BOYS ROOKIE BALL DIVISION

A Note From Your Boys Rookie Ball Convener

House League is the foundation of RYBL, and we welcome a wide range of abilities. From beginners of organized baseball, to players that have started as early as T-Ball, we are always excited to see kids out playing ball!

This is the first level where players receive a pitched ball from a velocity-controlled pitching machine. Emphasis is placed on skills development (throwing, fielding, catching and hitting) as well as position play, baseball strategy, team play and most importantly, FUN.

Please consider the information below closely, as it should provide some answers to your questions.

++All information is preliminary and may be subject to change.

AGE GROUP

For 2026, teams will consist of players born in 2017 & 2018.

REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE

The season starts the first week of May.  There are two options to choose from when you register:

Spring Only (May/June/September)

  • One weekday scheduled practice (usually Monday, Tuesday, or Friday).
  • One weekday scheduled game (usually Wednesday or Thursday).
  • One scheduled game each Saturday 
  • No games or practices in July and August

Full Summer (May through September)

  • Same as above for May/June/September
  • July & August play continues at a reduced schedule
    • One weekday practice (usually Monday, Tuesday or Friday)
    • One weekday game (usually Wednesday or Thursday)

You should expect to receive communication via email by the end of April from your Head Coach with respect to any additional details. Once your player is assigned to a team, you will receive an invite from TeamSnap. All communication and scheduling for RYBL takes place via TeamSnap.

PLAYOFF SCHEDULE

Playoffs will run through September.

CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND

Championship Weekend will take place during the last weekend in September. Only the top two teams will play in the championship game this weekend, but all players are welcome to attend and celebrate with baseball, BBQ, and other activities.

EXPECTED TIMING OF GAMES / PRACTICES

  • Weekday games and practices will commence at 6:30pm and run apx 90 minutes 
  • Weekend games will commence throughout the day and run apx. 90 minutes

DIAMOND LOCATIONS

  • Don Russell Park –  290 Birmingham St.
  • Norseman Park North diamond  – 100 Chartwell Rd.
  • Rosethorn South diamond – 2 Remington Dr.
  • Westway Park – 175 The Westway
  • Jeff Healey Park – 1 Delroy Dr.
  • Lambton Kingsway Park North diamond – 37 Marquis Ave.

REGISTRATION

Registration opens early January. Please keep an eye on our website and social media (@1RYBL) for updates.

To register, please click here.

During the registration process, you will be asked to provide information about your player’s general level to help us determine the most effective team composition to preserve the competitiveness of the league. Remember, all skill levels are welcome!

The registration portal will close automatically when the division is full. To be placed on a waitlist, please click here.

WHAT ELSE IS INCLUDED?

  • Pre-Season Player Clinic: There will be a skills development session organized by ProTeach instructors at the ProTeach Indoor Facility located at 25 Whitlam Avenue with focus on proper throwing, catching, fielding, and batting techniques.
  • Photos: Photo Day typically takes place in early May at the ProTeach Indoor Facility. Each registered player will receive one individual photo and one team photo.
  • Pre-Season Coach Clinics: Starting in early April, Ryan Balan will host coaching clinics to help new and veteran coaches with their strategies, skills, and drills for the upcoming baseball season.
  • Full Uniform: Each registered player will receive a full uniform consisting of a jersey, pants, socks, belt, and a hat.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

  • Glove
  • Helmet
  • Running shoes or baseball cleats

PARENT VOLUNTEERS
RYBL is proud to be one of Etobicoke’s leading youth baseball associations thanks to the dedication of our volunteers – it takes a village!

Each team requires 4–7 volunteers to operate safely and effectively. There are lots of ways to help! Details of each role can be found during the registration process.

  • Head Coach
  • Assistant Coach/Bench Coach
  • Assistant Coach/Base Coaches
  • Assistant Coach/Pitching Machine Operator
  • Team Manager/Email Communications
  • Scorekeeper
  • Diamond Prep Volunteers

All coaches receive initial training and ongoing support to help ensure both you and your team succeed on the field.

If you want to help and have questions, please reach out. Your willingness to volunteer directly impacts our ability to field teams and provide a positive experience for our players.

ENCOURAGE NEW FRIENDSHIPS – Play-With Policy Reminder

At RYBL, one of our goals is to help kids grow both on and off the field—and that includes making new friends! While we understand that many players want to be on a team with someone they already know, we encourage families to view this season as a great opportunity for their player to meet new teammates and build new friendships.

As a reminder, per the RYBL Play-With Policy, only reciprocal play-with requests will be considered. This means that if your player would like to play with another child, both players must select each other on their registration forms.
Multiple requests and non-reciprocal requests will not be accepted. Requests received after April 1 will not be accepted.

Reciprocal play with requests will ONLY be considered for players registered for the same program (eg spring/fall OR spring/summer/fall). 

We appreciate your understanding and support in helping us build balanced teams and a fun, welcoming environment for everyone. 

Thank you for your interest in RYBL.

Please reach out if you have any questions.

Your Convenor