Lower Minors (Competitive Machine Pitch Division) – (League Age 7-9)
What: For players who can consistently hit a thrown ball and have developed fielding skills, the Competitive Machine Pitch division will provide a fast paced, competitive atmosphere in which players will rapidly accumulate playing experience and build confidence. Score is kept during games and rules generally match those of the Upper Minors division (without stealing bases). Standings are kept during the season and there is a postseason tournament. To ready the players for Upper Minors, this division introduces kid pitching as the season progresses.
Who: The Competitive Machine Pitch division is aimed for league age 8 players (generally 2nd graders). This division may also be appropriate for competitive league age 7 players (generally 1st grade) or league age 9 players (generally 3rd grade) who would like more experience prior to Upper Minors.
When and Where: Parents should expect Competitive Machine Pitch teams to play each Saturday, with an occasional weekday game as well, along with 1 practice per week. Fall Coach Pitch runs from early September through the end of October and play one game along with one practice per week. . Games will be played at McIntire Park with practices held at various other baseball fields in the Charlottesville area. The Spring Competitive Machine Pitch season runs from mid-March through early June with approximately 8 -10 regular season games played.
Minors Evaluations are generally held the first weekend in March: All players interested in the Lower Minors Division (Competitive Machine Pitch), including returning players, are strongly encouraged to attend the player evaluations which help balance the talent across the teams in the division. Children League Age 7 (typically 1st graders) who wish to play in the Lower Minors division must attend the player evaluation to help determine if this division is appropriate for them. While an effort is made to accommodate player requests in assembling teams, balancing talent across teams is a priority in the Lower Minors division and we will not be able to accommodate all requests. Please note any teammate requests in the “Teammate Request” Section when you register your child on the McIntire website.
Registration Information: Spring registration will remain open until early March. All children that would like to play Minors baseball are strongly encouraged to attend the Minors evaluations on the first weekend in March at McIntire Park. Fall registration opens early July through mid August with no evaluations. Please be sure to check back on our website for schedule updates.