Baseball

Instructional - Farm (Kindergarten) - Grove St. Fields

Farm is for kindergartners, usually ages 5 and 6, who are learning to play baseball. There are no fixed teams. We work on throwing, catching, hitting, and catching pop flies, and finish each session with a one-inning coach-pitch game.

We meet Wednesday from 6–7 p.m. and Saturday from 1–2 p.m. Players receive a “B” hat and a Belmont Farm Team shirt. Please bring a baseball glove. Sneakers are fine and baseball pants are optional.

Instructional - Single A (1st & 2nd Grade) - Grove St. Fields

Single A players are placed on teams and play mostly coach-pitch baseball. The goal is to have fun and learn the fundamentals. Second graders also get an introduction to pitching at Saturday sandlot games.

Teams play Thursday from 6–7 p.m., with Saturday sandlot games and one additional weekday skills session. First-grade sandlot runs 2–3 p.m.; second grade runs 2–3:30 p.m. Hats and uniform shirts are provided.

Playing with a familiar face helps children settle in. Include friend requests when registering for Single A; we consider requests while balancing teams.

Cal Ripken - In Town Baseball at Grove St. Fields

Minors (3rd & 4th Grade)

Minors is player pitch, with coaches umpiring and helping players learn pitching and defensive fundamentals. Evaluations take place in early April at Grove Street Park to put together balanced teams. There are two games and one skills practice each week.

Majors (5th & 6th Grade)

Players attend evaluations in early April at Grove Street Park and join balanced teams. Outside umpires officiate games. Teams play a 12-game schedule, with two games and one skills session each week.

Both divisions begin the Monday after April school vacation week and finish in early June. Shirts and hats are provided; players need baseball pants, a glove, and a belt. Champions Sporting Goods in Belmont Center carries baseball equipment. See the bat requirements below before shopping.

Travel Baseball - Spring (Ages 9–12 / Grades 3–6)

Spring travel is offered in addition to in-town baseball, depending on player interest and volunteer coaches. Games are against nearby communities on Friday evenings, usually around 5:30 p.m., from early April through early June. Coaches arrange additional practices.

With in-town games, practices, and skills sessions, a travel player may have up to five baseball activities a week. Please consider that commitment before registering. Team sizes and placement depend on enrollment. If we cannot place a player on a travel team, the player may be an alternate and the travel portion of the registration fee will be refunded.

Babe Ruth (Ages 13–15)

Belmont teams play in the Arlington-managed Babe Ruth league. Players in grades 7–9 who are 15 or younger on April 30 of the playing year are eligible. Preseason tryouts determine A or B division placement.

Games are generally Tuesday, Thursday, and/or Sunday, from early April through the end of the school year. The number of teams depends on registration. Summer Babe Ruth is offered through the Lou Tompkins league; please ask about team availability.

Summer Baseball Options

Choose a summer program that fits your player’s interests and your family’s schedule. Email the baseball coordinator for team signups or to volunteer as a coach.

Middlesex League

A local, developmental summer option with a commitment closer to in-town baseball. Games are against nearby towns and generally do not require weekends. Players may also be called up to Bay State games.

Bay State League

Our most competitive summer option requires weekend games and can involve longer travel. Playing time is not equal: some players may play only three innings and have one at-bat in a game. Alternates can play Middlesex and be called up as needed.

Watertown 50/70 Option

We are organizing an 11U and 12U option in Watertown for players who want additional baseball without the full Bay State commitment. We need a head coach and parent volunteers to launch the team. Email the baseball coordinator to help.

Skills-Only Program

Jordy Allard runs summer skills at Grove Street. Earlier sessions are for younger players, typically rising 2nd–4th graders; later sessions are for rising 5th–7th graders. Players work on hitting, fielding, throwing, and fundamentals. Travel players may attend when schedules allow.

Baseball Skills/Clinics

Skills Clinic Director Jordy Allard, a former Northeastern University and Cape Cod Baseball League pitcher, leads our weekly skills sessions and winter and summer hitting and pitching clinics. Pre-season indoor clinics run through March. Jordy also offers individual instruction at Extra Innings in Watertown during the winter.

Book lessons with Jordy at jordy.allard@gmail.com. For program and team questions, email bybs.baseball@gmail.com.

Documents

Coaches and parents can find league policies, coaching resources, and equipment standards here.

Before You Buy a Bat

For Cal Ripken non-wood bats, look for the USA Baseball stamp. USSSA-only bats are not permitted. The certifications are different; a USSSA stamp is not a substitute for USA Baseball approval. Using approved equipment helps keep play safe.

Cal Ripken bats have a maximum 2⅝-inch barrel; BBCOR bats are not allowed in that division. Babe Ruth ages 13–15 also permits BBCOR .50 bats. Solid one-piece wood bats have separate rules.

Your coach can help choose the right size and explain wood-only division requirements. Read the Rules of Play and USA Bat Standards for equipment specifications.