Teeball Times
Your Source for Teeball Information from Brighton Heights Athletic Association
TEEBALL CRASH COURSE
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In practice sessions, players work through a series of skills stations with their teams. Coaches work with them on batting from a tee, throwing, catching, and baserunning. On game days, teams play three-inning mini games. Each player bats and plays the field every inning.

Sam Helbling of the 2009 River Dogs rounds third like a pro during an opening day baserunning drill. Sam is a Raptor this season.

What Does My Child Need to Play?
At the start of the season, your child will receive a uniform, which should be worn to each session. Balls and bats will be provided by the league. However, your child is welcome to bring an aluminum teeball bat of his/her own. Players should bring their glove, uniform, and a desire to play. Spikes/cleats are not required but are growing in popularity. Players may wear tennis shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. Water bottles also are recommended. Please plainly mark your child’s possessions with permanent marker, as teeballers often leave their things behind.

When Does Teeball Meet?
Teeball meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday evenings and from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Saturday mornings. Those days never change, even in the case of rainouts. We will meet for eight weeks. In the event of excessive rainouts, we likely will extend the season by a week. At the end of the season (late June), your child will receive a medallion during a season-ending picnic.

 How Does the Season Work?
In practice sessions, players work through a series of skills stations with their teams. Coaches work with them on batting from a tee, throwing, catching, and baserunning. On game days, teams play three-inning mini games. Each player bats and plays the field every inning.

How Can I Help?
The best way to help is to get out there and get dirty with your child. Essentially, every single teeball parent is an assistant coach and encouraged to take an active part in the on-field experience. Any parent interested in helping — on the field or off — should not hesitate to let their coach know. They would love to have your help.

Do I Have to Work the Concession Stand?
At registration, you paid a $15 concession stand fee. This fee will be refunded when a member of your child’s family completes a shift in the concession stand. A good portion of the league operating budget is dependent on the concession stand. A friend or family can work in your place, just so that your child is represented. Your team's Team Mom will contact you about concession stand scheduling.
GAME BASICSTEEBALL TIDBITS
Here are the basics of teeball games:
  • Teeballers play games of roughly three innings each (depending on attention span).
  • Each player bats each inning and plays the field each inning.
  • There are no official outs, but defensive players should be offered appropriate congratulations for good plays.
  • Coaches will pitch five to seven pitches to each player. If the player fails to make contact, they will then be offered the batting tee from which to hit.
  • The last player up to bat for each team hits a "grand slam" and clears the bases to end the inning.
  • The score is of little importance with this age group. In fact, coaches and parents should refrain from announcing scores to the children. Instead, opt for creative ways to suggest a tie or a victory by both teams.
  • Parents are encouraged to cheer for both teams.
 Opening Day
The 2010 teeball season will begin on Saturday, April 24. An opening day celebration for teeball will begin at 9 a.m. Players should arrive at the field no later than 8:45 a.m. to line up for opening ceremonies.
It's A Real Zoo Out There!
Crabs, alligators, and birds. These are just some of the animals that our teeball coaches use to teach basic baseball skills and to create a fun atmosphere for our youngest players. Get involved and learn how these animals' behaviors can help your child learn to throw, catch, and field.
Rookie Ball Perks!
BHAA's teeball program is registered with Pittsburgh City BIG League Sports' Rookie Ball/Junior Pirates program. Through this affiliation, our teeballers receive Pittsburgh Pirates' T-shirts and baseball caps and two tickets to Rookie Ball day at PNC Park, usually held in late summer. More details will be shared during the season.
GOT QUESTIONS?
If you have a question that your child's coach cannot answer, please do not hesitate to contact BHAA's teeball coordinator:

Brian Daeschner
cdaeschner@msn.com
412-939-0371 or 412-848-2606
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