7- and 8-year old participants play in the Knee High age group in the Junior Division. Rec and advanced play teams are offered for Knee High players in the Spring Season, and rec teams are offered in the Fall Season. All Knee High teams compete on a 46/65 field, where the basepaths are 65 ft and the distance from the pitching rubber to home plate is 46 ft (in cases where players pitch).

BMBL follows the age cutoffs defined by Cal Ripken Baseball for both rec teams and advanced play teams in the Junior Division.

Follow the links below for more information on teams offered for the Knee High age group.

Spring Season

In order to qualify for the Knee High age group in the Spring Season, the player must be 7 or 8 years old on April 30th of the year in which they compete.

• Rec Teams
• 8U Advanced Play Team

Fall Season

In order to qualify for the Knee High age group, the player must be 7 or 8 years old on April 30th of the year after the Fall Season in which they compete.

• Rec Teams

The Knee High age group is designed to allow further opportunities for the players that have completed Tee Ball as well as introduce new players to the game of baseball. Coaches will begin to break the game down by position and also encourage players to try all positions. Players will continue to be taught the basic fundamentals of the game, good sportsmanship and teamwork as they go through this program.

BMBL offers Knee High rec teams in the Spring Season. These teams compete against other Knee High rec teams in the BMBL, so travel is limited to fields located within the area of the Boyertown School District. The Knee High season begins at the end of March and concludes in the first weekend in June. 8-year-old Knee High players may optionally participate in a 'get ready for Minors' extended season in June.

Knee High Rules and Regulations

Goals for Knee High:

7-YEAR-OLD KNEE-HIGH PLAYERS:

1. See the ball and hit the ball.
2. Play catch with another player with ease.
3. Stop a ground ball using their glove and throw to the correct base.
4. Understand the position of catcher and be able to catch a pitched ball.
5. Be introduced to the position of pitcher and given the opportunity to practice pitching fundamentals at practices.

8-YEAR-OLD KNEE-HIGH PLAYERS:

1. Understand the basic rules of the game.
2. Know what a ball is when pitched and not to swing at it.
3. Be able to hit a pitched ball.
4. Be able to pitch.
5. Be able to play the position of catcher.
6. Be able to make a play in the field.
7. Be able to catch a fly ball.
8. Be introduced to sliding.

The BMBL offers a tryout-based advanced play team for 8-year-olds in the Spring Season. The 8U advanced play team participates in 3-4 local weekend tournaments within a 60 minute drive of Boyertown and also represents Boyertown for their age group in the Cal Ripken district, state, and national playoffs (if advancing). The 8U Advanced Play Spring Season begins with tryouts and practices in April and concludes in late July.

Players participating in the 8U advanced play team are expected to also play on and practice with a BMBL Knee High rec team. Participants will practice with the 8U advanced play team on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the season. If a scheduling conflict arises between the advanced play team and the in-town rec team, the rec team should be the priority.

Players selected to a BMBL advanced play team should understand that being a member of an advanced play team is an honor and comes with an expectation of a commitment to that team. Participants should also remember that they are representing Boyertown as a member of this team and act accordingly. To be eligible for advanced play teams, each parent and player must sign the advanced play code of conduct, which details the expectations of players and their families. Fielding positions and playing time are not guaranteed on advanced play teams and are determined by the head coach and his coaching staff.

8U advanced play team members must pay an advanced play fee, in addition to the rec team fee. This extra fee goes toward 2 jerseys, a hat, and the 3-4 local tournaments.