heroes.

Bob Furlong, ASBR Alliance Commissioner

Please click here for the latest Babe Ruth bat rule changes.  For a list of the approved composite bats for 2011, please click here.