PYJSBA Frequently Asked Questions – 

 

Q: When will players and parents know their schedule?

A: Practices and games for all baseball and softball divisions do not have a pre-determined schedule until after Evaluations, Draft Night, and Coaches’ input, which occurs in early through late February.

Schedules are set after teams are established based on:

• Coaches’ availability

• Number of coaches available

• Umpire schedules

• Field availability

Once finalized, schedules are announced via email and Facebook, and parents can access their child’s team and schedule via the Game Changer App.

We aim to provide a minimum of 1–2 weeknight practices and 1–2 games per week, with primary games on Saturdays and Sundays as optional practice or additional game days.

Because schedules depend on multiple moving parts, if you need specific scheduling control, the best way to participate in this process is to apply to coach. You don’t need prior experience—PYJSBA provides full support and training.

Q: What kind of bat should my child use?

A: Bat rules are important because PY registers both in-house and travel teams, and all levels must comply to maintain fair, competitive play. Be sure to review the following to ensure your child uses the correct bat.

• Size & Weight: Use a Bat Finder tool with your child’s division, height, and weight to determine the correct bat.

✅ Official 2026 Bat & Cleat Rules

PY In-House Baseball & Softball (Ripken / Babe Ruth)

Bat Rules

• T-Ball / Cal Ripken (ages 4–12): USABat-certified or one-piece wood. Illegal: BBCOR / USSSA.

• Babe Ruth Baseball (13–15): Non-wood: USABat or BBCOR .50, barrel ≤ 2 5/8". Wood allowed.

• Babe Ruth Baseball (16–18): Non-wood: BBCOR .50, -3 drop, barrel ≤ 2 5/8". Wood allowed.

• Softball (all ages): “Official Softball Bat” or “Official Fastpitch Bat” only.

• Notes: One-piece wood allowed; unclear certification = removed; illegal bat = batter out / hit invalidated.

Cleat Rules

• Ages 4–12: Molded / rubber only

• Ages 13+: Metal allowed

USABL Travel Baseball (7U–16U)

Bat Rules

• 7U–8U: Barrel ≤ 2 1/4" or USA-certified ≤ 2 5/8"; illegal = USSSA / BBCOR

• 9U–12U: USA-certified ≤ 2 5/8"; illegal = USSSA / BBCOR

• 13U–14U: BPF 1.15, USA, barrel ≤ 2 5/8"; BBCOR .50 also allowed (some tournaments may permit USSSA).

• 15U+: BBCOR .50, -3 drop

• One-piece wood allowed

• Illegal bat = dead ball out if contact occurs

Cleat Rules

• Under 13U: Molded / rubber only

• 13U+: Metal allowed

TSE Travel Baseball (7U–16U)

Bat Rules

• 8U & Under: Barrel ≤ 2 1/4" or USA-certified ≤ 2 5/8"; illegal = USSSA / BBCOR

• 9U–12U: USA-certified ≤ 2 5/8"; illegal = USSSA / BBCOR

• 13U–14U: BPF 1.15, USA, or USSSA, barrel ≤ 2 5/8"; BBCOR .50 also allowed

• 15U+: BBCOR .50, -3 drop

• One-piece wood allowed

• Illegal bat = dead ball out if contact occurs

Cleat Rules

• Under 13U: Molded / rubber only

• 13U+: Metal allowed

Notes for All Leagues

• Always check bats for proper certification.

• Use correct cleats for your division.

• One-piece wood bats allowed at all levels.

• Penalties: Illegal bats = batter out / invalidated hit; metal cleat violations = possible removal from play.

Q: Can I request a specific team or coach?

A: Specific requests are difficult to honor because PY forms teams based on coaches’ input to ensure competitive balance. Requests can easily be “lost in the shuffle,” especially at older levels.

What you can do:

1. Apply to coach – guarantees input in team formation and scheduling within reasonable limits.

2. Talk to a coach you know in your child’s division – they can attempt to honor your request when drafting teams.

Remember: All coaches are vetted and certified. Teams are formed to foster skill development, fair competition, and fun, not to honor specific friendships or coach preferences.

Q: What is Cal Ripken & Babe Ruth Baseball/Softball?

A: PYJSBA is chartered with Cal Ripken and Babe Ruth, allowing players to participate in multiple programs, including post-season opportunities. Visit the Cal Ripken and Babe Ruth sites for more information.

Q: What equipment do I need to purchase?

A: PYJSBA provides hat, jersey, and socks. Parents supply:

• Mitt

• Baseball pants (grey or team color)

• Cleats (rubber/composite; metal allowed for Babe Ruth 13–16)

Fundraising helps provide team bats, helmets, and catcher gear, which can be shared or purchased individually if desired.

Q: Where do you recommend buying equipment?

A: Dick’s Sporting Goods and Amazon. PYJSBA offers a Dick’s Sporting Goods coupon posted in March on our Registration Info and Coach & Umpire pages, plus Facebook notifications.

Q: How do I sign up to volunteer or coach?

A: Contact our Player and Coach Agent and review the Coaches & Umpires page for certification steps. Volunteers are needed for:

• Coaching

• Field prep

• Snack Shack

• Umpiring

Q: Can my child play up or down a level?

A: Players are registered by age, but evaluations allow coaches to recommend playing up or down. Parents are contacted before final decisions.

Note for All-Stars: Even if bumped up, All-Star teams are age-based for state and league registration.

Q: Can you provide travel-level competition or small-group instruction?

A: Yes! Contact the League President for connections from youth to college-level instruction tailored to your player’s needs.

PYJSBA is here to help!  Please visit our Board Page to find the perfect contact.