Merrimac Baseball is a non-profit youth baseball organization.  We have different programs for children between the ages of 3 and 12. 

Little Sluggers (Ages 3+)

This program introduces the baseball field, base running, throwing and fielding.  

The Little Sluggers program is conducted on Saturday mornings in 1 session: 10- 10:45am at Donaghue Elementary School on A-Field. We run this session for 6 weeks.

Tee Ball

This program is designed for children baseball-age 4, 5 and 6 years old (Pre-K & K or those 1st graders who are just being introduced to the sport) who are interested in developing their skills throwing, hitting, and catching; often this is a child’s first exposure to organized baseball. Primary focus is skill development in a fun and encouraging environment with some game-type activity. With safety in mind, a softer version of the traditional baseball is used. Generally, each session will include various skill drills and a few innings of game situations where in players are introduced to the basic rules of baseball, field positions, and running the bases. 

The T-Ball program is conducted on Saturday mornings in 1 session: 11 AM-Noon at Donaghue Elementary School. We run this session for 8 weeks.

Coach Pitch

This program is designed for baseball-age 6-7 (1st graders) who have a basic skill set (can catch, field, throw, and swing a bat) and are now ready for more of a commitment to baseball.

The schedule will consist of 2-3 practices and/or games per week. Games are conducted under modified baseball rules with coaches pitching to each player. A RIF5 baseball is used for safety purposes (softer version of traditional baseball). Practice sessions will focus on further skill development and game knowledge. Games are conducted with a couple local area towns. Games will typically be in Groveland, Merrimac, and West Newbury. Game times typically run from starting late morning to early afternoon on Saturdays.

Player Pitch

This program is designed for baseball-age 8 years (2nd graders) who are ready for more advanced baseball concepts, competition, and commitment; teams will play or practice 3-4 times per week. The two game schedule will include one game Saturday and one game on a weekday. This is the first entry into a Kid-Pitch level of play where the coaches will work to add additional exposure to more advanced skills will be introduced throughout the season. Games are conducted with several of the local towns to include Rowley, Byfield/Newbury, Salisbury, Groveland, and West Newbury. 

Minors ITBL

This program is typically designed for baseball-age 9 and 10 years olds (3rd/4th graders) who are ready for more advanced baseball concepts, competition, and commitment; teams will play or practice 3-4 times per week. Games feature a 6-inning format with certified Umpires, base stealing, bunting, and players pitching. Games are conducted using certified umpires and follow the complete set of ITBL game rules.

These teams are drafted and we cannot guarantee placement together with other players.

Currently teams will play approx. 2-3 games a week at this level.

Majors ITBL

This program is typically designed for baseball-age 10-12 year olds (5th/6th graders).  This is the most competitive level of baseball with season standings being recorded to determine a Regular Season champion and a Post-Season tournament to determine the Tournament champion. Games are conducted using certified umpires and follow the complete set of ITBL game rules. New rules are added at this level including leading, balks, pickoffs, drop 3rd strike.

These teams are drafted and we cannot guarantee placement together with other players.

Teams play 3 games per week; practices are at the discretion of the Manager.

**Evaluations/Tryouts**

Evaluations and/or Tryouts are used for the Coach Pitch, Player Pitch, Minors, and Majors levels.  This is a requirement of participating in ITBL at the Minors and Majors levels. The primary purpose of the evaluation is to assess player skill levels and safety factors. At the Minors and Majors levels, every effort is made to create evenly matched teams, with players who can safely participate at that level, to help foster player development and skills. Tryouts for the Minors and Majors level are used to evaluate talent more closely and players are chosen for teams via a traditional draft method.