Cocalico Youth Baseball Organization: Info on Baseball Divisions

Rookie (T-ball): 

CBO's Rookie division is for 5-6 year-old players.  The focus is on fun and allowing kids to learn the most basic concepts of the game.  Tees are used for most of the game.  Coaches may pitch the last inning.  Every kid bats every inning.  All kids play in the field every inning.  Games are 4 innings long.  Practices and games are held on Saturdays from early-April through late-June.  There may also be an occasional midweek practice.

A-ball:

Our A-ball division is for 7-8 year-olds (note: some 9 year-olds will also play at this level particularly if they are new to baseball).  This is the time when the kids are truly learning the fundamentals of the game.  Players will learn the responsibilities of each of the positions.  Focus is given to throwing, hitting, and fielding fundamentals.  The values of good sportmanship are taught and the players interact in a true team setting.  Kids pitch the first 2 innings of the 5-inning games.  Coaches pitch the final 3 innings.  Walks and stealing are not allowed.  Practices and games are 2 nights a week.  This is the level where many kids blossom into good ballplayers.

Minors:

Our Minors division consists of players between the ages of 9 and 11 years-old.  All 9 year-olds participating in the CBO program play at this level.  10 and 11 year-olds are assigned to this level based upon their evaluation scores (player evaluations are held in February each year for players between the ages of 10-14).  While fundamentals are focused on at all levels of play, the Minors division is where players are introduced to more advanced parts of the game such as bunting, stealing, and advanced base-running.  Kids pitch the entire 6-inning games.  Scores are kept for the games and there is a season-ending tournament.  Practices and games are held 2 nights a week and some Saturdays.

Majors:

The Majors division is made up of players between the ages of 10-12.  All 12 year-old participants in the CBO program play at this level (with the exception of travel team participants).  10-11 years-olds are assigned to this level based upon their evaluation scores.  The games last six innings and all baseball concepts regardless of how fundamental or advanced are practiced.  Practices and games are held 2 nights a week and some Saturdays.  There is a season-ending tournament for this level.

Travel Baseball (Lancaster County Youth Baseball League):

12-under:  Based upon player evaluation scores, some players may be invited to participate in our travel teams.  These team(s) generally consist of the most talented players within the CBO program and play against the top talent from other Lancaster County area communities.  This is advanced baseball with longer basepaths (70 feet) and where leads are allowed.  There are additional fees charged by CBO to those that participate in the program.  The fees are necessary to cover the additional costs that CBO incurs to provide teams to participate in this program.  These teams may also play in other non-CBO tournaments.

14-under:  All CBO 14-under teams play in the Lancaster County Youth Baseball League.  CBO normally sponsors teams within multiple skill-based divisions within the LCYBL.  While the level of play is age-appropriate, we do offer the ability for anyone to play at this level regardless of skill. 

Seniors / Legion:

Beginning with the 2010 season, CBO has transfered responsibility for the Seniors and Legion programs to the Denver Athletic Association.  While CBO has happily provided these programs for many years, we feel that this change is in the best long-term interest of the programs and its participants.