Minor

Click HERE for a printable version of the Minor Schedule.

About Volunteer Field Umpires for the Minor League:

Major league coaches umpire the bases for Minor League games.
Minor league coaches umpire the bases for Major League games.
Major League coaches should check the MAJOR schedule for their umpire schedule.
Coaches should enlist the help of their assistant coaches and knowledgeable parents if they cannot perform their umpire duties.
Coaches should call the league commissioner if unforeseen circumstances prevent them from attending a game at the last minute.

Minor League Information

The Minor League plays on the field at the northeast corner of the concession stand, and consists of players at ages 9 and 10. In this league the players have their first chance to do the pitching. Because the pitchers are new to the mound, there is no stealing until the ball crosses the plate, and runners may not lead off.

Players moving up to Minor League from the Rookie are due for some important lessons in the art of the steal and the pick-off. Because the pitchers are new, there is a lot more action at the plate, with passed balls and wild pitches adding to the score on both sides. This is the league where catchers really earn their pay, and a good catcher behind the plate can make an entire season. Pitchers and catchers can't do all the work, however, and that's why a fast outfield and cohesive infield is still important.

Coming up from Rookie, players, coaches and fans may be anticipating a fair amount of in-the-park homers, but don't count on it. The hitters are better, but so is the outfield, and the fence is longer. This is the first chance for a parent to see one fly over, but it's the rare player who has the mass and the strength at 10 to reach the fence on this field. In fact, only one home run has occurred during the regular season in recent memory.

Games are governed by the Official Baseball Rules promulgated by Major League Baseball as modified by Cal Ripken League. Rulebooks are available for each coach and there's a copy in the Concession Stand.