Most of the players in Rookie 1 & 8U will be between 5 and 8 years old.  In Rookie1 & 8U, coaches teach fundamental skills: batting, throwing, catching, and base running, in a game environment. Players improve their understanding of how to play baseball and softball. They learn more about baserunning, defensive situations, and rules-of-play.

Developmental Guidelines for Rookie 1 & 8U

Players who register for Rookie 1 & 8U will be able to demonstrate the following skills upon completion:

• Knowledge of batting stance and grip
• Knowledge of throwing motion
• Knowledge of Proper fielding stance
• Should be familiar with the basic rules-of-play
• Players should be able to make semi-accurate throws
• Players should be able to catch with a reasonable success rate

Rookie 1 & 8U Division Detail

• 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.
• Rookie 1 & 8U games last a maximum of 4 innings or 75 minutes. Each inning, every player hits coach-pitched baseballs (soft core) at 25-30 MPH. Coaches pitch while taking a knee, from a few feet in front of the mound. Players do not strikeout, but are allowed to use a Tee after 5-8 pitches. Players who are “put-out” in the field return to the dugout.
• Players rotate 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. Game scores are not kept.
• Teams will typically have 1-2 games each week with additional practices at the coaches discretion. The season, which begins in late April and ends in late June, includes approximately 12 games.