Buddy Ball is a modified version of T-Ball that is played with a large plastic bat and a special softer ball. It is a fast moving, easy game. Buddy ball has very few rules. Parents have as much fun as the kids. The goal is to introduce our youngest players to the concept of baseball while having fun!
Player Ages
The Buddy Ball Division is open to players that are League Age 4. Your child must turn 4 years of age between September 1st 2024 and August 31st 2025 to qualify. Please click here to determine your players league age.
Season
Teams will be formed in late February with a couple of practices scheduled. Games will begin on Saturday March 22nd and run through the end of May.
Games
- Each team will be scheduled at least 8 games per season
- Games last 1 hour
- All games will be scheduled on Saturdays starting March 22nd
Practice
Practices will begin in early March. Prior to Opening Day (March 22nd) each team will be scheduled for around 2 practices. Practices generally last for 1 hour and start at 6:00 PM during the week. Practices are optional for the team manager after games begin.
Field Size
The Buddy Ball division will be played in the grass outfield using bases that are placed about 40 feet apart.
Uniforms
Central Chesterfield Little League provides a T-Shirt Jersey and a cap. Players can wear their own shorts/pants and shoes. Official baseball pants and shoes are not required.
Playing Equipment
No equipment is needed. Players can wear a fielding glove but the balls are so safe a glove is not required.
Team
Teams typically consist of 6-8 players, a volunteer manager, two volunteer coaches, and a volunteer team parent.
Buddy Ball FAQs
Q: Do you keep score and are there umpires?
A: No scores are kept. The Buddy Ball Division is structured to teach the very basic fundamentals of baseball only. The games are self umpired by the volunteer coaches and managers.
Q: Can I request my child play on a team with their friends?
A: Yes. We will make every effort to accommodate requests at this level. Please contact our Player Agent at [email protected] with your player friend/coach request as soon as possible after registering your child.
Q: Can my child play up?
A: All league age 4 players play at the Buddy Ball Level. If a parent would like their player to play at the Rookie Level (5 & 6 year old players), they must contact our Player Agent at [email protected]. A request to play up is not guaranteed. All player assignments are ultimately determined by the Player Agent and President.
Q: Will my child get to play all the time?
A: Yes. We are purposely keeping the team size small for Buddy Ball in order to give maximum play time for all. Our rules require the manager to bat the entire line up and all players play in the field each inning.
Q: Is my child eligible for an All-Star or Tournament Team at this level?
A: No, there are no Tournament Teams at this level.
Q: What kind of baseball is used at the Buddy Ball level?
A: A special rubberized ball is used at this level to help prevent injury and provide for a good learning experience.
Q: Can I manage or coach a team?
A: Absolutely!! Prospective managers and coaches must register as a volunteer (follow the link below) and be approved by Central Chesterfield Little League's Board of Directors.