3^rd  Grade –  Community League (Youth Pitch)
 
The EPBA is an all-volunteer organization committed to providing the opportunity for all Eden Prairie youth, regardless of ability, to play baseball.
 

EPBA Mission Statement: 

The Eden Prairie Baseball Association is dedicated to preparing children for life through the game of baseball and the accountable acts of our core values.
 

EPBA Core Values 

Relationships:

Respecting our community, players, parents, and opponents.
 

Selflessness:

Making others a priority
 

Accountability:

Delivering on your commitments
 

Excellence:

Giving your best effort

Commissioner:    Patty Walters - Patty.M.Walters@HealthPartners.Com

Susan Joehl - Jr. Community Director - sjoehl@epbaseball.com

Details Below:

• General Information on Community Leagues
• Playing Time
• 3^rd Grade Community Program
• Equipment Needed
• Volunteers
• Registration Information
  • Dates
  • Fees
• Season Information
  • Evaluation Dates (to balance teams)
  • Season start & end dates
• Tournament Information
• Team Information
• Practice  & Game Information
• Rules

 
General information for all Community League programs:
The Community Leagues are for those players and families that want to play at a competitive level, but may participate in other summer activities.  The Community League provides a competitive baseball experience with a more limited practice and game schedule.   These teams play 13 – 15 regular season games and at least two season ending tournament games – finishing their season by mid-July.  Participating in a traveling team requires significantly more commitment to baseball than playing in the Community League.

Competitive Program - Tournament Team(s):

The Competitive program at the 3rd Grade 9U level is meant to introduce travel play and a more competitive play to players with a more advanced skill set.  If your child is interested in a higher level of competitive play and would like to try out for a Tournament Team through EPBA, please review the information in this document:

3rd Grade 9U Introduction Letter

Playing Time: It is the policy of the EPBA that all players, regardless of their current skill level, should have an equal opportunity to develop their skills to their fullest. Every player can expect an equal share of playing time and at bats because only through experience and practice can we help our players to progress. Likewise the association has a policy requiring player rotation to assure that every player is required to play both infield and outfield positions during each game. Every coach is made aware of the batting, playing time and position rotation rules specific to his age level and will insure that every player on the team is given an equal opportunity to develop a well rounded set of fundamental baseball skills.

3^rd Grade Community Program: The In-House program is for players in the 3^th grade.  For the Community Leagues, players can play with their current grade in school.  The policy of the EPBA Board of Directors strictly prohibits players from playing up from the established rules.  Teams will be selected through a draft. All players should attend the skill-grading evaluation on the date listed below.  The season will begin in late April and continue through end of June with a tournament following the regular season.  Games/practices are Monday through Thursday evenings. The schedule is random, in that there are no set days a team could play. Fridays are designated as make-up days for rain-outs and additional practices if needed. 

Equipment Needed:

-Please provide a glove for your child.

-EPBA provides bats, baseballs, helmets, jerseys and hats for players.  Feel free to use your own bat and helmet.  Please follow bat regulations listed in the 3rd grade rules.

-Cleats are encouraged for all players, but tennis shoes are okay too.  Baseball pants are optional.

 
Volunteers:   To run a successful baseball program, we need volunteers to coach.  We will provide a coaching clinic for all coaches, instructional videos on the EPBA website, and a source for coaches to ask questions when needed.  Please indicate at least one volunteer job on the registration form.

Community League Information:

 
 
Did you know…
 
The Eden Prairie Baseball Association provides financial assistance to families in need?
  
Because the EPBA believes that no young baseball player should ever be denied the opportunity to participate in America’s favorite pastime because of temporary family economic problems we provide financial assistance to families in need. Should you need financial assistance in order to participate in the league, please contact the EPBA Treasurer – Kevin Thompson by using the "Contact Us" option under "About EP Baseball".