Welcome to Manhattan Park District Youth Baseball
MPD Baseball strives to offer a program that gives players an opportunity to build their skills in a
fun, recreation level but competitive environment.
In accordance with PONY Baseball and other surrounding communities, Manhattan Park District Baseball has implemented the new April 30th birth date cutoff for baseball registration (instead of August 31st as previously used).
If this change has affected the league your child is eligible to play in, and you'd like to request for them to 'play up/down', please send the request to Athletic Coordinator Jacob Kaplan (jkaplan@manhattanparks.org). In your request, please include child's full name, birth date, 23/24 school grade, divisions you'd like to move from/into and reason(s) for the request.
Fall 2023 - Lincoln-way Area Youth Baseball League
This Fall 2023, MPD teams will participate in the Lincoln-way Area Youth Baseball League, playing with teams from Frankfort, Frankfort Square, Mokena, Tinley Park, and other Lincoln-way area organizations. Team rosters will be created shortly after the registration deadline. Teams will begin practices at the start of August, with games beginning in mid/late August and ending by the end of October.
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T-Ball teams play a completely in-house schedule in Manhattan ONLY on Saturday mornings.
PONY divisions will play HOME/AWAY regular season schedule vs other participating organizations in the LW Youth Baseball League
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Players in all divisions are provided with a hat and jersey at the start of the season. Players are responsible for providing their own socks, pants, and cleats.
(NO metal spikes)
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Fall 2023 Important Dates
Registration Deadline - 7/7/23
Player Evaluations - No Evaluations this Fall '23
Practices Begin - Early August
Games Begin - Sat August 26th
Games End - End of October
Picture Day - TBD
!!Volunteer Coaches needed at ALL AGE LEVELS!!
Volunteer coaches receive 10% discount on registration fees (1 discount per coach). Contact Jacob Kaplan to be a coach!
REGISTRATION OPEN - closes 7/7/2023 - Click HERE to Register Now!
Below is a brief description of the different divisions we offer at Manhattan Park District Baseball.
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T-Ball
ages 4-6
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The T-Ball division is for players ages 4-6 as of 8/19/2023. At this level players are introduced to the very basics of baseball. This division does not keep score or record outs and uses a continuous batting order where every player bats every inning. A softer safety ball is used. Players will hit off a tee or face soft-toss pitching from coaches as their skills progress throughout the season.
TBall teams play completely in-house schedule on Saturday mornings in Manhattan ONLY.
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Pinto
ages 7-8
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The Pinto division is for players ages 7-8yrs as of 4/30/2023. At this level players are exposed to more facets of the game of baseball, including live player pitching, walks, extra base hits, and use of a regulation baseball. There are some rules that are modified to allow for further player development. Scores are kept, umpires call balls/strikes, outs are recorded and 'mercy rules' come into effect at this level. Coaches may still be brought in to pitch to batters at this level to keep the game moving. The Pinto division is still very much about player development and physical skills.
Pinto teams play HOME/AWAY regular season schedule vs neighboring community teams.
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Mustang
ages 9-10
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The Mustang division is for players ages 9-10yrs as of 4/30/2023. At this level, players make a big step towards a more complete level of baseball. Players pitch at all times, scores are kept, outs are recorded, and 'mercy rules' are still in effect. Base-runners may not lead off their base, but stealing bases is introduced at a modified level.
Mustang teams play HOME/AWAY regular season schedule vs neighboring community teams.
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Bronco
ages 11-12
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The Bronco division is for players ages 11-12 as of 4/30/2023. At this level, games become more competitive and follow traditional Major League Baseball rules more closely. Players may now lead-off and steal from all bases and the baselines become longer. Teams at this level have the opportunity to execute the finer tactics of more advanced baseball.
Bronco teams play HOME/AWAY regular season schedule vs neighboring community teams.
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If you have any questions, please contact Jacob Kaplan. 815-478-3324 x 202. Jkaplan@manhattanparks.org
Spring 2024 - Route 66 Youth Baseball League
This Spring 2023, MPD teams will participate in the Route 66 Youth Baseball League, playing with teams from Wilmington and Elwood organizations. Team rosters will be created shortly after the registration deadline. Coaches/Managers will be in contact with players on their team when practices begin in early spring. T-Ball teams play completely in-house schedule in Manhattan ONLY. PONY divisions will play HOME/AWAY regular season schedule vs other participating league teams.
Generally, practices begin in April, regular season games begin in May and the league ends with a postseason tournament that wraps up by the end of June.
Manhattan Park District provides all players with a hat and jersey at the start of the season. Players are responsible for providing own socks, pants and cleats (NO metal spikes)
Spring 2023 Important Dates
Registration Deadline - 2/17
Player Evaluations - Sat 3/4 at Wilson Creek School Gym
(T-Ball - no evaluations Pinto/Mustang/Bronco - Time TBD)
Practices Begin - Early April
Games Begin - Late April
Games End - End of June
Picture Day - TBD