Who plays in Minor B?

Players graduate to Minor B from T-Ball Sr. but players new to baseball are welcome. Minor B consists of two age groups who play separately: 1) Minor B Jr for players who are baseball age 6 and 7. 2) Minor B Sr for players age 8.

What is special about Minor B Baseball?

The Minor B division is an instructional division with the emphasis on having fun while learning baseball skills. Slightly softer baseballs and a special pitching machine are used. This is the first baseball division where scores are recorded and playoffs occur. The emphasis is on development of baseball skills and team play.

What is the time commitment in Minor B?

The regular season begins in April and runs through to end of May. Two weeks of playoffs follow until the end of the season mid-June. Games are played on weekday evenings or on the weekend. There is usually 1 practice and 1 - 2 games per week. Game times include a half hour combined practice with the opposing team and up to 1.5 hours of game play. Plan for a 1.5 hour commitment for practices and 2 hours for games.

Why is there a combined team warm-up practice before games?

Several years ago, Minor B initiated a combined team warm-up prior to the start of each game. This warm-up emphasizes skill development for all players. In baseball, it is quite possible for a player to go through an entire game without catching, throwing, or hitting a baseball. Through the use of the combined warm-up, we ensure that all players have an opportunity to practice a variety of essential baseball skills each time they have a game. As an added bonus, by combining the warm-up with the other team, players have a chance to benefit from the expertise of a wider circle of coaches. These warm-up practices are considered an essential part of the Minor B game time. Therefore, a team who does not have 8 players present at the start of this practice will be considered to have forfeited the game. Game times that are listed on the schedule represent the start of the combined warm-up.

Where are Minor B games played?

Games are played at the Minor B diamond at Balaclava Park (Balaclava and 31st Avenue).

Why are their skills evaluations?

For safety reasons, all players registering in Minor B (both Junior and Senior) must attend the Minor B assessments. These evaluations are also used to help balance the teams in this division.

What happens at skills evaluations?

Minor A players will be independently evaluated by members of the UBC baseball training program (with oversight from some Minor A and Majors coaches). Players will be evaluated on skill and technique in throwing, fielding, batting. Note that evaluations are NOT a tryout. The results of evaluations simply help DLL to balance the teams so they are more even and season play is more fun. Evaluations usually take about 45 minutes.

What can I do to help my child prepare for evaluations?

Warm up your player before their session. There is limited space and time in the facility to warm kids up. At best, they will only get a few throws, catches, and at-bats in the session. Remind your child that this is not a tryout so there is no reason to be nervous. The evaluators want to see what skills your child already has to ensure balanced teams.

How are players assigned to teams?

Several factors are considered in team formation for Minor B including coaching, gender balancing, skills balancing, and friend requests. Team formation is a time consuming and complex task for our volunteers. In Minor B, we try very hard to place all players with at least one friend from their friend request list or with someone going to the same school. However, we can't guarantee that this will be possible or that a requested cohort of players can play on the same team. Once teams have been formed, they are final and no changes are possible. If you need to let us know any important information or schedule conflicts prior to team formation, please email the Minor B Coordinator (sjagger@dunbarbaseball.ca).

What baseball gear is needed?

Players are required to have their own baseball glove, batting helmet, and mandatory protective cup. Grey baseball pants are encouraged but not mandatory in Minor B. Teams will also supply shirts, bats, catcher's gear, and caps.

How can I be a Minor B coach?

At the time you register your player in Minor B, you will be asked to volunteer in some capacity with the League. Coach or Assistant Coach are volunteer options. All DLL coaches much complete a Criminal Record Check and will also be required to attend a series of coaching clinics. The DLL Coaching Committee will approve all coach selections.

What is expected of Parents in Minor B

All parents are expected to take on a volunteer role in the league. if you are not coaching, team managing, or involved in league administration, there are many other important ways for you to contribute. All parents take turns as scorekeeper and doing field prep prior to each game. Many parents also choose to help out at Work Day where we prepare all the fields to be ready for play for the season.