A Note to Parents Choosing between Rookie and Minors: 

It is often difficult to decide if your second grader is ready to step up to Minors or should stay in Rookie League for another year of instruction. Parents often ask us which option they should choose for their child. While in previous years we have made no recommendation, over the past year we have discussed this matter extensively with both parents and coaches in the Rookie and Minor League levels. For the reasons stated below, we now be actively assisting in this decision.

Cooperstown Youth Baseball is dedicated to the principles of the Positive Coaching Alliance (www.positivecoach.org), in which we help kids learn a love for the game while we teach its fundamentals in a positive environment.  

Physically, there are significant differences in development between second and fourth graders, differences that become more obvious on the playing field. Also, the older players bring a much higher competitive intensity to the game. These differences affect how the game is experienced at both the Rookie and Minor League levels. 

The Minors field itself is significantly larger than the Rookie field, and the ball is thrown farther and faster than in Rookie ball. We have found that many second graders have not developed the upper body strength necessary to accurately throw the ball that far, and lack the hand-eye coordination to consistently catch the balls thrown at them by their teammates. For these same reasons, few second graders find success at the plate, which can be frustrating. Finally, the Minor games last longer than Rookie games, which can challenge second graders’ attention spans.  

There are many benefits to staying in Rookie ball for some second graders, including allowing children to have more playing time (less time on the bench), more instruction in the basics, and more time to master what they’ve learned. It is an opportunity to build greater success and confidence in the field and at the plate, and gives them a chance to arrive better prepared for the challenges of the Minors. 

All this said, we offer the option because there are some second graders who are fundamentally prepared to play in the Minors. Whatever your decision, we at CYB remain committed to creating an environment where your child can learn and enjoy the game of baseball. 

On Draft Day Saturday March 13, 2010 we will evaluate all second graders, with parental involvement, to help determine the best initial fit (Rookie or Minors) for your child.  The CYB Board, as always, reserves the right to place a child, where it sees fit, in the best interest of the child and the program. 

Sincerely, 

Matt Curtis- Minor League Commissioner   

John Odell- T-Ball and Rookie Commissioner

David Borgstrom- President, CYB