The Playing Season
Blastball’s for kids aged 3 - 5. This year it operates from Ravina Park and it will begin on Tuesday evenings from 6:15 pm to 7:15 pm, starting May 6 and it will run every Tuesday evening until Tuesday June 26. After June 26 Blastball evening will be every Thursday evening - same time and location until the start of the school year. There will be a Parent Meeting at the Park on Opening Evening. May 6 (see below for more information about it.)
Blastball players and parents are also invited to the Annette Baseball Association Championship Day at Ravina Park in mid September, at a date to be announced. This is a chance for a final game and a lot of related festivities. On that day pictures and trophies will be given to all players.
The Game
Blastball is a simplified version of baseball, designed to reduce waiting time and increase movement. Teams are kept small in number to allow supervision, reduce waiting times and increase the repetition of the fun stuff.. A gamehas 3 teams. One team hits, one team fields and a third team works with instructors on skill development. The batting team takes turns hitting the ball off of a “T”. The batter runs to first base after hitting the ball. The base honks when it is stepped on. After hitting, running to the base and making it honk, the player lines up for another turn. After the hitting team has had 2 (ish) turns at bat, the teams rotate. The player rotates through the three stations – batting – fielding – and instruction.
Players who master skills early are encouraged to join the Tballers, a level up.
Responsibility
At this age group, parents must be directly and actively involved in the supervision of their children during games and instruction times. Parents are completely responsible for the safety and behaviour of their child.
Volunteers
The Annette Baseball Association is totally operated by volunteers. The City Of Toronto and/or certain school boards, own the diamonds and playgrounds that we use, but they do not provide staff or operating funds. (They used to, but have not done so for years.) Annette Baseball needs parents to volunteer to make this program work. Everyone will be asked to help by taking on manageable tasks or responsibilities. If your child is participating in Blastball with the Annette Baseball Association, you are a volunteer. If you are uncomfortable with this necessary reality, a refund can be arranged.
Organization Meeting
There will be an organizational meeting for Blastball parents on Tuesday, May 6 at 6:15 pm, at Ravina Park. The meeting will take about 60 minutes. This is an important meeting. Parents are expected to attend. We need to be well organized to provide a worthwhile experience for our children and ourselves. To attempt to operate this program without thorough preparation would be chaotic and unsafe. Parents play a pivotal role as volunteers, supervisors and instructors. We must all be prepared for the role that we will play.
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