VARSITY DIVISION

Welcome to the Royal York Baseball League’s Varsity House League Program page! We welcome both boys and girls to play on our teams. 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 everyone out playing ball!

Our emphasis is on continuing skills development, positional play and strategy with an equal focus on the enjoyment of playing competitive baseball, comradery through team building, and positive peer-to-peer learning.

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 2025, teams will consist of players born in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Older boys may choose to play in the Men’s Competitive Division, while older girls may choose to play in the Girls 17+ division.

REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE

• The season starts the first week of May
• Games and practices take place from May through August
• One or two weekly scheduled games
• One optional Saturday practice
• Games are played against the 17+ women’s teams, as well as teams from other organizations

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 take place in August, with the season wrapping up before Labour Day

CHAMPIONEDSHIP WEEKEND

• Anyone available can play in a friendly game on Championship Weekend
• Held the last weekend of September
• All teams welcome to celebrate with baseball, BBQ & other activities

EXPECTED TIMING OF GAMES / PRACTICES

• Weekday games and practices will commence at 8:30pm and run apx. 2 hours
• Saturday practices will take place in the afternoons and run apx. 2 hours

DIAMOND LOCATIONS

• Ourland Park – 36 Ourland Ave.
• Tom Riley Park – 3216 Bloor St. W.

REGISTRATION

To register for the division, please click here.

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

You will be asked a few questions about your player’s general level of experience to help us determine the best make-up of all teams. Remember – whatever your Player’s skill level – all are welcome!

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 where the girls will 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: Jersey & hat.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

Each player must have their own glove, helmet, and running shoes or baseball cleats (baseball cleats are strongly encouraged).

Protective cup or jill is highly recommended

UMPIRING

This is a great way to learn the game of baseball from a different perspective. A perfect part time job to balance with playing the sport along with school & any other activities. If your player is interested in umpiring this season, please contact our Umpire In Chief at uic@rybl.com.

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

Every year, we try to keep the players and teams together throughout their three years in Varsity. You are welcome to request a friend to be on the same team as your player. We make every effort to ensure that your player will play with a player he or she requested.

Thank you for your interest in RYBL.

Please reach out if you have any questions.

Baldwin Mak
Varsity Convenor
baldwin.mak@rybl.com