ITB Returns

We are entering our 7th full season of our 5 man Intro to Travel Baseball Program.  We have had over 100 athletes participate in one of our Spring, Fall or ITB prep programs in each of the last 6 years.  Our spring league has been full in each of the last 6 years.

Our dates for the Spring Training and League are now posted.

Thank you for helping us create a better way to do youth baseball

 

Read below to see why 5 Man I.T.B. is a better way to do beginner baseball.

Why
The current landscape of beginning baseball has not been a productive way to introduce the sport to young kids.  12 to 15 players per team where kids get 1 at bat in an hour is not productive and not fun. We started a youth baseball league that moves at a fast pace to keep kids engaged. Our goal is to create game situations that can be taught on the fly and prepare kids for higher levels in the years to come.  The biggest goal is to get the players excited about playing again next year, at whichever level that ends up being.

Who
The league is designed for youth/beginner players as an alternative to beginner little league, and Tee ball.  Target ages are 6,7, and beginner 8 year olds.  VSTC Staff will run the teams and facilitate the games. Players can sign up individually and be assigned to a team after spring training.  Groups of players can also be brought in together to form a team or part of a team.

What
Spring Training – One week of camp with our instructors designed to teach players rules, functional skills, and run simulated indoor games.

Games will consist of 90-minute sessions:

15 min: defensive warm up/practice with team

15 min: offensive warm up/practice with team

60 min: coach pitch game (may progress to kid pitch by the end of the season)

6 minutes per ½ inning or 3 outs whichever comes first

7-8 players per team

No outfielders – Outfield play is not a priority at this level.  The skills will still be taught in all of the instruction settings, but eliminating the positions will keep the players engaged, keep at bats coming quickly, and focus on the infield play.

Positions: 1b, 2b, 3b, SS, P

Catch net and target will be used as strike zone

Fence will be put up 10-20 feet behind the infielders

When
Sunday afternoon Games: 4/14 to 5/19 (5/26 Rain date)
The first 2 weeks will be flex weeks based on weather.  If we can get outside we will, if not we will move inside to Origin Athletics.

Game times will vary from week to week but fall between the 11am and 3pm timeframe.

*Additionally, we will offer a weekly practice run by our staff on Thursday evenings during the league, separate from the league fee. This is its own registration. The practice sessions will reinforce the skills of the league and get players used to a typical travel ball schedule.*

Camp Details: Thursdays, 5:45-7pm, 4/18 to 5/16

Where
Origin Athletics – Flex Weeks and Mid Week Practice

Sunday Games – Oakland Christian High School (may be moved inside based on weather)