AAYO offers baseball programs for many age brackets by "league age". League age can be determined by using the age chart below. The teams are co-ed and generally have 10-12 players per team.
SPRING SEASON
Teams form late March/early April
Practice begins mid April
Game play May-June
All-Star Game beginning of July
FALL SEASON
Teams formed middle of August
Practice begins end of August
Game play begins after Labor Day and will run until the middle of October. Games will mainly be played on Saturday's
* Coaches will schedule specific practice dates once team is rostered.
BASEBALL GLOVE – No single item is more important to your child’s success and enjoyment with baseball or softball than a functioning glove. For the first time buyer and a new player you don’t need the most expensive mitt. The right size mitt properly broken in can be your player’s best friend for several seasons.
BATTING HELMET – Similar to a glove, no single item is more important to your child’s SAFETY than a good helmet. Helmets come in several sizes, with fit being the most important aspect. AAYO requires that only baseball helmets that have a face guard or c-flap be used. Helmets are used anytime a player is handling a bat and running the bases, as mentioned fit and comfort are extremely important to ensure proper function of the helmet.
BAT - AAYO will be following the USSSA and USA Bat Standards for Baseball. A good link to help you find the right bat is listed below:
https://ilovetowatchyouplay.com/2018/04/20/how-to-choose-the-right-bat-size/
BATTING GLOVE – Batting gloves may be worn by players as they bat. These come in particularly handy at weather extremes. They help keep players hands warm during the cold and provide additional grip during the hot summer months. Batting gloves are 100% optional. Some of the best hitters of all time did not use gloves, they aren’t guaranteed to make your player the next Frank Thomas, Anthony Rizzo or Jessica Mendoza but they won’t hurt either.
CLEATS – Cleats are a MUST buy to ensure your player can get the grip they need on the diamond. Fit is the most important aspect here. Beyond that you probably are pretty familiar with how to shop for shoes for your child!
PROTECTIVE CUP – Cups are strongly recommended for boys of all ages. Baseballs can hurt!
THERMAL LONG SLEEVE UNDERSHIRT – This is optional however strongly recommended. Especially during the colder months it can be cold out on the field. Sweatshirts are acceptable however not recommended as they are typically worn under the jersey and can restrict movement.
SUN GLASSES – It’s not uncommon to see players wearing sunglasses. Please note that a baseball can shatter sunglasses and cause serious injury. In fact some coaches will not allow their players to wear sunglasses unless they are shatter proof. Pitchers are NOT allowed to wear sunglasses of any kind with the only exception being prescription glasses and sunglasses. It’s HIGHLY recommended that if your child requires sunglasses or glasses that you purchase sport, shatter proof lenses.
AAYO PROVIDES
Hat, Jersey, & SWAG BAG (spring season only)
Parents will need to purchase baseball pants for players. Instructional level (U6) will wear solid grey pants. Jr. Mustang (U8) Minors (U10) Majors (U12) and Pony (U14) will wear solid white pants with their uniforms.
Program | Age | League | Description | Fee |
---|---|---|---|---|
2024 Spring | 4-6 | Instructional | Coach Pitch, Safety Balls, Tee | $175 |
2024 Spring | 7-8 | Jr. Mustangs | Coach/Player Pitch, Safety Balls | $205 |
2024 Spring | 9-10 | Minors | Player Pitch, Modified Rules | $225 |
2024 Spring | 11-12 | Majors | Player Pitch | $225 |
2024 Spring | 13-15 | Pony | Player Pitch | $225 |
2024 Fall | 4-6 | Instructional | Coach Pitch, Safety Balls, Tee | |
2024 Fall | 7-8 | Jr Mustangs | Coach/Player Pitch, Safety Balls | |
2024 Fall | 9-10 | Minors | Player Pitch, Modified Rules | |
2024 Fall | 11-12 | Majors | Player Pitch | |
2024 Fall | 13-15 | Pony | Player Pitch |
Family Discount - $15 off registration on 2nd+ child added during registration process.
Birthdate | League | Age |
---|---|---|
5/1/2017 - 6/30/2019 | Instructional Baseball | 5-6* |
5/1/2015 - 4/30/2017 | Jr Mustangs | 7-8** |
5/1/2013 - 4/30/2015 | Minors | 9-10 |
5/1/2011 - 4/30/2013 | Majors | 11-12 |
5/1/2009 - 4/30/2011 | Pony | 13-14 |
5/1/2018-6/30/2020 | Instructional | 5-6 |
5/1/2016-4/30/2018 | Jr Mustangs | 7-8 |
5/1/2014-4/30/2016 | Minors | 9-10 |
5/1/2012-4/30/2014 | Majors | 11-12 |
5/1/2010-4/30/2012 | Pony | 13-14 |
INSTRUCTIONAL (Ages 5-6)
Instructional baseball is where young players learn, develop and practice basic fundamental skills at an early age. The games are played with a coach throwing soft toss 15 feet from the batters. During the soft toss phase, a Tee is available and will be used after 5 pitches to keep the game active and give developing hitters confidence in making good contact at bat. Teams are constructed to place players on requested teams with friend requests to develop a comfortable environment for the kids to learn. A safety ball is used for player safety.
JR. MUSTANGS (Age 7-8)
Jr. Mustang baseball is designed for 7-8 year old players who wish to improve basic baseball skills and prepare for Minor League baseball. This level instructional, with emphasis on player development, teaching basic skills and introducing baseball rules. A safety ball is used for player safety. Teams generally practice once or twice a week and play one or two games game a week. Play at this level includes batting in roster rotation, umpiring by coaches, a maximum of seven pitches at bat. Players are placed on teams through a draft.
MINORS (Age 9-10)
Minors baseball is geared for players ages 9-10 who have basic skills in hitting, catching, and throwing, as well as a basic understanding of the rules. The program has all player pitching and emphasizes the refinement of basic skills. Certified/ patched umpires call the game and enforce the baseball rules. Teams are formed through a draft. Teams generally practice twice a week until games start. Games are twice a week with practices determined by the coach.
MAJORS (Ages 11-12)
Majors Baseball isa league within the competitive structure of A.A.Y.O. Rules are enforced by an official A.A.Y.O. Umpire. There is a win/loss record kept by the League Coordinator. Playoff brackets are figured at the end of the season. Teams are formed by a draft. Pitching is player pitch only. Practices are generally twice a week until games start. Games are generally twice a week with practices determined by the coach.
PONY (13-14)
Pony Baseball isa league within the competitive structure of A.A.Y.O. Rules are enforced by an official A.A.Y.O. Umpire. Due to the nature of the league and the level of play the umpire is usually certified IHSA. There is a win/loss record kept by the League Coordinator. Playoff brackets are figured at the end of the season. Teams are formed by a draft. Pitching is player pitch only. Practices are generally twice a week until games start. Games are generally twice a week with practices determined by the coach.