Orinda Baseball Association (OBA)

How is OBA different from Little League Baseball?

The primary features that distinguish OBA from Little League Baseball are the use of a two-year age bracket system and scaled diamonds. In organizations such as Little League players can differ by as much as three years within a division. As a result, the younger players because of their lack of maturity, ability, and size find it hard to communicate with the older players. Generally they find themselves spending a disproportionate amount of time on the bench and may feel disconnected from their team. With players of only two ages involved, as is the case with OBA, it is far easier to permit every player to play more positions since the skill levels within the age group is not that wide. The game of baseball cannot be played if the physical capability of the players does not match the physical achievements required for the game. Little League uses two diamond sizes. Up until age 12 players play on a 60-foot diamond, then they jump to 90-foot. OBA, on the other hand, scales the size of their diamonds to match the physical capabilities of the players within each division.

The base dimensions for OBA are:

• 55/60-foot bases for Pinto (7-8 year-olds)
• 60-foot bases for Mustang (9-10 year-olds)
• 70-foot bases for Bronco (11-12 year-olds)
• 80-foot bases for Pony (13-14 year-olds)

These base dimensions are the result of extensive experimentation to determine the size on which players of each age group can properly play the game of baseball. Pitching distance is also scaled to the ability of the player in proportion to the size of the diamond. The scaled down diamonds allow the players to make the plays made by the major leaguers.

Home runs become a possibility. Outfielders can play in a position proportionately equal to that played by a major leaguer, and the double play, squeeze play, and various strategy tactics, difficult for adults and nearly impossible for youngsters on a full size diamond, become a probability rather than impossibility.

What division should my child sign up for?

* OBA offers youth baseball programs for children ages 7 through 14+.

Spring Ball, 2012 Divisions

 For more detailed information about the suggested skills at each level, click here.

What is Fall Ball?

Fall ball is a fun, instructional, yet competitive introduction to OBA's spring league baseball programs.  Two divisions are offered:  Mustang and Bronco. Practices are once each week with games on weekends.  There are no playoffs scheduled.

Bronco players will be offered three specialty clinics on Saturday afternoons available to all players, and second year players may have an opportunity to compete in games scheduled against traveling teams at various locations.

At the conclusion of the Fall Ball season, a detailed evaluation of each player will be conducted and will be provided to players and parents.  The evaluation will focus on the skills necessary for inclusion in the following Spring Ball season.  In the spring, two evaluations will be held to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of players' skills level and potential.  Given team limitations and the leagues desired level of play, there may be a number of players who need further development before playing OBA.

Should my child "play up" to the next division?

There are several OBA players who, because of their age (defined by published PONY birthdate ranges) are playing in divisions with children from lower grade levels. If these players continue to play with their age group, this would entitle them to play only one year in our Pony division (as 8th graders.) We consider the Pony division to possess very strong coaching/teaching capabilities. Therefore, we think it's in every OBA participant's best interest to have 2 years in the Pony division.

The question becomes, when is the best time for my child to play up with his grade? In general, OBA thinks the later, the better. For example, an 11 year old 6th grader is more likely to be physically and mentally ready "playing up" to Pony than a 7 year old 2nd grader thinking about "playing up" to Mustang. If you think your child has the physical and mental skill set to make the jump from one division to another to join his grade, please refer to the skill requirements for each division and submit a request to the OBA President. The OBA Board will then review each case individually after getting feedback from those who have seen the candidate's play.

How is the Spring Season different?

Spring baseball is more competitive than Fall Ball. Scores, standings and stats are kept and the season is much longer (depending on division). Orinda intermingles with neighboring baseball leagues including Moraga and Piedmont. Finally, players and families alike should be willing to commit to - two 90 minute practices and two games per week. Managers tend to specialize positions by the end of the season because, from a safety perspective, when dramatically different skill levels are mingled at a young age, the risk of injury increases. This could lead to a future fear of the game, something everyone wants to avoid.

What is the Colt program?

Colt is offered to 15 and 16-year olds. This program is managed and coached by Miramonte baseball coach, Brian Dell Aquila, our Colt program coach for the last several years.

Virtually all games will be away because we don't have access to a home field. Other teams in the league include Campolindo, San Ramon, Ygnacio Valley, Northgate, Vacaville, Pittsburg, Pinole, and Rodeo.

The fee for the season is $325, which includes a mesh jersey and hat that players may keep.

Sign-Up Information

Registration is available through Active.com. OBA's internet based registration partner. Registration for Spring Baseball is usually opened from November 1 - December 15.

When and where are the tryouts?

Click here for Evaluation information.

Evaluations apply for Spring Ball only. 

When and where are the Tournaments and All-Star Games?

Tournament teams are formed in each division for Memorial Weekend tournaments. All-star games are played after the regular season is completed, beginning in mid- June. Tournament dates vary.

Click here for information on tournament dates, All-Star game dates and qualification requirements.

 

What is the registration cost per child?

What equipment is supplied by OBA and what equipment do I need to buy?

For Spring Ball, OBA provides a team jersey and cap. For Fall Ball, jerseys are supplied. The team jersey supplied to each player must be returned to OBA at season end.
Players should have their own own pants, belts, socks, baseball mitt and cleats. (Rubber cleats only for Pinto and Mustang players.  Metal cleats are permitted for Bronco and Pony players)

How do I replace a lost baseball cap?

Some OBA baseball caps will be available for purchase at  Opening Day and the OBA Snack Shack during operational hours. (* Based on availability)

Volunteer Information

Parent participation is critical to the success of OBA. When registering your player(s), you may sign up for various volunteer positions on the registration application or you can contact OBA directly.   Parents are also expected to assist in field preparation prior to several of their player's games.

Volunteer opportunities are available in the following areas:

How do I know which games I need to do field prep or provide team snacks for?

Once the parent duties are assigned by your team's coordinator, this information will be circulated to the parents.

What is the OBA Snack Shack?

The Snack Shack is located at Curtis field by Wagner Ranch, where the Mustang and Bronco teams play many of their games. It is open during the Spring Season. A variety of food items and OBA clothing is available for purchase, in addition to Team Snacks. Snack Shack is operated by paid personnel, primarily local high-school students.

 

When and what is Opening Day?

Opening Day is scheduled for the first saturday in March at Wagner Ranch.

It is a celebratory start to the season. Festivities include team pictures, team activities, an awards ceremony and much more. Bring the whole family and spend the day with friends! The day begins at 7:45 a.m.

When is the Annual OBA Party?

The annual party is held in May.

What fields does my child's team play on?

The field for each game is identified on the game schedule page.
Click here for Field Locations and Directions.

Who maintains the fields?

Field maintenance is directed by the OBA Board member in charge of fields. Field Preparation duties are performed by pre-assigned parents and are the responsibility of the Home team.

Click here for Field Prep information.

 

How do I find out if a game is rained out or a field is closed?

During the rainy season, a graphic on the home page of www.obabaseball.com will indicate field status as soon as OUSD declares the fields available for play. You should also follow @orindabaseball on Twitter.

Board of Directors Meetings

Meetings are the second Tuesday of each month from 7:00pm, at various Orinda locations.

If you feel there is an issue that needs to be brought to the attention of the Board (as opposed to a Commissioner or the Director of Baseball Operations), please contact the current OBA President.

How do I contact OBA?

By Mail: OBA, P.O.Box 1822, Orinda, CA. 94563
By Email: Click Here

 

 

 

Orinda Baseball Association (OBA)
P.O. Box 1822
Orinda, CA 94563

• Email - orindabaseball@yahoo.com
• Twitter - @orindabaseball
• Facebook - Like OBA

If you have a question, comment, idea or complaint about the OBA website, please contact Brent Bamberger