BOYS ROOKIE BALL DIVISION

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!

Rookie Ball 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.

COACHING VOLUNTEERS

RYBL is the best youth baseball association in Etobicoke due to the dedication of its parent coach volunteers. Please consider expressing your interest in coaching or assisting in your son’s registration application. If you are open to the possibility of coaching, even as an assistant please reach out to me (no previous experience is required)! All coaches are supported with initial training and continuous group communication.

AGE GROUP

For 2025, teams will consist of players born in 2016 & 2017.

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 2025 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

To register for the Boys Rookie Ball division, please click here.

During the registration process, you will be asked to provide information about your player’s general level of experience 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.
• Uniform: Each registered player will receive a jersey and hat.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

• Glove
• Helmet
• Running shoes or baseball cleats
• Pants

COACHING VOLUNTEERS

RYBL is the best youth baseball association in Etobicoke because of the dedication of its Coach Volunteers. Please consider expressing your interest in coaching or assisting in your player’s registration application.

All coaches are supported with initial training and continuous group communication to ensure you and your team’s success on the field.

If you are open to the possibility of coaching, even as an assistant, and have questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out!

PLAY WITH REQUESTS

Please note that only “reciprocal” play-with requests will be considered, per the play-with policy on the RYBL Website, if received prior to April 1.

This means that if your player would like to play with another child, he/she must select that player on their Registration, and vice-versa.

Multiple play-with requests and non-reciprocal play-with requests will NOT be considered.

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

Thank you for your interest in RYBL.

Please reach out if you have any questions.

Andrew Weleschuk & Tanya Sydor
Boys Rookie Ball Convenors
Andrew.Weleschuk@rybl.com