February 28, 2008 - Chase Kito

of the Shetland Dodgers hits a homerun against a competitive Mets team. What a great smile on Chase in mid-air before touching home base.  How can this picture not place a smile on your face by just enjoying this little guy's moment. 

.

REMEMBER, HE'S JUST A LITTLE BOY

.
      The primary features that distinguish PONY Baseball from Little League Baseball are the use of a two-year age bracket system and scaled diamonds. Additionally, PONY teaches lead-offs and base-stealing starting at age seven (Pinto 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 three 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 is 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 group is not that great.

      The game of baseball cannot be played as it was intended to be played if the physical capability of the players does not match the physical achievements required for the game. Little League uses two diamond sizes. Up until age of 12, players play on a 60-foot diamond with a pitching distance of 46 feet. After age 13 the diamond size is 90 feet and a pitching distance of 60 feet, 6 inches - a 14 foot, 6 inch increase in pitching distance and 30 foot base path increase in ONE year!

      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:

         50-foot bases for Shetland (4-6 year-olds)
         50-foot bases and 38-foot pitching for Pinto (7-8 year-olds)
         60-foot bases and 44-foot pitching for Mustang (9-10 year-olds)
         70-foot bases and 48-foot pitching for Bronco (11-12 year-olds)
         80-foot bases and 54-foot pitching for Pony (13-14 year-olds)
         90-foot bases and 60-1/2-foot pitching for Colt/Palomino (15-16, and 17-18 year-olds - not offered by WCYPB)

      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 equal 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 an impossibility.

At times we as parents, tend to take the time with our kids for granted. I personally can say that I have and the reality is that we should all appreciate the time we are given with our little loved ones because they come and go so quickly. By the time you have realized what precious time you have, they are grown up and it could be too late. We want to turn back the time but there is no time machine, only memories. Jacob Field played baseball with us starting as a Shetland player and moved up until he was diagnosed with brain cancer in Nov. of 2005. I recall seeing Jacob last year at opening ceremonies and having all our prayers and in hopes he could be on the baseball diamond this year. It was hard to swallow when I heard of Jacob's passing on Aug. 5, 2006. He was called up to be an angel at the age of 10. My heart and my prayers go out to Jacob's parents as all of the families of the league do. Only the One above knows why Jacob was requested to be by his side up there. I know he has a big smile-playing ball with the G-man. On February 10, 2007, the city of West Covina and WCYPB dedicated a tree to honor Jacob Field at the park he loved playing baseball. His tree is located in Walmerado Park near Merced Ave. I hope everyone will humble himself or herself and remember Jacob Field anytime you come to the tree. For Jacob was one of our children. Family is defined by how big your heart is and who you let in to touch it. Jacob touched mine and hope he has touched yours.

.