The Playing Season
Our Rookieball program is primarily designed for players aged 8 and 9. Games and practices are held at Ravina Park on Thursday and Sunday evenings from 6 pm to 8 pm or darkness, whichever comes first. This year the Rookieball season begins on Thursday evening, May 1and it runs until the middle of August after which the playoff season begins. Playoff game days and times may change to make sure that there is sufficient light to complete games in a timely manner. Weather and other diamond availability issues make it impossible to advise about these changes at this time. The playoff season will end on Championship Day, which is traditionally held on a weekend in mid September. Pictures and trophies will be distributed to all participants.
The Game
Rookieball is version of baseball that employs a pitching machine to pitch the ball to the batter. This helps batters learn batting skills without fear of being hit by an errant ball thrown by a pitcher. It is more advanced than Tball because players are hitting a moving ball. More baseball rules are introduced to the player at this level and additional baseball skills are developed. When at bat, all players on the team get a turn at bat regardless of the number of outs that inning. Players who master rookieball skills early are encouraged to join the Mosquito division, a level up.
Responsibility
Parents are expected to help during games and practices with safety supervision and simple training activities.
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 Rookieball with the Annette Baseball Association, you are a volunteer. If you are uncomfortable with this necessary reality, a refund can be arranged.
