Bethesda-Chevy Chase Baseball was founded in 1993 to provide all children aged 6-18 an opportunity to participate in an organized program that encourages teamwork and sportsmanship while developing baseball skills.
Games are played at various locations throughout lower Montgomery County. Most games are on Sunday afternoons.
The number and location of practices is at the discretion of the coach.
Individuals or entire teams may apply to play.
Players/teams are placed in leagues based on age and skill levels and play other teams within the BCC Baseball league.
Major League rules are modified to accommodate the skill level of each age group.
Programs are offered both spring and fall.
Currently, fees range from $130-185 for our recreational teams, depending on age. The league provides game fields, uniforms, batting helmets, bases, balls, and a first aid kit. We also provide catcher’s gear for the American League and up and umpires for our kid-pitch teams (Minor League and up). Full/partial scholarships are available.
BCC Baseball has no restrictions as far as geographical area is concerned. However, most games are located in the Bethesda and Chevy Chase areas.
Leagues: BCC Baseball is divided into seven leagues, each with rules to match the skill level and age of the players. All “league ages” are determined by the age/grade of the player on April 30. The following is a brief description of BCC Baseball leagues and how play is conducted in each.
National League: Generally kindergarten and first graders.
Teams in this age group play three innings. An inning is over once each player has batted. There are no strikeouts. All players play in the field every inning. Outs are made in the field, thereby limiting the number of runs scored. The coach pitches underhand to his/her batters. If the ball is not hit after a set number of pitches, a batting tee is used. Opposing coach or parent is catcher.
Games are approximately 60 minutes long.
Reduced Injury Factor (RIF #1) baseballs are used.
The primary emphasis is on sportsmanship and instruction rather than winning. Scorebooks are not kept.
American League: Generally second and third graders.
Play is governed by the normal three outs per inning. All players bat in rotation and play the field. A player is the catcher.
Games are generally 90 minutes long.
Pitching machines and RIF #5 baseballs are used.
Again, emphasis is on instruction, not winning.
Minor Select: League ages 10 & 11.
Rules are similar to professional baseball. Base paths are 60' and the pitching distance is 46'. Players may steal and lead off. Teams are selected via tryouts and a draft.
This league plays two games per week.
Playoffs are conducted at the end of the regular spring season.
Minor League: Generally fourth & fifth graders.
There are 9 players in the field. All players bat in rotation regardless of whether or not they played in the field the previous inning.
This league is kid-pitch.
RIF #10 balls are used.
The base path is 60' and the pitching distance is 46'.
Paid umpires are provided for this league and up.
Major Select: League ages 12 & 13.
Rules are similar to professional baseball. Base paths are 75’ instead of 60' and the pitching distance is 54' instead of 46'. Players may steal and lead off. Teams are selected via tryouts and a draft.
This league plays two games per week.
Playoffs are conducted at the end of the regular spring season.
Major League: Generally sixth & seventh graders. Rules are similar to professional baseball. Base paths are 70’ instead of 60' and the pitching distance is 50' instead of 46'. Players may steal and lead off.
Standard baseballs are used.
Senior League: Generally eighth through twelfth graders. Professional rules and distances (90’ base paths) apply. Previous baseball experience is highly recommended. Teams are placed in divisions according to grade/age and skill.
Travel Teams: BCC Baseball has select teams for players who are aged 9 and up for the fall and spring seasons. Players are chosen for these teams via tryouts.
Professional coaches coach the fall and spring select teams. These teams play against other leagues, mainly in Montgomery County.
There is no guaranteed playing time for these teams.
The cost for these travel programs (fees, uniforms, professional coach, etc.) is additional. However, no child will be denied the opportunity to play due to a financial hardship.
Over the past several seasons, more than 300 BCC Baseball players have competed on various tournament teams. Their records are enviable.
League policy does not allow players to play above their league age.
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