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BlastBall provides an ideal entry level of play for the youngster who will go on to other advanced levels of the game. BlastBall is meant to put FUN in to the game of Baseball. It is designed to generate fast paced action, provide recreation and exercise, create enthusiasm and thru simplicity, allow retention of young players in the game. BlastBall teaches all five basic fundamentals of baseball and softball … hitting, throwing, catching, running and fielding. It is also just a ton of fun with fast and continuous action and simple rules. |
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Go Orange Tigers!
NO GAME MONDAY (Victoria Day)
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Objectives BLASTBALL will be played with 5 to 6 players per team although the game can be played with fewer players if a team is missing some members. The defensive players take an infield or outfield position. A BlastBall is placed on the Blast-Tee and the first batter hits the ball and runs to the Blast-Base. If the batter reaches the base before a defensive player either catches the BlastBall in the air (an automatic out) or fields the ball to first base, they are safe.
You will end the (half) inning by batting once around the line-up. We do not keep score at this level. The Blast-Base is audible, emitting a loud "HONK" whenever the runner stomps on the base. When fielded, the defensive player can throw the BlastBall back to another player. Gloves are not needed because of the softness and size of the Ball. While players will not get hurt by the ball, helmets must be worn to get players used to playing with a helmet in future years.
Players Age
Age requirements are that all players must be 3½ - 4 years old as of December 31st of the year prior to playing season. Five year old players who have never played before may opt to play BlastBall instead of T-ball for 1 year.
Playing Field Playing field will consist of 1st base loaded with a horn, 2nd and 3rd base and home plate where batters will hit from a "Blast-Tee” and all defensive players will line up beyond the line marker. Any ball hit past the fair ball marker will be considered a fair ball and the batter shall advance to 1st base. 1st base will be set at a distance of 30 feet from home plate.
Field Set-Up Like a regular ball diamond, from the Tee pace off 30 feet to the right and position your Blast-Base. This establishes your fair/foul line to the right. To the left of the Tee and perpendicular to your Blast-Base line, pace off an equal distance and position 3rd base. This establishes your fair/foul line to the left. Now pace off 10 feet directly in front of the Tee and lay out your Line Marker running between the first and third base lines. This becomes the fair/foul line for play. If a ball is hit inside of that line it is foul and should be re-teed for another try. If it goes beyond the line, either in the air or on a roll it is considered in play.
Equipment All players must wear an AMBA team baseball cap and team t-shirt supplied by Aldergrove Minor Baseball. The hat and shirt must be worn during all games and are yours to keep when the season ends. No player shall wear a baseball/softball glove. The game ball is foam rubber and will be safe for kids to play without gloves. All equipment for BlastBall will be furnished to the team and coach by AMBA. The coach is responsible for the care and upkeep of the equipment. Coaches will receive a key for the box where the equipment will be kept, and will be responsible for the equipment to be returned after each game. The key shall be returned to the Blastball Coordinator at the end of the season.
Games
Games shall last 60 minutes, including 20 minutes dedicated to learning basic skills before each game. No score or win/loss records will be kept.
Rules
It's that simple...you are ready to play! |
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What is Blastball Division? Blastball Division is for boys and girls who are 4 or 5 years old before December 31st of the current playing season. Using foam balls and foam covered bats the players learn basic skills in a very safe environment. No glove is necessary. In fact, gloves are too hard to control for virtually all players at this level. By playing barehanded, fielding a ball with both hands comes far more naturally and the players will begin establishing good habits early.
Where do they play? We have mini diamonds set up for Blastball baseball at Aldergrove Athletic Park is located at 26715 27th Avenue. Just turn west off of 272nd Street onto 27th Avenue and follow 27th Avenue past Betty Gilbert Elementary School.
How often will they play? You will be contacted in late March or early April by your team's coach. You can expect to play one game per week after the season gets under way.
What time do games start and finish? On game nights players will be expected to be on the field by 6 p.m. ready to warm up. As the focus of Blastball is on developing the most basic skills, the first part of game will be skills and drills. The second half will be a game with two or three innings where each child gets to bat and run to first. Early in the season the players will be hitting from the tee. As the season progresses the coaches may pitch to the players. By the end of the season most all the kids are quite capable of hitting a coach pitched ball.
What sort of equipment is needed? AMBA provides each child with a hat they get to keep. We will be supplying uniform shirts for the kids to keep as well. Gloves are not needed and not recommended. Batting Helmets are provided by the league but many players prefer to have their own. Good running shoes are perfectly acceptable. Rubber cleated baseball or soccer shoes are allowed as well.
Who does the umping? There is no need for an umpire at this level. Parents who want to help are best used in helping the position players. As the season progresses, you will begin to see more "outs” made by the players in the field. The coach or assisting parent nearest the play can make the call with the focus being on having the players understand why they are out and good sportsmanship (accepting the decision.)
As a parent do I need to do anything? Absolutely! You need to set a good example. Sportsmanship is one key. Remember, your encouragement of players, coaches and other officials is our best asset in developing our program both on the field and in the stands. Teamwork is an equally important key. If your child learns but one lesson in this league, let that lesson be teamwork. Your active participation in the league will help to show your child the value of teamwork. At this level it isn't unusual to have three or four parents on the field helping the players into fielding position.
What about Rain Outs? We live in BC and it rains here. Sometimes it rains a lot. A little rain won't stop the game. The Coaches should know by 5 p.m. if the game is on. When in doubt, show up at the ball park ready to play.
Anything else? Watch for dates and times for Opening Day, Picture Day, the Bat-A-Thon and the League Wind-Up. Support the concession, have a hot dog at the ballpark. |