Minors Division (baseball)
The AOR Minors division is for players 8-11 years old. It is suitable for players who are completely new to baseball, as well as those graduating from Machine Pitch. The field is the same size as Machine Pitch, but Minors players will find three distinct changes: players now pitch to the other team, only 9 players will be in the field at a time, and coaches are no longer in the field to assist hitters and fielders. Games rotate between both AOR field complexes: the Harmon Field complex, on the southeast corner of the intersection of O’Malley Rd and the Old Seward Hwy, and the Ruth Arcand complex on the northeast corner of O’Malley Road and Lake Otis pkwy. Games are also held in Girdwood. Practices times and locations are up to the discretion of each team’s coach. Teams play on the 40/60 sized fields (same size as Machine Pitch and Majors).
Click on "baseball" in the drop down menu for the dates and times planned this season.
The Minors division is meant to be an inclusive environment that fosters a love for the game, while developing the building blocks for competitive baseball. It is a competitive environment, but forgiving – scores are kept, but wins and losses are not recorded. There is a season-ending tournament with awards. Advanced players may be “called up” to the Majors to fill foster gaps. That said, the Minors is also suitable for players completely new to baseball.
Because the age range is similar for Minors (8-11) and Majors (9-12), one the most frequent questions is what division should my 9-11 year old play in? Simply put, the Minors is a less competitive environment. Here are some main differences between the Minors and Majors:
· Players do not need to try out for Minors;
· Minors is more suitable for kids who have never played before;
· Some Minors games will be held at the Harmon Field complex (all Majors games are at the Ruth Arcand complex);
· As noted, the Minors is a less competitive environment;
· At AOR, the Minors is best suited for nearly all 8 and 9-year-olds; about half of the 10-year-olds; and about 25-50% of the 11-year-olds. All 12 years olds need to be in Majors (with some exceptions).