FAQ

Spring Season

How many practices will there be?

TYB assigns all teams ideally two practice slots a week prior to the start of the season for the manager to use. Once the games start we strive to assign one practice spot a week per team. Due to field availability and the amount of teams practice slots are not always guaranteed. Once games commence most teams will play twice a week with at least one practice during the week.

Where do we practice and play our games?

The city of Temecula does not open up the main Sports Park, Ronald Reagan Sports Park (RRSP), until the end of February and therefore it is not available to any baseball organization. February practices will be located at the North/South fields at RRSP, Harveston Sports Park, and various school sites throughout Temecula. Games will be played at RRSP, Harveston Sports Park, Temeku Sports Park, Birdsall Sports Park, and possibly various school sites. TYB strives to utilize the best that the city has to offer for every game within every division and will use school facilities as a last alternative. TYB, when assigning games, establishes games ahead of practices when determining what teams plays where.

Will TYB accommodate carpool and manager requests?

TYB governs a league of over 1800 players and therefore, it is impossible to guarantee carpool and manager requests. We will advise all managers of special requests during the draft but cannot guarantee that we will be able to accommodate your requests. Any special requests must be noted on the registration form.

Will siblings be placed on the same team?

Yes. If siblings are in the same division, they will be placed on the same team unless otherwise specified.

What equipment does my child need to play?

Each player will need a baseball glove, a protective cup, and cleats at a minimum. Optional equipment you may want to consider would include a bat, batting helmet, sliding shorts and a gear bag. At the Shetland, Pinto, and Mustang level we allow rubber cleats only. At the Bronco, Pony, and Colt level metal cleats are permitted. Managers are provided a complete bag of gear, which includes helmets, complete set of catcher’s gear and glove. Filly and Shetland divisions include in addition a baseball tee and drop down bases.

How long is the season?

Regular season games begin usually the first week of March and will continue through Memorial Day. Filly and Shetland Divisions starts their season usually the third week of March. With the change in the new school year we may be playing during spring break and our season may be finished with the regular season around Memorial Day weekend.

End of season tournament commences the week before Memorial weekend and consists of a 2-3 games pool play tournament followed up with a single elimination tournament. Championship weekend and closing day ceremonies usually conclude the weekend before school is out around the first week of June. The new school year will be factored into how long our season ends and when we begin our end of season tournament. TYB will assess the situation and make a determination sometime early next year.

How are all-stars selected?

TYB is in the process of reevaluating our all-star process. We will provide further information on our all-star process in January.

If your child is selected to play all stars, you can anticipate daily practices to begin in early-June and the tournament will begin around the July 4th holiday. The all-star tournament is double elimination tournament and could conceivably go into August if the team advances. If you have a planned vacation or other commitments during this time period and you cannot commit 100% to all-stars, we ask that you forgo your all-star eligibility and let someone else who can commit full time the opportunity to perform in all-stars.

What is the sponsor fee and what does it go towards?

Each TYB team is required to obtain a team sponsor. It is part of the core PONY mission to involve the community and businesses in helping develop our youth. Managers are provided with all of the sponsor sign up information. The sponsor fee is used to help continue to keep costs for the league down while improving the overall TYB experience. It also allows TYB to provide trained umpires, field lights, player’s clinics, manager’s clinics, opening and closing day ceremonies, and also significant long-term improvements to benefit the players who participate in TYB.

What is included with my registration fee?

The question should actually be what isn’t included. Each Player will receive…

• Complete MLB style uniform including Shirt, Hat, Pants, Belt and Socks.
• Filly and the Shetland division uniform includes, Shirt, Hat, Pants and Sock. 
• Picture Package that includes a Team photo, Individual photo and Button
• Player skills clinics. (Filly and Shetland clinics held separately)
• 12 game regular season schedule with an end of season tournament and awards.
• Opening Day Carnival for all players and their families (Spring Only).
• Closing Day Ceremonies & Carnival (100% free of charge)

What are assessments and how does it work?

Assessments are a process we use to assess your players skill level. Upon being checked in your player will then be sent over to warm up at several different drill stations where we will then rotate pre-designated groups of players in for assessment. Your player will then be assessed on fly balls, ground balls, throwing and hitting. Expect the entire process to take approximately 1 ½ hours. Once complete your player is free to go home. Your player should show up ready to play baseball so please have him bring all his equipment. If your player has not played before then have them show up in sweats or shorts and a comfortable shirt, as we will have additional equipment present at the assessments for them to use.

Why do you even have assessments?

Assessments are held to allow the manager’s and coach’s of the respective teams the opportunity to assess your player’s abilities. The assessment results are then used to help the manager’s and coaches draft their teams in the draft process. We find this processes helps create parity in the league. This process will ideally insure a successful season for all the teams in their respective division.

How can I volunteer or contribute to the league?

TYB is a 100% volunteer based Non-Profit Organization so we welcome any and all monetary or time donations that you can provide. If you are interested in making a donation or sponsoring a team simply get in touch with our Sponsorships Director at [email protected] If it is time you have to spare then please get in touch with anyone of our board members to find out how you can help.

How soon will I be contacted after the draft?

Once the draft is completed you can expect to hear from your manager that following week. If you are not contacted within that time frame please email your respective division commissioner.

What size is your league?

We anticipate that we will have over 1800 players this spring, which equates to well over 140 teams. Most divisions will have between 14-20 teams in them.

Fall Season

When does the season start for Fallball?

The start of the Fallball season usually begins the last week of August and continues until a week or two before Thanksgiving.

SIBA Division for Parents

How many teams will TYB allow?

TYB is looking to limit the number of teams in our division to four teams. The combined league total may be anywhere between 8 to 12 teams.

How many teams do you have currently that are interested?

This question is too early to answer and we will try to keep the teams informed on a bi-weekly basis.

Will we get practice fields/lights?

The SIBA teams will be treated like every other team in TYB and you will have access to the same field space that everyone else is entitled too. It could be prime spots and it may be offsite school facilities. The prime fields will be established for games and then practices will be backfilled as required.

Middle School Division

How many practices will there be?

TYB assigns all teams ideally two practice slots a week prior to the start of the season for the manager to use. Once the games start we strive to assign one practice spot a week per team. Due to field availability and the amount of teams practice slots are not always guaranteed. Once games commence most teams will play twice a week. Managers of the teams have the autonomy to set a practice schedule.

Where do we practice and play our games?

The city of Temecula regulates play on all city fields. We will not know exactly what fields we are allocated and for what dates until we meet with City officials in August. Traditionally, we will play games at North/South fields at RRSP, Harveston Sports Park, and various school sites throughout Temecula. TYB strives to utilize the best that the city has to offer for every game within every division and will use school facilities as a last alternative. TYB, when assigning games, establishes games ahead of practices when determining whom plays where.

Will TYB provide uniforms and equipment?

TYB will provide a full uniform including a shirt, cap, belt, and socks for every player. This is included in your registration fee. At this level, metal cleats are permitted. Managers are provided a complete bag of equipment, which includes helmets, complete set of catcher’s gear and glove.

How long is the season?

Games will begin in September and run through mid-November. This is a competitive league and we will maintain score and standings. All TYB rules including minimum play time will be strictly enforced.

Can my child play in both regular winter ball and the middle school program?

No a child cannot play in both. This program is part of winter ball but ran separately.

What if my child does not make the middle school team, can they still play in winter ball?

Yes everyone is eligible to play in TYB’s winter ball program.

Are middle school teams still required to collect a sponsor fee?

Yes, it is the responsibility of the manager to collect the TYB sponsor fee for each team. The sponsor fee for the Fall Season is $200.00.

Will the middle school teams be responsible for the snack bar?

Yes, the snack bar will be open during all middle school games.

What about the private middle schools?

At this time we are coming up with a plan to accommodate the private middle schools players. If a private middle school would like to put a team together they are welcome to do so and sign up as a team. This would include Linfield, Van Avery, St. Jeanne and any others.

How are the managers selected?

TYB will follow the same procedure that it uses for manager selection with TYB board approval for all managers and coaches.

What do I need to do to be considered as a Middle School Manager or Coach?

All potential Managers and Coach’s must complete a Manager/Coach application and download it from the TYB website at www.tybb.org Potential managers will be contacted by our Middle School Program coordinator for follow up information. The TYB board will approve all Middle School Managers.

How will player assessments be conducted?

Player assessments will be conducted over a 3-day period. Managers will be required to present their designated team roster with 3 alternates by Wednesday night. Team rosters will be posted on the TYB website the following day.

Will there be an end of season tournament?

Yes, TYB will provide an end of season tournament for all Middle School teams. Players will be required to pay the registration fee plus a $50 end of season tournament fee to cover these costs. The tournament format will be discussed at the Middle School Manager’s meeting.

What is the Manager’s fundraising requirement as far as sponsor(s)?

Each TYB team is required to obtain a team sponsor. It is part of the core PONY mission to involve the community and businesses in helping develop our youth. Managers are provided with all of the sponsor sign up information. The sponsor fee is used to help continue to keep costs for the league down while improving the overall TYB experience. It also allows TYB to provide trained umpires, field lights, player’s clinics, manager’s clinics, opening and closing day ceremonies, and also significant long-term improvements to benefit the players who participate in TYB. All Middle School Manager must present a $200 deposit fee by August 27. Once a team sponsor is located, the deposit fee will be returned to the designated Managers. If a Manager does not locate a team sponsor, TYB will maintain the deposit, TYB is considering a skills competition night for all Middle School Teams. Cost and team requirements are still being determined.

Will there be a Middle School Manager’s Meeting?

Yes, TYB will require all Middle School Managers to be present to help organize and prepare for assessments 45 minutes prior to the designated assessment time. There will be a pre-meeting to discuss the assessment and selection process. TYB will also hold a Middle School Manager’s Meeting (Location and Time to be determined) to discuss TYB requirements, playing rules and standards, issue equipment and game balls. This meeting will be mandatory for all Managers.

TYB vs Little League

Temecula Youth Baseball was incorporated in 1993 and is a member PONY Baseball, Inc. In the PONY Baseball program, each individual league acts as its own governing body. As a result, Temecula Youth Baseball is allowed to set its own rules, standards, and systems to meet the needs of its members. Local rules can be established, modified, and changed to provide the best league possible. PONY recognizes that each individual league has its own demographics, vision, and values. As such, Temecula Youth Baseball acts as its own governing body. Little League Baseball has limited ability to set local rules. All leagues must play by the rules established by Little League Baseball in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Temecula Youth Baseball believes that the fields should grow with the player. Little League uses the same field dimensions through age 12 (46′ pitching mound and 60′ base paths) then jumps to a full size diamond (60’6″ pitching mound and 90′ bases). That is a 14’6″ increase in pitching and 30′ increase in base path in ONE YEAR.

Temecula Youth Baseball believes that the game of baseball cannot be played as it was intended if the physical capability of the players does not match the physical achievements required for the game. As a result, Temecula Youth Baseball scales the size of the diamonds to match the physical capabilities of the players within each division. The base and pitching dimensions for Temecula Youth Baseball are:

50-foot bases for Filly (4 year-olds) and Shetland (5-6 year-olds)
60-foot bases and 38-foot pitching for Pinto (7-8 year-olds)
60-foot bases and 44-foot pitching for Mustang (9-10 year-olds)
70-foot bases and 48-foot pitching for Bronco (11-12 year-olds)
80-foot bases and 54-foot pitching for Pony (13-14 year-olds)
90-foot bases and 60-1/2-foot pitching for Colt (15-19 year-olds)

These base dimensions are the result of extensive experimentation to determine the size on which players of each age group can properly play the game of baseball. Pitching distance is also scaled to the ability of the player in proportion to the size of the diamond.

The scaled down diamonds allow the players to make the exact same plays made by the major leaguers. A booted ball by the short stop can still result in a force out at first base at the Bronco level, whereas in LL you have no play at all. Outfielders can play in a position proportionately equal to that played by a major leaguer. The double play, squeeze play, and various strategic plays, difficult for adults and nearly impossible for youngsters, become a probability rather than an impossibility.

League Boundaries:

Temecula Youth Baseball covers the entire city of Temecula and any outlying areas. Little League, in the city of Temecula, is split into two separate areas based on population. The two leagues, playing in Temecula, play on strict boundaries based on where you reside.

Two Year Age Bracket System:

Temecula Youth Baseball plays under a two-year age bracket system to keep peers playing with peers. With players of only two ages involved, as is the case with Temecula Youth Baseball, it is far easier to permit every player to play more positions since the difference in skills within the age group is not that great. Baseball is all about repetitions and being a bench player amongst older players is not beneficial to the development of becoming a baseball player. In Little League majors, for example, you can have possible age variances of three years. A nine or ten year old player, competing in a LL majors program competing with 12 year old players, will in all likelihood be limited to one at bat and three defensive outs; a philosophy that TYB does not agree with.

Introduction of Real Baseball Rules:

Temecula Youth Baseball begins introducing real baseball rules at a much earlier age. TYB’s 9/10 year old Mustang division is where it all starts. These rules and processes are the exact same as played by our local High Schools and as seen in the Major Leagues. TYB begins introducing pitching from the stretch, lead-offs, base stealing, pick off moves, and dropped third strikes at an earlier age. At age 11, kids who play in Temecula Youth Baseball are playing under Major League Rules and are permitted to begin wearing metal cleats.

In Little League you pitch from the windup and stand on a base until the baseball passes home plate. A philosophy that governs our 7 and 8 year old Pinto division. Little League does not pitch from the stretch, hold runners, pickoff base runners by the pitcher, and allow 6’ leadoffs until players are 13 years old. By then TYB players have been exposed to that methodology and process of baseball for four years.

Player Draft

Temecula Youth Baseball is committed to developing teams of equal skills and ability by creating parity amongst all of the teams. This makes for a better program when teams balance competition with skill and value development. In an effort to achieve this goal, Temecula Youth Baseball redrafts teams each year. This allows TYB to focus on building equal teams each season and prevent teams from trying to develop a dynasty.

Little League Majors freezes players on teams allowing a team to buildup talent over a 2-3 year period. In all likelihood it is not uncommon for one major’s team (and not the same team) to dominate every season because of the uneven parity that their system encourages. The team that was losing two years prior, because they drafted young, has now risen to the top playing against teams that cannot compete against their talent level. Place a TYB Mustang division team on the same field as a Bronco team and you would get the same result.

Equipment and Playing Time:

Temecula Youth Baseball believes that players pay to play. As a result, no player is allowed to sit out two defensive innings in a row and every team bats the entire roster. Additionally, TYB is adding a new local rule that requires every player on the roster for Pinto and Mustang Division must play an infield position. We encourage our managers to move players around and try developing them as an infielder and an outfielder. Another rule that we are considering introducing as a pilot program is that no player can sit out a second inning until all layers have sat out at least one inning. TYB will keep you posted on that possible rule change.

Temecula Youth Baseball allows players to use Big-Barrel bats at all levels. Local Little League playing time rules and equipment standards are set by the National Organization in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Little League Majors requires players to play a minimum of 2 innings per game, bat one time, and does not allow bats larger than 2-¼ inch.

Pitch Count:

Both leagues do support the safety and well being of our players as it relates to pitching. Little League imposes a methodology of counting pitches and limiting the total number of pitches that a pitcher can throw. TYB limits the amount of pitching a player can pitch based upon innings pitched. Pinto division limits each pitcher to a maximum of two innings per game, Mustang limits the pitching to three innings, Bronco/Pony are limited to four innings, and Colt is seven innings.

International Play and All Stars:

Both leagues do support baseball around the world and have an All-Star program that leads to their own World Series. Temecula Youth Baseball makes it a prerogative to create all-star teams for every division except Filly. Each divisional age group has there own set of all-star players that deserve the chance to represent TYB in post-season play.