Rec Age Levels

League placement for all players is based on the child's age as of April 30. A child must be 5 years old by April 30 in order to participate. Please use the below chart to determine which league your child will play in.

We manage our age groups to ensure that every player, regardless of skill level, gets a fair and fun opportunity to play ball. This aims to ensure that every player is treated equally. It also helps to ensure that all players are in a safe environment.

Players ALWAYS have the option to participate at the next lower level if a parent believes it to be in the child’s best interest. “Playing up” is NOT permitted except where noted.

  • T-Ball American League – Age 5. The use of a stationary batting tee helps develop the proper swing and
    confidence. Balls are softer and designed for first-time players to help build confidence and reduce the risk of injury. This program includes instruction time and game time. Teams are randomly formed by the South Orange Recreation Dept.
  • T-Ball National League – Age 6. The use of a stationary batting tee helps develop the proper swing and
    confidence. Halfway through the season, coaches may pitch to players who are ready. Balls are softer and designed for first-time players. Teams are randomly formed by the South Orange Recreation Dept.
  • Rookie American League – Age 7. This program is designed for children who have a basic understanding of simple fielding techniques, and the eye/hand coordination necessary to swing the bat at a pitched ball. Coaches will pitch to their own team in the beginning of the season. Depending on ability, players will have the opportunity to pitch to their own team in the second half of the season. Teams are randomly formed by the South Orange Recreation Dept.
  • Rookie National League – Age 8. This program is designed for children who have a basic understanding of simple fielding techniques and the eye/hand coordination necessary to swing the bat at a pitched ball. Players will pitch to the opposing team from the beginning of the season. Teams are randomly formed by the South Orange Recreation Dept.
  • Minor League – Age 9. All Minor League Players must attend Player Evaluations. Team members are then selected by individual parent volunteer coaches. Players pitch in the Minor League. After approximately two weeks of practice, a round-robin schedule of league games begins. 8 year olds may try out to "play up" in the Minor League but are not guaranteed a spot on a Minor League team.
  • Cal Ripken Majors 60 – Ages 10 & 11. All M60 League players must attend Player Evaluations. All 10 year old and most 11 year old players will play in the Majors 60. Team members are selected by individual parent volunteer coaches. After approximately two weeks of practice, a round-robin schedule of league games begins.
  • Cal Ripken Majors 70 – Age 12. All M70 League players must attend Player Evaluations. All 12 year olds and a limited number of 11 year olds will play on a 50/70 field (pitching distance of 50 feet and bases 70 feet apart). This is a “step up” from the traditional 46/60 format and a great transition game to prepare our players for playing on the “big diamond” (60/90) when they turn 13. Team members are selected by parent volunteer coaches based on the coaches’ evaluation of each player at tryouts. After approximately two weeks of practice, a round-robin schedule of league games begins. 11 year olds may try out for the Majors 70 League but are not guaranteed a spot on a Majors 70 League team.
  • Babe Ruth League – Ages 13 -15. All Babe Ruth players must attend Player Evaluations. Team members are
    selected by individual parent volunteer coaches. After approximately two weeks of practice, a round-robin schedule of league
    games begins.

2025 AGE CHART

MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR AGE LEAGUE
MAY 2019 JUNE 2019 JULY 2019 AUG 2019 SEPT 2019 OCT 2019 NOV 2019 DEC 2019 JAN 2020 FEB 2020 MAR 2020 APR 2020 AGE 5 LEAGUE T-Ball American
MAY 2018 JUNE 2018 JULY 2018 AUG 2018 SEPT 2018 OCT 2018 NOV 2018 DEC 2018 JAN 2019 FEB 2019 MAR 2019 APR 2019 AGE 6 LEAGUE T-Ball National
MAY 2017 JUNE 2017 JULY 2017 AUG 2017 SEPT 2017 OCT 2017 NOV 2017 DEC 2017 JAN 2018 FEB 2018 MAR 2018 APR 2018 AGE 7 LEAGUE Rookie American
MAY 2016 JUNE 2016 JULY 2016 AUG 2016 SEPT 2016 OCT 2016 NOV 2016 DEC 2016 JAN 2017 FEB 2017 MAR 2017 APR 2017 AGE 8 LEAGUE Rookie National (1)
MAY 2015 JUNE 2015 JULY 2015 AUG 2015 SEPT 2015 OCT 2015 NOV 2015 DEC 2015 JAN 2016 FEB 2016 MAR 2016 APR 2016 AGE 9 LEAGUE Minors
MAY 2014 JUNE 2014 JULY 2014 AUG 2014 SEPT 2014 OCT 2014 NOV 2014 DEC 2014 JAN 2015 FEB 2015 MAR 2015 APR 2015 AGE 10 LEAGUE Majors 60
MAY 2013 JUNE 2013 JULY 2013 AUG 2013 SEPT 2013 OCT 2013 NOV 2013 DEC 2013 JAN 2014 FEB 2014 MAR 2014 APR 2014 AGE 11 LEAGUE Majors 60 (2)
MAY 2012 JUNE 2012 JULY 2012 AUG 2012 SEPT 2012 OCT 2012 NOV 2012 DEC 2012 JAN 2013 FEB 2013 MAR 2013 APR 2013 AGE 12 LEAGUE Majors 70
MAY 2011 JUNE 2011 JULY 2011 AUG 2011 SEPT 2011 OCT 2011 NOV 2011 DEC 2011 JAN 2012 FEB 2012 MAR 2012 APR 2012 AGE 13 LEAGUE Babe Ruth
MAY 2010 JUNE 2010 JULY 2010 AUG 2010 SEPT 2010 OCT 2010 NOV 2010 DEC 2010 JAN 2011 FEB 2011 MAR 2011 APR 2011 AGE 14 LEAGUE Babe Ruth
MAY 2009 JUNE 2009 JULY 2009 AUG 2009 SEPT 2009 OCT 2009 NOV 2009 DEC 2009 JAN 2010 FEB 2010 MAR 2010 APR 2010 AGE 15 LEAGUE Babe Ruth

Notes and Exceptions:

Any player wishing to participate at the next lower level may do so if the parent believes it to be in the best interest of the child. “Playing up” is NOT permitted, with the following exceptions:

(1) All 8 year olds MUST register as Rookie National but can also check the box on the registration form indicating they will try out for Minors.  After registration is complete and tryouts/evaluations are over, a limited number of 8 year old players (based on tryout/evaluation results) will be offered the option to play in the Minor League.

(2) All 11 year olds MUST register as Majors 60 but can also check the box on the registration form indicating they will try out for Majors 70. After registration is complete and tryouts/evaluations are over, a limited number of 11 year old players (based on tryout/evaluation results) will be offered the option to play in the Majors 70 division.