Pony Baseball will no longer allow the use of 2 3/4 inch bats in any division

You must use the 2 5/8 inch bat or the smaller 2 1/4 inch.

If using a bbcor bat, it must be a -3

Pony vs Little League
Jun 28 2007 - Liz Cordova

How is Pony Different from Little League Baseball?



The primary features that distinguish Pony baseball from Little League baseball are those of a two year age bracket system and scaled diamonds. Additionally, Pony teaches lead offs and base stealing starting at age 9 (Mustang Division), or earlier while pitchers learn pick off moves and holding runners on base to counter the potential steal.

In organizations such as Little League players can differ by as much as 3 years within a division. As a result, the younger players because of their lack of maturity, ability, and size, find it hard to communicate with the older players. Generally they find themselves spending a disproportionate amount of time on the bench and may feel disconnected from their team. With players of only two ages involved, as in the case with Pony baseball, it is far easier to permit every player to play more positions since the difference in skills within the age groups in not that great.

Pony baseball, on the other hand, scales the size of their diamonds to match the physical capabilities of the players within each division. The base and pitching dimensions for Pony baseball are:

50ft bases for Shetland 5 & 6 year olds

60 ft bases and 38ft pitching for Pinto 7 & 8 year olds

60 ft bases and 44 ft pitching for Mustang 9 & 10 year olds

70 ft bases and 48 ft pitching for Bronco 11 & 12 year olds

80 ft bases and 54 ft pitching for Pony 13 & 14 year olds

These base dimensions are the result of extensive experimentation to determine the size on which players of each age group can properly play the game of baseball. Pitching distance is also scaled to the ability of the player in proportion to the size of the diamond.

The scaled down diamonds allow the players to make the plays made by the major leaguers. Home runs become a possibility. Outfielders can play in a position proportionately equaled to that played by a major leaguer. The double play, squeeze play and various strategy tactics, difficult for adults and nearly impossible for youngsters on a full size diamond become a probability rather than impossibility.

1)     The age the player is on April 30^th , 2012 is the league age for the season

a)     Peanuts are ages 5 and 6.

(1)   4 year olds must be evaluated to see if they are mature enough to play, or a Parent must coach.

(2)   7 year old girls must be evaluated to see if they do not qualify for the Pinto division. (7 year old girls who play in the Peanut Division do not qualify for post season tournament play)

b)     Pintos are ages 7 and 8.

c)      Mustangs are ages 9 and 10

d)     Broncos are ages 11 and 12.

e)     Ponys are ages 13 and 14

f)        Colt are ages 15 and 16

2)     Players can move up one division depending upon Board approval

a)     Only a second year player can move up

1)     All Divisions have live pitching

a)     Peanut- the coaches pitch awaiting a ruling from the leagur on whether to use a pitching machine.

1)     Practices can be 3 times a week. Monday through Saturday. Weekdays starting at 5:00 PM till dark or 2 hours. Saturday times are dependent on scheduling.

2)     Practice Fields are dependent on division

a)     Peanut @ TBA

b)     Pinto @ City Park Davi 3 and TBA, or The Ambrose Recreation Center in Bay Point.

c)      Mustang @ City Park Davi 3 and Central Field (POSCO), or the Ambrose Recreation Center in Bay Point.

d)     Bronco @ Central Field (POSCO), Marina Park on East 8^th Street or the Ambrose Recreation Center in Bay Point.

e)     Pony @ Pittsburg City Park or the Ambrose Recreation Center in Bay Point.

f)        Colt @ Pittsburg City Park

1)     Games are 2 times a week, but can be 3 times. Normally 1 game during the week and 1 game on Saturday. Older Divisions might play on Sunday and may also play double headers. 

2)     Game times during the week normally start at 6:00 PM. Saturdays run all day.

3)     Yes, we do play with out of town teams at their facility.

a)     Out of town teams to be announced

4)     Games are held at some of the same fields as practices

E)    Equipment

1)     9 inch hardballs are used in every division

2)     Metal cleats can be used in all divisions except Peanuts and Pintos

a)     Rubber cleats are recommended for Mustang for when they play out of town

3)     Bats

a)     Peanut Division must not be any longer than a 27 inch bat

b)     All other divisions have no restrictions

1)     Teams are drafted to ensure parody

a)     Therefore no consideration is made for buddies or ride problems

b)     No consideration is made for wanting to play for a particular coach.

c)      Only players who live under the same roof are ensured playing on the same team.