Algonquin Area Youth Organization

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.