The Basics of Softball and Baseball
In these sports, two teams of nine players alternate between offense and defense. Offensive players try to score runs by hitting the baseball with a bat, then running around the bases on the diamond while the defensive players try to field the ball. While on offense, players only bat and run the bases. On defense, they play positions including pitcher (who throws the ball to the batter), catcher (who catches missed balls and returns them to the pitcher), infielders (who man the bases and can use the ball to tag the runner out), shortstop (an infielder located between second and third base), and outfielders (who try to catch the ball and throw it to the bases).
Which Kids Can Benefit?
Softball and baseball are best for kids who are socially-oriented and team-oriented. Children must be patient and attentive enough to cope with baseball’s slower pace. Here are other factors in knowing whether these are the right sports for your child:
Age kids can start: 4 (tee ball) or 5 (machine-itch, coach-pitch, or player-pitch teams). Skills: Teamwork and sportsmanship; strength; eye-hand coordination; sport- and position-specific skills such as pitching, fielding, and running. Fitness factor: Varies. Baseball can be a slow-paced game, and some players, especially younger ones, may spend a lot of time lingering in the outfield and not getting much physical activity. As kids grow, play becomes more aggressive and athletic. Kids with special needs: Outdoor play may pose challenges for kids with severe allergies or asthma. Little League runs a Challenger division especially for kids with mental and physical disabilities. Teams are set up according by age, and some players may be assisted by a “buddy” who can help them swing a bat or field a ground ball. In the Miracle League, kids with disabilities play on a special field with a rubberized surface (which is easier for wheelchairs and kids in walkers to navigate). If your child likes baseball, also explore: Cricket (for international flavor), kickball, racquet sports.
Organization
Little League, one of the biggest organized programs for baseball for kids, has a series of levels based on age and ability: Tee Ball (for 4- to 7-year-olds), Minor League (for 5- to 11-year-olds), Major League (for 9- to 12-year-olds, also simply known as Little League), Intermediate League (for 11- to 13-year-olds), Junior League (for ages 12 to 14), and Senior League (for ages 13 to 16). PONY (Protect Our Nation’s Youth) Baseball and Softball also has several age-grouped levels of teams. PONY uses a narrower age grouping to try to form teams in which players’ sizes and abilities are similar. Associations and governing bodies:
Little League BaseballPONY Baseball/SoftballU.S. Specialty Sports AssociationAmateur Athletic Union
Costs and Time Commitment
You will need to consider the costs and time commitment for your child to play these sports:
Equipment: Glove (also called mitt) for fielding balls, batting glove, batting helmet, cleats, uniform. Catchers use special protective gear such as face masks and shin guards. Costs: Minimal for beginning players; can be much higher for older or elite players, especially those on travel teams. According to Next College Student Athlete (NCSA), costs to play on travel teams can soar as high as $3,000 for softball and $3,700 for baseball. Time commitment required: As with most youth sports, time commitment grows exponentially as players rise up the ranks to elite or travel teams. Beginners may have just one practice and/or game per week, while more accomplished athletes will practice several days a week and devote nearly every summer weekend to games and tournaments.
Sports Injuries and Risks
The potential for injuries is medium to high, even though baseball is not a contact sport. Softer balls (called safety or reduced injury factor (RIF) balls) are often used by younger players to reduce the risk and severity of head injuries. Breakaway bases (also called safety-release bases) greatly reduce the risk of ankle sprains and other injuries caused by players sliding into bases. These have been mandated for all levels of play by Little League since 2008. Just like their major-league counterparts, young players can suffer an overuse injury if they throw too many pitches. Coaches and parents need to make sure junior pitchers’ arms get plenty of rest. Get a tip sheet on preventing baseball or softball injuries from the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine.
