CHATHAM YOUTH LEAGUE BASEBALL
 
 
THE BASEBALL CLUB OF CHATHAM, N.J., INC.:  The Baseball Club of Chatham, N.J., Inc. ("BCC") is a private, non-profit 501 (c)(7) organization that governs and administers Youth League Baseball and Travel Baseball Programs ("the Programs") in the Borough of Chatham and the Township of Chatham.  BCC itself is governed by a Board of Trustees that delegates authority to a Committee and Sub-Committees to manage and execute the myriad responsibilities attendant to running the Programs. BCC is affiliated with Ripken Baseball, specifically, its Ripken Division for grades K through 6 and its Babe Ruth Division for grades 7 through 9.   BCC strives to develop every player's baseball talent within a safe, educational, and enjoyable baseball environment.  
 
MISSION STATEMENT:  Our mission is to foster, promote, and teach the game of baseball in a safe baseball environment, with an emphasis on skill development, teamwork and sportsmanship.  
 
LEAGUE STRUCTURE:  BCC employs a grade based system (vs. travel which is age-based) that factors each player’s grade and ability when determining Youth League placement.  The following is a general picture of Youth League composition:
 
-WINNERS LEAGUE (all Kindergarteners):  This is an instructional, non-competitive league that uses a soft baseball.  Players hit off a tee for most of the season, at the end of which coach pitching may be introduced.     
 
-ROOKIE LEAGUE (1^st graders):  This is an instructional, non-competitive league in which players generally hit against coach pitching, with a tee used when necessary.  
 
-A LEAGUE (2^nd graders):  Transitional league that continues to focus on skill development.  Players hit against coach pitching, with an introduction to player pitching with a catcher, if appropriate.  
 
-AA LEAGUE (3^rd graders, some 2^nd graders):  Player-pitch league with a catcher. 
 
-AAA LEAGUE (all 4^th graders, some 3^rd graders):  All the above plus an introduction to stealing. 
 
-MAJOR LEAGUE (all 6^th graders and 5^th graders):  All the above plus leading, stealing, and bunting; played on an intermediate 50' by 70' field. 

-PONY LEAGUE (all 7^th and 8^th graders, and a small group of 9^th graders (who do not play any spring HS or club sport)):  All the above played on a full-size 60' by 90' field. 
 
 
YOUTH LEAGUE PLACEMENT for the season will be sent out in late January or early February.  Factors relevant to a player's placement in a particular Youth League include the player’s previous year's Youth League season evaluation, Travel Team evaluations (if applicable), and input from BCC Committee members.  The placement process strives to place a player in a Youth League commensurate with his physical and baseball skills and that will allow the player to learn, develop, achieve, and have a safe, enjoyable baseball experience.  If you feel strongly that your child was misplaced in his assigned Youth League, please contact the BCC at to schedule a re-assessment that will take place at a time and place to be determined.