T-Ball/Foal/Mini Shetland
League Age 3-4 years Old

T-Ball aka Foal aka Mini Shetland is an instructional level to teach 3 and 4-year-old players the fundamentals of baseball by the simplest method possible - letting them play the game. It is intended for all three-year-olds and four-year-olds who have not played previously.

Emphasis is on instruction and fun, not competition. T-Ball Coaches and parent volunteers are allowed on the field to offer instruction during the game. Every player will be given the opportunity to try different positions on the field. On offense, every player gets an at bat every inning and there are no outs.

Players will hit from a Tee. No score is kept. We focus on the excitement of the game and fundamentals of teamwork and sportsmanship.

The T-Ball division is great fun, but the kids need to be ready to play and the parents need to be involved. This is a Team Sport, and not a drop-off activity or daycare. It typically takes 4-6 coaches/parents to effectively run a T-Ball practice or game. It's a plus for parents to be practicing baseball skills at home.

T-Ball Players are allowed to request Coaches and Teammates. We cannot guarantee requests, but we will do our best to honor as many requests as possible. Encourage your friends to come play with you and see how much fun baseball can be!

6U Shetland
League Age 5-6 years old

SHETLAND is an instructional level to teach five and six-year-old players the fundamentals of baseball by the simplest method possible - letting them play the game and requires no prior baseball experience.

Emphasis is on instruction and fun, not competition. Every player is given the opportunity to try different positions. Every player is in the batting order, but for the later part of the season Shetland limits innings to 3 outs (or 5 runs) to prepare the older players for the step up to 8U Pinto. Coaches use a Pitching Machine during games.

For the five-year-olds who play in Shetland, it is important to point out that hitting off a tee will be limited at this level. As the season progresses, players will strike out. Kids learn quickly, but both parents and players should be ready for the rapid progression.

Shetland Players are allowed to request Coaches and Teammates. We cannot guarantee requests, but we will do our best to honor as many requests as possible. Encourage your friends to come play with you and see how much fun baseball can be!

8U Pinto
League Age 7-8 years old   

PINTO is a competitive instructional level teaching seven and eight-year-old players the fundamentals of baseball.

Emphasis is on instruction and fun, however we continue to increase the competition. Every player plays every game and cannot sit out more than 2 consecutive defensive innings. Every player is in the batting order. Players are encouraged to practice at home, in addition to league activities. We welcome all players regardless of previous experience.

Kids begin pitching at this level on a 60-foot diamond, with a 40-foot pitching distance. Innings are limited to 3 outs or 5 runs (except the last inning).

We require all Pinto players to participate in pre-season player ratings/evaluations. We want all of the kids to have fun and develop as players. While we recognize that kids this age want to play with their friends and have fun, it is not fun to have stacked teams and numerous blowouts. At the end of the season, it is a lot more fun, and better for everyone's development, to have a division with balanced teams and competitive games. And we know that your kids will make some incredible new friends on the diamond this season.

10U Mustang 
League Age 9-10 years old

MUSTANG is a competitive level, where nine and ten-year-old players compete in baseball. Participants are playing real baseball in accordance with the rules of Major League Baseball, with only a few specific PONY and LOCAL RULE modifications. Kids are taught to lead, steal, pick-off, back pick, and other competitive level skills. This is a kid pitch division with a 60-foot diamond (46 feet to pitchers mound).

All Mustang Players are required to complete a pre-season Player Evaluation to help us place kids on teams. Our goal is to create balanced teams that will have competitive games. We find that it is a lot more fun for everyone, and much better for each player's development, if we create balanced teams.

12U Bronco
League Age 11-12 years old 

BRONCO is a competitive level division, teaching eleven and twelve-year-old players all aspects of competitive baseball. The players are playing real baseball in accordance with the rules of Major League Baseball, with very few PONY and LOCAL rules, where appropriate for this age group. This is a kid pitch division with a 70-foot diamond (50 feet to pitchers mound).

All Bronco Players are required to complete a pre-season Player Evaluation to help us place kids on teams. Our goal is to create balanced teams that will have competitive games. We find that it is a lot more fun for everyone, and much better for each player's development, if we create balanced teams.

14U Pony 
League Age 13-14 years old 

Pony is considered a High School Prep Division with thirteen and fourteen-year-old players competing with 80 foot bases and pitchers throwing from 54".

Pony players play one of the most fascinating games in all of youth baseball. Most players in this division are beyond the beginners stage, but there is no requirement for previous experience if your player is willing to learn the great game of baseball.

All Pony Players are required to complete a pre-season Player Evaluation to help us place kids on teams. Our goal is to create balanced teams that will have competitive games. We find that it is a lot more fun for everyone, and much better for each player's development, if we create balanced teams.

Ojai Valley Baseball League is recognized as a 501(c)(3) by IRS non-profit ID# 77-1106823