Vernon Youth Baseball Organization, Inc.: FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
2011 Vernon Youth Baseball Season
Do you still need coaches for the Babe Ruth teams?
We are currently accepting applications for managers and coaches for all levels of our leagues. If you are interested in being a manager or assistant coach or in helping the teams in any way please be sure to let us know via vybo@sbcglobal.net.
In the past Vernon Babe Ruth teams have only added new players to teams and the team’s returning players from the previous year stayed together. What will happen this year?
After 2 successful seasons, the Board and its participants have decided it would be best for the balance of league to continue to realign the returning players. That’s doesn’t mean that the players/teams/coaches will all be separated from prior years but it is possible.
When does the Babe Ruth season start?
The 2011 Babe Ruth Season has an estimated start time of the week of May 11th, 2011. Practices have started two weeks prior to this date for the last two years.
When will I hear about what team my child is on?
A manager/coach should attempt to contact players by Tuesday, April 21st.
Are there minimum playing times in Babe Ruth?
Yes. Each player must play a minimum six defensive outs in the first five innings. Due to VYBO’s use of the continuous batting order rule, no player ever leaves the offensive rotation. If a player does not reach the required minimums (game called on darkness, etc.) that player must start the next game.
What are the limitations on use of pitchers?
Any pitcher that pitches more than three innings must have at least two full days of rest before pitching again. No one is permitted to pitch more than 7 innings in one calendar week. The calendar week is from Monday through and including Sunday. One pitch thrown constitutes one inning pitched.
Will the Vernon Babe Ruth teams be playing other towns?
No, this year’s spring season Babe Ruth teams will be playing an in-town schedule only. The fall season, however, will require travel.
How many games does each league play?
All Babe Ruth teams will be scheduled for a twelve game regular season (unless extreme weather conditions are present) and a double-elimination tournament following the regular season. Jaycee-TDBank teams are scheduled for approximately 14 games in the season and, if eligible, at least one additional playoff game. Jr American Legion is scheduled for 26 games and, if eligible, at least one additional playoff game.
Will there be a playoff or tournament?
This year we our Babe Ruth teams will be involved in an in-town double elimination tournament to determine the League Champion. Seeding of the tournament will be dependent on the regular season records.
What does the league supply for equipment and umpires?
Each team is supplied with game/practice balls, an extra set of catchers gear and at least two bats. The league will also be providing one certified umpire for each game (two umpires for the championship series). Each player is provided with a hat to match their team’s uniform. They will also be provided a jersey that will need to be returned to the coach at the end of the season (there may be a fee assessed of $25.00 fee for any jersey not returned).
What equipment does my child need?
Great question!! Players should have a suitable baseball glove, wear baseball (metal is recommended) cleats, baseball pants and we encourage the use of their own bat.
What kind of bat should my child use?
First and foremost, Little League bats cannot be used. As far as bats this year there is a major impact to the bats that can/cannot be used due to the following rule change as issued by Babe Ruth.
Composite Barrel Bats
The International Board of Directors of Babe Ruth League, Inc. has approved a moratorium on the use of composite barrel bats in the Babe Ruth Baseball 13-15 and 16-18 Divisions, effective immediately. The moratorium shall be in effect until further notice by Babe Ruth Headquarters. In a recent VYBO Board Meeting, the decision was made to ban ALL composite barrel bats from competition within VYBO’s Babe Ruth teams.
Overall, the bat used for Babe Ruth should have a barrel measuring 2 5/8”. As far as measurement, you will usually hear that a bat is minus (-) a particular number. This minus number is the weight of the bat minus the length of the bat. So a typical 13 year-olds might feel comfortable in using a 22 oz, 31" long bat (also know as -9 bat); a 14 year-old might move to a 23-26 oz, 31"-32" bat (-8 to -6). When players enter High School baseball they are required (in most leagues) to use a -3 bat. NOTE: When discussing bat sizes they are usually referred to by weight/length, 33 oz and 30" would be a 33/30 or a (-3) bat.
If I get a bigger/heavier bat would it help my child hit with more power?
Many might believe that it is best to swing the “heaviest” bat allowed; but the truth is that bat speed is a better indicator of success. Too heavy a bat would, for obvious reasons, slow the bat down through the strike zone. It would probably be best to help your child adapt to a heavier bat gradually so that when they move in to High School level play they can swing a bat that could weigh 36-40% more than what they were using just 3 or 4 years prior.
We haven’t heard anything about Senior Babe Ruth (Ages 16-18)?
Due to a lack of interest in a recreational team in town for this age group we, unfortunately, will not have a Vernon Sr. Babe Ruth team this year.
If a player registered for Senior Babe Ruth, what will happen?
The VYBO is in contact with the Babe Ruth District Director to see if they can assist. If the player is still interested in playing baseball we may be able to get them involved with a team in a nearby town. If not, we will refund any registration fees that have been submitted.
Will there be a Fall League for Babe Ruth?
Yes, we have every intention of having at least one Fall Babe Ruth Team this year. If the interest is there we can also have more than one team. As mentioned earlier, the fall schedule includes games out of town. Stay tuned to this website for more information.
Will there be an All-Star Team?
It is the Board’s intention to place both a 13 (Prep) team as well as a 14-15 team in the All-Star Tournament set to start around the July 4th weekend.
Due to the commitment needed for both teams, and in fairness to all players and coaches involved, if playing for one a player is ineligible for the other.
If I have any questions about anything league related, who should I contact?
For the sake of expediency we ask that you direct your questions to vybo@sbcglobal.net. Be sure to include your contact information such as name, phone number and the nature of your question. You can also call Joe Pane at 860-997-0536.
We at VYBO look forward to a fun, safe and successful season of baseball.
