Age Groups

Our goal is to help players improve and enjoy the game at the right level of competition. Younger teams emphasize fundamentals, learning multiple positions and a love of baseball. As players advance, the program adds new field dimensions, rules, tournament experience and preparation for high school and college play.

8U · Introduction to travel baseball

At 8U the emphasis is on learning to love baseball, building baseline skills, gaining confidence and trying different positions. Travel baseball should be an extension of a player's development, not a replacement for Little League.

Team options

Navy: the premier competitive team in the age group, with a strong developmental focus. Its summer highlight is the Cal Ripken 8U All-Star trail, from local pool play through the Connecticut state tournament and potentially New England regional play.

White / Grey: a strong focus on practice, fundamentals and development, with games generally in GHVBL Division 3 / 4 against similarly developing teams.

What families should expect

• Spring: mostly weekend games, generally Sundays; about one practice a week with team coaches and Connecticut Baseball Academy.
• Summer: more game days and a larger practice schedule, including at least six Academy sessions.

9U–10U · Building skills and competition

Development and enjoyment stay first, with more emphasis on competitive baseball. Navy teams generally target GHVBL Division 1 / 2; White and possible Grey teams generally target Division 3 / 4.

• Spring: about one practice a week with team coaches and Connecticut Baseball Academy; Sunday-focused games.
• Summer: travel teams are offered, but rosters may differ from spring because many players play Little League All-Stars. Each summer team plans a competitive schedule and at least six Academy practices.

11U–12U · The transition to 50/70 baseball

Players move from the 46/60 field to 50/70, where leading, stealing, holding runners and other traditional baseball situations become part of the game. Teaching these skills is a central priority before the full-size field.

Spring Navy, White and possible Grey teams follow the 9U–10U structure: Navy usually GHVBL Division 1 / 2, White Division 3 and Grey Division 4, with Sunday-focused games.

Summer teams and the 12U GAP team

Summer rosters may change for Little League All-Star selections. Each summer team plans competitive games and at least six Academy practices. The planned 12U GAP team brings together players who have aged out of Little League but aren't ready for the full-size field, plus other eligible 12-year-olds, and plays the Cal Ripken 12U All-Star trail with a potential World Series in Branson, Missouri.

13U · The move to the full-size field

At 13U players move to 60/90. The focus is adjusting to the larger field, better baseball decisions and preparing for high school baseball.

• Spring Navy: GHVBL games and weekend tournaments at venues such as CT Sportsplex, Diamond Nation or Baseball Heaven; two practices a week, with Tuesday and Wednesday evenings generally open for the Middle School Baseball League.
• White: may be offered depending on interest and roster demand.
• Summer: competitive games and tournaments, highlighted by the Babe Ruth 13U trail: Connecticut State Tournament, potentially New England Regionals and potentially the World Series.
• Coaching: professional coaching and team training with Connecticut Baseball Academy.

14U · Summer-focused travel baseball

14U players may be in eighth grade or their freshman year, so spring looks different depending on their school schedule. Eighth graders may join a spring travel team if there's enough interest, and are encouraged to play in the Middle School Baseball League. For freshmen playing high school baseball, the school season comes first.

The main 14U offering is summer: travel games and the Babe Ruth 14U trail (Connecticut states, with possible regional and World Series advancement), with professional coaching and Academy practices.

15U–18U · High school-age baseball

Through Babe Ruth Baseball of Stamford, older players choose between the 16U Thunder showcase team, a traditional 15U/16U travel team and the 18U Thunder championship team. See find the right fit.