50/70

What is 50/70 baseball?

For AAA and Majors, bases are set up 60 feet apart, and the pitcher’s mound is 46 feet away from home plate.  In 50/70 baseball, the pitcher’s rubber is 50 feet from home plate, and the bases are 70 feet apart.  Players may take leads and steal bases, pitchers can get called for balks, and batters can advance on a dropped third strike.

The purpose of 50/70 baseball is to ease the transition from the 46/60 diamond to the larger (60/90) diamond on which players play when they graduate from ALL.

At this level, a game looks like a real game of baseball.  The division will feature the rules that you see in Major League Baseball (leads, free stealing, balks, pick offs, etc).  Only nine players play in the field at any time, and only nine players are in the batting order at a given time. Games are often closely contested, and though our coaches know that winning isn’t the most important thing, we all recognize that every team should know they have a shot at winning. Hitters should expect to face strong pitching, with many pitchers adding off-speed pitches to their arsenal.

What is the game and practice schedule at this level?

Teams begin practices in March and games on Opening Weekend in early April. During the regular season, teams have practice twice per week, typically on a weeknight and either Sunday afternoon or another weeknight.  Practice will likely be more frequent during preseason. This is a big commitment!  Games are played on Saturday mornings or afternoons, as well as having one game per week on a weeknight; it is possible that some weeknight games may end after 9pm, although that should not be a weekly occurrence.  Game schedules will be made available in late March or early April.   Games are scheduled for 2-hour slots. 

In early June, the schedule shifts to a postseason tournament in which all teams participate.  The season ends in late June.

When will I hear from a coach?

Players returning to 50/70 for another year will be scheduled to attend a fun and friendly skills evaluation session.  Players are scheduled with friends, past teammates, and players of similar age and skill level to maintain a low pressure environment.  Commitment for each family should be no more than 45 minutes.

At these sessions, coaches, league officials, and parents can confirm together that players are registered for the appropriate level of play.  Coaches and league officials prepare for a draft in late February or early March; the aim of the draft – results of which are kept confidential by coaches and league officials – is to strike a good balance between the desire to ensure that each team is competitive and the ability to continue playing with friends, schoolmates, and past teammates. Teams are formed soon thereafter and your coach will reach out to you.

Should I sign my child up for 50/70, Majors, or AAA?

You should register your son for the highest level that he or she wants to try. During the skills evaluation session, coaches, league officials, and parents can confirm that players are registered for the appropriate level of play. Players get placed into the appropriate level via the draft process.

Note: Registration in 50/70 does not guarantee placement in that division. Unfortunately we don’t have enough space in 50/70 to accommodate all players who want to play at that level, regardless of the age of the specific player in question.

What’s the deal with all-stars?

50/70 players are eligible for the DISTRICT 4 all-star teams.  These teams require an almost daily commitment to baseball practice and/or game from the end of the ALL season until early to mid-July. Talk to your coach, stay tuned to the website for details if you’re interested.
 

What does my player need?

The league provides a team t-shirt and a hat for each player, as well as a tee, helmets, catcher’s gear, and bats at each game. Players at this level need to provide their own glove, and will need to bring their own water, juice, etc. to each game. Cleats and baseball pants should be worn at this level.

Note: Big barrel bats are not allowed (this is an Arlington Little League local rule). Only bats that are allowed in Majors are allowed.

What else is required?

Your participation is a parent.  Even if you don’t step up as a head coach, parents should be present at these games to cheer on their players and help the coaches.

If you have other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact or the 50/70 Commissioner!