What division should my 10-year-old play in?

This is a question that we have seen many parents struggle with. The Groton Youth Baseball League provides two options for 10-year-olds who have played at least one year in Division 1, including: Division 1 (for 9-10 yr olds) or Cal Ripken (for 10-12yr olds).
Which division you choose for your child depends on factors, such as:

• How “old” is the player in both age and maturity?  If, for example, a player regularly becomes angry or upset in the field, then the child may not be ready for the demands of the Cal Ripken division.
• What is the player’s skill level relative to his/her age group?
• What is the player’s skill level relative to the best 11 and 12 year-olds?  Can (s)he stay in the batters box and hit a 50 - 60 mph pitch?

The Division 1 program is a great place to hone skills.  We have seen many 10-year-olds spend that extra year in D1 so they can experience being one of their team’s leaders on the field and/or on the bench.  It can be a big confidence boost to get a few extra hits and make the great play in the field.  The time in D1 helps the player develop the mental skills needed for Cal Ripken.  To make D1 more challenging and interesting for the kids, GYBL plans to introduce enhancements like limited base stealing.

With the recent change in age requirements, kids born between May and July are considered one year younger in baseball terms (see Age Chart).  This means that more kids get an extra year in Cal Ripken as 7th graders.  The size and strength difference between 6th & 7th graders and 4th & 5th graders can be substantial.  Children who are 10-years-old as a 5th grader, may want to play with their peers in the Cal Ripken program.  This gives them three years at Cal Ripken, so there is no need to rush into the Majors.  The Cal Ripken Minors program is just as competitive.

As a 4th grader, a 10-year-old may have hopes of playing with the 6th & 7th graders in the Majors.  Each year we have two or three 10’s that make the Majors, and from our experience, the one area where they struggle the most is in hitting.  The strong pitching in the Majors is usually too fast for a 10-year-old to make solid, strong contact.  If you feel that you want your child to make the jump to Cal Ripken, but want to ensure that your 10-year-old plays with kids in his age group in the Minors, please mention this on your registration form.

While we can’t give you the answer to this difficult question, many of us have been through it ourselves.  If you have concerns, ask a league official or one of the coordinators.  We are happy to help.

Contacts:    D1 Coordinator: Mark Keegan                 
                  CR Coordinator: Tom Fitzpatrick