Minnesota Baseball Alliance
Division Descriptions
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Note to Local Associations:
The following are guidelines Associations should go by when forming and declaring teams. If an Association has two or more teams they must put one of them in at the least Major or Minor Division. If more than four teams they must put one in each of the Major and Minor Division. Teams that are put in the Instructional League should be true players that need the extra developmental skills. Instructional League is considered an entry-level league to introduce young players to baseball. Players will develop their skills while focusing on the basic fundamentals of throwing, fielding and hitting. Mickey Mantle will have only Major “AAA” and Minor “AA” Divisions.
MBA Statement of Purpose:
The Minnesota Baseball Alliance is an organization formed by the surrounding community's youth baseball associations. The MBA Member Associations work together to organize, administers, and manages level play between their community's teams with a balanced home and away schedule. Thereby, offering our youth a competitive level of baseball while experiencing the diversity of the various ball parks offered by the Member Associations.
Players ages 9-18 participate in the MBA. The commitment should not be taken lightly. This is a considerable commitment of time, energy, and money for the players/parents. MBA Baseball will be a one season commitment. The teams will play at least 12 -14 game schedule with half away and half home games.
The number of teams Member Associations places into the MBA league is based on a number of things to include the following:
1) quality and history of the coaches that applied
2) Past success of these coaches
3) past success of that age group’s teams
4) current numbers of “sanctioned” select coaches in that age group
5) Field space availability
6) General parental/player interested.
Major “AAA” and Minor “AA” baseball is NOT an equal play program. It is a place for those who choose to play a higher level of baseball. For the most part, the best players will consume the majority of the repetitions. That being said, we do encourage all coaches to provide a memorable experience and attempt to “service” each player with quality game time experience.
Instructional League “A”:
The Instructional League is designed for players skilled more for the league before organized, competitive play. Players will continue to work on the fundamentals of throwing, fielding, and hitting while learning a team concept. During the game, coaches are permitted to reinforce defensive positions in the field. Kids pitch in this league with continuous batting orders and required substitutions. Teams will be kept to their home area as much as permitted. There may be some games played with other local Associations. Games are six innings for Willie Mays and seven innings for Pee Wee Reese and Sandy Koufax and played at least two times per week. Practices will be scheduled by the Home Associations and/or make-up games are occasionally required. Hardballs are used.
Ages: 9 to 14 years
Tryout – Check with your Home Association
Skills Assessment – Yes
Note: The Skills Assessment is for players who wish to be considered for the Instructional league. Player safety must be considered. Also, any player who wishes to be considered for moving up MUST check with their Home Association. .
Minors Baseball “AA”:
The Minor League division is an entry level to organized competitive baseball. Kids pitch in this league with continuous batting orders and required substitutions. Games are played against the neighboring towns at a limited distance as determined by the MBA. Games are six innings for Willie Mays and seven innings for Pee Wee Reese and Sandy Koufax and played at least two times per week. Practices will be scheduled by the Home Associations and/or make-up games are required. Hardballs are used.
Note: A high level of commitment is expected at the Minor League level.
Ages: 9 to 14 years old (as of yearly League Age of 4/30).
Tryout - Check with your Home Association
Majors Baseball “AAA”:
The Major League division is for high skill level players and is more competitive than the Minor League. There are limited substitution requirements. Each player must be in the field a minimum of six defensive outs per game and have at least one turn at bat. Games are six innings for Willie Mays and seven innings for Pee Wee Reese and Sandy Koufax and played at least two times per week. Practices will be scheduled by the Home Associations and/or make-up games are required. Hardballs are used.
Note: A high level of commitment is required at the Major League level.
Ages: 11 to 14 years old (as of yearly League Age of 4/30).
Tryout - Check with your Home Association
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Determining your teams classification
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MBA offers three levels (classifications) of play:
Major “AAA”, Minor “AA”, and Instructional League “A”
TEAM CLASSIFICATION GUIDELINES:
Any team that is reforming from the PREVIOUS season must start the CURRENT season in the same class that they finished the PREVIOUS season. If four (4) or more players from a PREVIOUS roster are on a team and won 50% or more games, that team must classify as the next higher team's classification.
The guidelines below are to help determine your classification. The ultimate classification is determined by the overall strength of the team. Teams may be reclassified at any time by the Minnesota Baseball Alliance Office.
MAJORS “AAA” Division-
The top competitive teams in the State. More competitive teams than Minor “AA”.
Minor “AA” Division-
Set up for team’s level to organized competitive baseball. Middle of the pack competitive teams.
Instructional League “A” Division-
Recreational League teams only.
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1. What are Major “AAA” and Minor “AA” Baseball and how does it differ from current recreational or select leagues?
MBA and many neighboring communities recognize and utilize the AABC Baseball, Incorporated Team Classification System. The primary focus of AABC Baseball is the development of programs that allow teams of all skill levels to compete against one another. AABC believes the overall development of all players can be enhanced by the experience and fun of regional and national tournament play. Until now the majority of players were denied this opportunity because of their skill level. MBA offers programs for three levels of play. Major “AAA” and Minor “AA” programs are national programs that culminate in a World Series. The Major “AAA” and Minor “AA” program is a regional program run by participating states that culminates at a National tournament. The A level is for recreational teams and is at a state level only.
Classification Guidelines- Member Associations determine actual classification.
Major “AAA” Division-
This would be for the top competitive teams in the State. This would be for more competitive teams than the Minor “AA” division.
Minor “AA” Division-
Set up for team’s level to organized competitive baseball. This would be the middle of the pack competitive teams.
Instructional League “A” Division-
Recreational League teams only.
Currently, youth baseball in the MBA is strongly represented in the Major “AAA” level. By developing the Minor “AA” and Instructional League “A” formats, MBA now provides the opportunity for better recreational teams to play in a “select” environment against similar teams from neighboring communities.