Rookie 2 is the first level of player pitched baseball in Lancaster Youth Baseball and Softball. Rookie 2 is played on a 60’ base path and 40’ pitcher’s mound distance. The majority of the players in Rookie 2 will be 8-years-old. Experienced 7-year-olds may be on Rookie 2 teams if they meet all requirements. Any player that doesn't meet the requirements to play in Rookie 2, may request to be reassigned to Rookie 1 for another season.

In Rookie 2, coaches emphasize the advancement of players’ baseball skills. Players are taught to apply those skills and make their own decisions in live game situations.  Rookie 2 introduces live pitching from the players, as well as a hard baseball.  No stealing or bunting is allowed.  Coaches step in to pitch when the player walks a batter.  Rookie 2 is meant to prepare players for their introduction to competitive baseball in Minors.

Developmental Guidelines for Rookie 2

Players who register for Rookie 2 should be able to demonstrate the following skills upon completion:  

• Ability to hit a baseball pitched.
• Ability to catch and throw a ball.
• Knowledge of all field positions and base locations
• Players should not be afraid to catch a baseball or to have a ball pitched at them.

Rookie 2 Division Details

• Most children play in Rookie 2 for one year prior to entering Minors.
• Lancaster Youth Baseball and Softball forms teams with the purpose of ensuring an enjoyable experience for players.  We use information such as players’ schools, and coach or teammate requests when forming teams.  We cannot guarantee we will be able to honor all requests.
• Games last a maximum of four innings or 75 minutes.
• Teams observe continuous batting; the batting order includes all players on the team.
• Players may be called out on strikes and half-innings end after three outs.
• To develop hitting and fielding skills, batters will continue to hit from a coach pitcher after being walked by a player pitcher.
• Players are rotated through infield and outfield positions, although coaches may consider safety in assigning positions.
• Ten defensive players take the field during each half-inning. Players share equal playing time and will sit out innings, but no player shall sit out two consecutive innings. Catchers are positioned behind home plate and catch “live” pitches.
• Coaches and youth assistants umpire in Rookie 2 games.  Game scores and records are NOT kept and standings are irrelivant.
• Teams will typically have 1 practice and 1-2 games each week.  The season, which begins in late April and ends in late June, includes approximately 12-16 games and NO playoffs.